Australian Customs Quarantine and Inspection Clearance - Assignment Example

Running Header: Logistics Management Assessment 1 Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………… 3 Chinese Sourcing Operations…………………………………………………………….. 4 Supplier Selection………………………………………………………………………… 5 Evaluation and procurement……………………………………………………................ 5 International Transportation from China to Australia……………………………………. 6 Australian Customs, Quarantine and Inspection clearance………………………………. 6 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….. 9 References……………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Appendix………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Introduction Every business is governed by stringent logistical operations. This is because at each and every point it is imperative for the logistics to be carefully aligned to ensure systematization of all the needed products and services. Many at times there are systems in place to deal with the physical flow of products and activities from the producer to the consumer. The channels that follow this system include either the manufacturing of the said goods or services or the purchase of the goods and services from other producers. They are then sold to the consumers who have already ordered for the products or services. In the event that they were not ordered for, the aspects of advertising come into focus. They ensure that the clients are aware of the products and services that are on offer. This is to encourage purchase at each and every point. The business world has evolved into very many aspects. These aspects have included the incorporation of ICT into the field of business. Online retail stores ensure that it is possible to come up with mechanisms that will deal with the client’s needs. This is without the need for the client to be physically present for the exchange. Many people from all over the world have purchased goods and services from many different and diverse areas (Ho 1997). The aspect of online marketing and advertising ensures that all the potential clients are aware of the goods and services that are available and their prices. This enables them to make a choice in respect to what is needed and what they do not. They then use the specific mechanisms that are needed to ensure that they pay for the good or service that they bought (Bonney 1994). The bought good or product is then shipped to the country where it has been bought and the client can pick it up. The cost of production using this method has been reduced over the years. This is majorly because the aspect of time and place has been made attainable for both the client and the producer (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). Chinese Sourcing Operations Many products and services come from different areas and jurisdictions. This is because the main aim of the retailer is to ensure that they have the best quality of what is needed by the clients. In China, the sourcing operations are carefully formulated to ensure that there are no issues that may be experienced with the goods and services sourced for from different clients. This is in relation to the aspects of quality control that are needed coupled with efficient delivery strategies at each and every point (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). The region has for the longest time relied heavily on the aspect of quality to ensure that its sourcing operations are dealt with in each and every sector. An agent is selected to deal with many of the sourcing aspects that are required. The Chinese market in many instances also allows the involved parties to ensure that they are represented by a specific office or body that will ensure goods and services are outsourced for at each and every point during the transfer of goods and services (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). The network that is formulated at this stage ensures that goods needed are produced, marketed and advertised ready for client consumption. The Chinese market ensures that the process of sourcing will work best in the favor of the retailer. This quality control measure ensures that the retailer comes back with many more orders (Ho 1997). This translates to more profits. Once the products have been identified they undergo through initial inspection. This is where the quality of the goods is counterchecked. A factory audit and supporting documents accompany the results of the audit. A certificate is issued showing the quality, quantity and design of what has been purchased. These sourcing operations ensure that it is possible to ensure that the retailer gets the best deal for his money. This will translate to many the sale of goods to satisfied clients (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). Supplier Selection If the sourcing is successful, it is now important to identify and select a supplier. In china, supplier selection is based on very many activities. The supplier is identified from his previous works and duties of supplying. Information is then collected on his supplying record. This is in relation to all the crucial information that is applied for purposes of informed decision making. Questions that are bound to arise include the reliability of the supplier, quality of goods supplied and his track record in reference to supplying aspects (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). This paves the way for the drawing up of a contract that and all the specific terms stipulated in the supplying process. In the event that a retailer is pleased with the track record of the supplier, the terms of reference and negotiations are looked into by both parties. This then leads to the next stage that includes the evaluation of suppliers (Ho 1997). Evaluation and Procurement The aspect of supplier evaluation is based on the aspects of supplier reliability and effectiveness. This is what is transferred from one point to the next. The business in the supply chain requires aspects of cost effectiveness and efficient service. This is the only way that procurement is possible at this point (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). Procurement ensures that all the companies that are in need of the specific goods and services are provided with those goods and services that they need. This is in line with the specific needs that the retailer may have. The online retail store is just like any other store. Their mode and scope of operations may differ; the desired end product and all aspects of customer satisfaction are required at each and every step of the way. This is because the clients need to be satisfied with the products and services that they acquire (Bonney 1994). International Transportation from China to Australia Once the goods have been bought, the retailer has to go through certain processes to ensure that they goods can be accessed by the consumer. There are very many methods that are used to ensure the safe transfer of goods from one region to the next. This is made possible through the existing Australian channels that inspect and clear all the goods passing through the ports. The transportation system ensures that it is possible to calculate the value of goods that are being moved from one area to the next (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). Once they have been cleared and valued at the Chinese port, they are moved to the other country where they are destined through the prescribed procedure required by the retailers or their company representatives. Their reception at the Australian port relies heavily on the documentation to allow the entry of the goods into their country. They ensure all taxes and aspects of custom duty are dealt with in accordance with the stipulated laws. This creates an avenue for them to move on to the next point (Krumwiede & Sheu 2002). Australian Customs, Quarantine and Inspection clearance Logistics management has been described as the governance or management of supply chain functions (Bonney 1994). Logistics management functions usually entail the management of inbound and outbound transportation, warehousing, management of third party logistics, supply and demand planning, inventory management, logistic network design, order fulfillment, materials handling and fleet management among other related functions (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). Logistics management may also include the management of functions related to assembly, packaging, procurement, sourcing, customer service and production planning and management (Ho 1997). In this part of the case study, the focus of the essay shall revolve around Australian customs, quarantine and inspection clearance. Logistics management can also be done via an online store as described in the case study. This is the same as the traditional logistics management only that in the case of online logistics, an online platform is used to conduct business (Krumwiede & Sheu 2002). The Australian government has various departments that are concerned with the moving of goods to and from Australia via various means. Examples of these agencies include the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). These two bodies are charged with various responsibilities such as clearing of goods for exports and imports. They also collect customs charges, taxes and other border protection charges under special circumstances such as when dealing with tobacco or alcohol products (Thomas & Griffin 1996). All personal effects and household goods that enter or leave Australia need to be cleared by the relevant customs authorities (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). All shipment of personal effects, household goods and any other accompanying caravans, trailers, boats, motor cycle and motor vehicles arriving into any port in Australia must be transported under bond to a section 77 G facility that is licensed (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). After this, the goods are then unloaded and inspected by officers from the Australian Customs and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Thomas & Griffin 1996). There are customs clearance processes for various categories of goods (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has divided goods passing through the ports of Australia into various categories such as household goods and personal effects; motor vehicles, motor cycles, caravans, trailers and boats; and other unaccompanied effects (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). For shipments of household goods and personal effects, the owner of the goods is required to complete and sign customs form B534- ‘Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement’ (Thomas & Griffin 1996). In addition to this, the owner of the goods must also provide a photocopy of his or her personal details, a photograph page from their passport and a full descriptive inventory that is written in English. These are the requirements for such goods to be cleared (Ho 1997). In order for motor vehicles, motor cycles, caravans, trailers and boats to be cleared, they must be first identified on form B534- ‘Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement’ (Bonney 1994). After this, supporting documents must be provided so as to confirm proof of ownership, proof of purchase value and proof of period of ownership so as to substantiate the period of ownership and value of these items (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). For vehicles, trailers, caravans and motor cycles arriving into Australia, a vehicle import permit must accompany them. Each vehicle type requires a separate permit (Krumwiede & Sheu 2002). Australia is a country known to be free of crop or animal diseases and pest. The government is committed to ensuring that the situation remains the same (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). The government is also committed to protecting agricultural industries and livestock from pests and crop or animal diseases. This is the mandate of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. It is charged with the responsibility of inspecting all shipments entering Australia so as to ensure that they are safe before being delivered to residences of their owners (Krumwiede & Sheu 2002). This is because the government is interested in maintaining the unique environment and the important agricultural industries (Thomas & Griffin 1996). That is why any diseases that could be transmitted through humans, animals and other products such as plants are thoroughly inspected before being allowed into the country (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). The common items under the quarantine inspections are those that have originated from plants or animals, or contain part of a plant or animal (Krumwiede & Sheu 2002). This includes timber and its products. The other items that are subject to common quarantine inspections are those that have been in contact with soil, food, water, plants or animals (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). The sole mandate of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has been to protect the economic and natural assets of Australia from health and safety risks while facilitating the international movement of both goods and people (Thomas & Griffin 1996). It is only after goods have passed the inspection tests that they can be cleared to enter Australia (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). Conclusion Online shopping and the entire processes involved are delicate and crucial for all those that are involved. The aspect of appreciating the value of each and every person’s role can be observed in the way that they conduct their business. The retailers have certain specifications about the goods that they want, their quantity and their price. This is one of the reasons as to why it is essential to cater for all the needs and expectations of the retailers. They represent their client’s expectations in the market. In summary, international business and its growth continues to grow significantly based on the relationship of supply and demand. Australian customs are concerned with the collection of taxes, custom charges and other duties that are levied on goods that pass though the ports of Australia (Cooper, Lambert & Pagh 1997). The quarantine services are concerned with the inspection of all goods passing through the ports of Australia for health and safety purposes (Taniguchi, Thompson and Yamada 2003). References Bonney, J 1994, ‘Supply chain management: treat it like a product’, American Shipper, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 39-43. Cooper, MC, Lambert, DM & Pagh, JD 1997, ‘Supply chain management: more than a new name for logistics’, International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1-13. Ho, JK 1997, ‘What can contemporary systems thinking offer to logistics management as a management discipline’, European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 77-81. Krumwiede, DW & Sheu, C 2002, ‘A model for reverse logistics entry by third-party providers’, Science Direct, vol. 30, pp. 325-333. Taniguchi, E, Thompson, RG and Yamada, T 2003, ‘Visions for city logistics’, Proceedings 3rd International Conference on City Logistics, Institute for City Logistics, pp. 3-17. Thomas, DJ & Griffin, PM 1996, ‘Invited review coordinated supply chain management’, European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 94, pp. 1-15. Read More