What this does:
This order removes a special import tax break (called a tariff concession) that previously allowed certain steel parts to enter Australia without paying standard customs duty.
Who it affects:
Companies importing structural steel embedments for gas turbines — specifically plates, anchor boxes, fix points, cadwells, frames, and jacking post sleeves (falling under tariff classification 7308.90.00).
The practical impact:
- Before: These goods were covered by Concession Order 0812463 (since 12 June 2008), allowing duty-free or reduced-duty importation.
- After: From 17 December 2009, importers must pay the normal customs duties that apply to these steel articles.
Why this matters:
The government delegate revoked the concession because local manufacturing conditions changed (typically meaning Australian-made equivalents became available). This increases costs for importers of these specific gas turbine components but protects domestic steel fabricators.