The Federal Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has announced changes to the Enhanced Project By-law Scheme (EPBS, Item71 of Schedule 4 to the Customs Tariff Act 1995).
EPBS provides opportunity for customs tariff concessions on eligible imports for major projects in the mining, resource processing, agriculture, food processing, food packaging, manufacturing, gas supply, power supply, and water supply industries.
The changes are intended to tighten EPBS and to clarify its intent while ensuring that Australian industry is provided full, fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in EPBS projects.
Key changes to the revised EPBS Policy and Administrative Guidelines include:
- simplified Australian Industry Participation plans
- clearer definition of functional units
- distinct application processes
- clearer requirements to demonstrate non-availability from Australian producers
- transitional arrangements to commence from 30 April 2010.
Further information about EPBS or on the revised EPBS policy and administrative guidelines and transitional arrangements are available from OBM Consultants Antony Carlton (0438-440606) or Susan Danks (0434-07888). 
