This order cancels a tax break (called a 'tariff concession') that previously allowed certain industrial cooling equipment to be imported into Australia without paying customs duties (import taxes).
What goods are affected?
- Air-cooled chillers that use twin screw compressors (industrial refrigeration equipment falling under customs classification 8418.69.00).
Who does this affect?
- Businesses that import these chillers.
- Australian manufacturers who compete against imported models.
What changes?
- The previous tariff concession (Order 0700607, granted in January 2007) is revoked.
- From 9 December 2008, importers must pay standard customs duties on these goods.
- This makes importing these chillers more expensive, removing the price advantage they previously enjoyed.
Why does this matter?
This protects local Australian manufacturers of similar cooling equipment by ensuring imported competitors face the same import costs.