The Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA) and the Print and Visual Communication Association (PVCA) have partnered in an advocacy initiative into Federal Government and achieved a win for industry with the minister granting a stay on the anti-dumping duty across A4 Copy Paper.

Following discussion with relevant parties, the associations issued a letter to the Anti-Dumping Commissioner Dr Armstrong and the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic calling on the review, and ultimate lifting, of all tariffs and duties across the importation of A4 Copy Paper imports.

“Given the disappointing closure of the manufacture of A4 Copy Paper and loss of some 200 jobs and 200,000 tonnes of copy paper from our local manufacture, many members were being impacted by a loss of supply and with the duties and tariffs, an inflated price, to complete their orders across print, mail and related sectors using A4 Copy Paper,” PVCA CEO and APIA executive director Kellie Northwood said.

“We responded with immediate collaboration and prompt communication.”

The formal request was issued on 5 April, with the Commissioner issuing an urgent, albeit temporary recommendation, to Minister Husic on 15 April, which he accepted on 20 April.

The recommendation to temporarily exempt imported copy paper from anti-dumping duties has now been communicated to APIA/PVCA following an inquiry across impacted industry sectors that supported without objection.

Most notably, the Lottery and Newsagency Association, A&C Paper Group (hand and toilet towel importer) supported a public non-objection. Nippon Paper confirmed it has withdrawn from graphic paper manufacturing and therefore Opal did not oppose the exemption.

The exemption applies to A4 Copy Paper from all countries and retrospectively took effect from 18 January. The retrospective application means that any importer who paid an anti-dumping duty post 18 January can receive a refund.

On 26 April, the Australian Border Force granted a Tariff Concession Order (TCO) for imports of A4 paper under the Tariff Classification code 4802.56.10 (TCO number 2340588) operative from 9 February.

All imports meeting the eligibility criteria detailed in the TCO description that enter Australia on or after this date are eligible for tariff free entry.

The Anti-Dumping Commissioner is now initiating revocation reviews to examine whether the anti-dumping measures are no longer warranted long-term.

“This is the second major win for the industry this year, partnering more strongly with like-minded industry bodies, like APIA, to ensure our industry is lobbying with a purpose to outcomes that benefit our members is a key strategic position we stand by,” Northwood said.

“We continue to commit to that mandate for our members and continue to work closely with organisations like APIA on common agendas. This is not the only matter before government and to continue to secure these results is demonstrating the approach, logic and considered arguments to government is working for our industry’s benefit.”  

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