This order cancels an import tax exemption for wide conveyor belts.
What it does
- Revokes Tariff Concession Order 0603135, which previously allowed duty-free import of textile-reinforced conveyor belting wider than 1,195mm
- From 22 February 2007, importers must pay customs duty on these goods (tariff classification 4010.12.00)
Who it affects
- Businesses importing wide conveyor belting into Australia
- Local manufacturers who compete with imported conveyor belts
Why it matters
The government removed a customs duty concession that had been operating since January 2006. This likely indicates that local industry can now supply these goods competitively, removing the economic justification for the tax break on imports.