What it does: This order cancels a previous duty-free exemption (tariff concession) for specific imported goods. The affected items are cooling tower packings made from polypropylene (plastic filling material used in industrial cooling towers).
Who it affects: Australian businesses importing these specific plastic cooling tower components. Previously, these goods could enter Australia without paying customs duty under concession order 0704649. Now, importers must pay the standard tariff rate for plastic articles (falling under customs classification 3926.90.90).
Why it matters: This removes a cost advantage for imported cooling tower packings, effectively raising the price of these specific imports. Such revocations typically occur when Australian manufacturers start producing equivalent goods locally, removing the justification for the concession. The change took effect from 1 August 2007.