Red tape, unnecessary technical regulations, opaque standards and discriminatory practices hurt Australian exporters’ ability to compete in global markets.
The process for identifying and managing such challenges can be unclear – both domestically and internationally.
To assist exporters, the Export Council of Australia (ECA), Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) and the Industry Growth Centres are launching a new Trade Barriers Register.
The register has been developed by industry, for industry, to help give visibility to and resolve trade barriers affecting Australian businesses, says Acting CEO of the ECA, Heath Baker.
“As free trade agreements have lowered the tariffs Australian businesses face internationally, other forms of trade barriers have grown in relevance,” Mr Baker said. “But unlike tariffs, these barriers can be difficult to identify. This register is critical to help businesses identify and avoid or overcome these barriers.”
Australian businesses can use the register to easily report regulatory and commercial barriers that impact their business success. The register will also serve as an information portal where businesses can find the latest news and case studies on trade.
The TBR captures the full spectrum of challenges businesses face when doing business overseas:-
~ Barriers overseas, as well as in Australia
~ Imports as well as exports
~ Regulatory as well as commercial barriers
The ECR will manage the register and has agreements in place to collaborate with the Australian Government. More
The Trade Barriers Register is available at: tradebarriersregister.com.au