What this does: This order cancels a previous import tax break (Tariff Concession Order 0711603) for specific plastic resins called polyoxymethylene copolymers.
Who it affects: Australian businesses that import these specific resins (typically used in precision engineering and automotive manufacturing).
The technical details: The revoked concession only applied to resins meeting exact specifications:
- Tensile modulus of 2,800 MPa (±5% tolerance)
- Density of 1,400 kg/m³ (±5% tolerance)
- Melt volume flow rate of 25 cm³/10 minutes (±5% tolerance)
What changes: From 7 July 2008, importers of these resins must pay standard customs duty instead of the reduced "concessional" rate. This removes a cost advantage for imported versions of these materials.
Why it matters: Tariff concessions are usually revoked when Australian manufacturers demonstrate they can produce equivalent goods locally, effectively restoring import duties to protect domestic industry from cheaper overseas competition.