What this does: This order cancels a previous tax break (called a tariff concession) that allowed certain water treatment equipment to be imported into Australia without paying customs duty.
Who it affects: Companies importing water potabilisation plant — equipment used to make water safe to drink. This includes complete systems with tanks, pumps, valves, clarifiers, piping, chemical dosing equipment, mixers, and electrical controllers (falling under customs classification 8421.21.90).
What changes: Importers must now pay duty on this equipment. The previous concession (Order 0925658 from October 2009) is revoked, meaning the duty exemption no longer applies.
Why it matters: This increases the cost of importing drinking water treatment infrastructure, potentially affecting water utilities, mining operations, and emergency relief organisations that rely on imported purification systems.