This order cancels a previous tax break (called a tariff concession) that allowed specific welded steel pipes to be imported into Australia without paying the usual customs duty.
What it covers:
- Welded steel pipes meeting the API-5L industry standard
- Outside diameter between 63mm and 115mm
- Wall thickness between 4mm and 11mm
- Made from steel with specific strength grades (X42, X52, X56, X65, or X70)
- Classified under customs code 7306.10.00
Who it affects:
Companies importing these specific pipes. From 7 November 2005 onwards, importers must pay standard duties on these goods rather than benefiting from the previous exemption.
Why it matters:
This makes importing these particular steel pipes more expensive, typically to protect Australian manufacturers from overseas competition or because the original concession conditions (such as local industry not being able to supply) no longer apply.