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Dear Clients, In late December 2025, advise was received from the Australian Border Force (ABF) of a "temporary" delay in processing container examinations at the NSW Container Examination Facility. These delays we attributed to a significant increase in container volumes which has led to extended processing times. Delays are still current and in some cases are worsening, with Sydney import cargo seeing significant delays for cargo inspections. The examination facility in Sydney has experienced a substantial increase in "complex examinations" because of an increased operational tempo consistent with the Australian Government and community expectations, industry bodies are reporting. A potential reason for this increase in complex examinations could be due to the targeting of contraband importations such as illegal tobacco shipments which have been in the news of late. This could very well be compounded by limited resources within the ABF which have been documented. We have recently heard stories where containers have been "held" for 30 days or longer for inspection by Australian Border Force. With Shipping lines and wharf terminals refusing to reduce or waive container detention or wharf storage. Industry bodies have sort clarification from both parties (shipping lines and the wharfs) that container detention and storage charges should not be applicable "where delays are caused by government border or biosecurity intervention when cargo owners and their service providers have no ability to avoid the delay". So far, this has fallen on deaf ears. You may ask what can importers do to minimise the risk around additional costs? The key here is to ensure that all your shipping paperwork is accurate, complete and with us, your Customs Broker well before the ETA (ideally 5 working days or more), so we can commence the customs entry prior to the arrival of cargo. Delays, inaccurate and or incomplete documents increase the risk of cargo being sent for screening which may cause delays due as outlined above. Please note that Transways will not be responsible for any container demurrage/detention charged due to processing delays within the ABF. Should you wish to discuss any of these points, please don't hesitate to reach out to your key contact @ Transways Logistics International. |
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