Due to the ever increasing security requirements in the transport industry, DHL has taken a proactive approach by investing in the security area of our business. This means new technology, training and new personnel, as well as obtaining Technology Asset Protection Association (TAPA) accreditation. To date DHL has been able to absorb these and additional fees charged by commercial airlines.

However, the implementation of Customs’ Cargo Management Re-engineering (CMR) project poses radical change to the reporting requirements for goods (including documents) imported or exported to/from Australia. All freight operators, such as DHL, will need to provide Customs with specific details of all shipments so that Customs can risk-assess cargo as part of its border protection responsibilities. Regrettably, this means that the cost incurred by this new legislation will need to be recovered in the shape of a security charge.

The Variable Security Component will take effect on 1 November 2005 and is 2% of freight charges for import, export and domestic shipments (excluding GST).