Review of the Tariff Advice System Terms of Reference

1. The 2009/10 Customs and Border Protection Annual Plan commits Trade and Compliance Division to examining working arrangements and business process for the Tariff Advice System.

2. Customs and Border Protection has significantly changed its structure and approach to business since the last review of the tariff advice system was completed in 2001.

3. Earlier in 2009 the Deputy CEO (P&TF) asked National Director Trade & Compliance to bring forward a business improvement proposal for, among other things, tariff advice policy and process. The DCEO noted that we will need to prioritise any proposed changes to ensure that we focus on the main opportunities and do not compromise our ability to deliver on the expectations of the Government. The DCEO also noted that it is our demonstrated ability to deliver effective border management services day after day that is valued most by the Government and the community.

4. The Tariff Advice System will be reviewed to ensure that it delivers a service that meets the needs of Customs and Border Protection, industry and other relevant stakeholders. The Tariff Advice System should be construed broadly to include internal review of tariff advice and classification opinions. In making its assessments, the review team will specifically consider whether:

- Practices around the provision of tariff advice are still right for our changed circumstances;
- Customs and Border Protection is appropriately allocating resources to the provision of tariff advice;
- The delivery of tariff advice is contemporary and aligns with Government policy;
- The delivery of tariff advice is efficient, consistent and transparent;
- The provision of tariff advice is appropriately targeted to the volume of requests for advice;
- Customs and Border Protection is appropriately influencing this volume with its business practices; and
- Whether Tariff Advices should be made publicly available.

5. When completing its examination, the review will be mindful of:

- the need for broad consultation with affected stakeholders including staff, industry and line areas of Customs and Border Protection that rely heavily on tariff advice services;
- the value in maintaining proximity of expertise to frontline users (for example, Cargo and Compliance Assurance officers);
- Australia’s relevant international commitments including the Action Plan of the WCO Asia Pacific Regional Strategic Plan and advice proposals before DOHA; and
- the need to ensure critical numbers are maintained in work areas to promote the development of career progression and sustainable expertise.

6. The review will make recommendations on any issues identified, including:

- measures necessary to improve performance including whether changed delivery arrangements will better deliver business outcomes;
- measures which will improve the capacity of tariff officers to provide high quality advice including development and workforce planning considerations;
- measures to improve client engagement; and
- measures to promote a more concerted and coordinated national approach to the provision of tariff advice.

7. In its recommendations, the review will be mindful of Customs and Border Protection’s overall approach to risk based management.

8. A project team will be constituted comprising a lead senior officer and tariff officers from the regions and central office. The team will report to NM Trade Services by 28 February 2010.