Australia's Integrated Cargo System – Should You Use It?
If you plan to establish an importing business in Australia, then you should consider participating in the Australian Integrated Cargo System (ICS). This system plays a huge role in ensuring the success of your importing business.
The ICS is basically a software application used for the reporting and processing procedures of all Australian imports and exports. This is currently the only method used to electronically report the entry and exit of goods in Australia. It covers all manner of moving products into or out of the country, whether by air, land, or sea.
The first step you need to take is to choose a method of communicating with the Australian Customs and Border Protection. Your options are Customs Interactive (CI) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Note that EDI requires a different software package from CI. You will then need to secure one or more digital certificates, depending on which communication method you choose.
You also have the option of accessing the ICS directly or doing so through a Customs broker. As a general rule, it is advisable for you to access the ICS directly if you have frequent import/export transactions. If not, then it may be a better idea to get a broker to access the system on your behalf. Other than the frequency of your import/export transactions, these are some of the things you should consider before using the ICS:
- The size of your business and the number of employees you have
- The computer skill level of your staff and the availability of training tools to ensure that you fully benefit from the ICS
- The possible added cost of using the system (training, need for IT upgrade, digital certificates, etc.)
If, after careful consideration of all these factors, you feel that the ICS can help you grow your business without major logistical difficulties, then go right ahead and use it! For more information on business requirements, check this website.