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Rising regulatory complexity, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and heightened customer expectations are driving a renewed focus on trade efficiency and trust.
The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Program, managed by the Australian Border Force, is emerging as a strategic lever for businesses navigating today’s volatile trade landscape. As global trade routes evolve and competition intensifies, ATT accreditation offers a timely advantage – positioning companies as trusted partners of government and preferred players in international markets.
Far beyond a compliance framework, ATT accreditation is an enabler that positions businesses to lead with confidence in international markets. It fosters a collaborative relationship between government and industry, built on shared goals of security, efficiency, and competitiveness.
In today’s trade environment, where speed and certainty are competitive differentiators, ATT-accredited businesses unlock a suite of privileges that directly impact operational performance and global reach:
Among the most impactful benefits is the Origin Waiver, which removes the need for transactional Certificates of Origin (COOs) for eligible goods. This single change delivers measurable improvements in speed, cost, and compliance:
A leading Australian food and beverage company pursued ATT accreditation to address delays in customs clearance that were impacting shelf availability. Post-accreditation, the company saw a significant reduction in border processing times and eliminated the need for Certificates of Origin by accessing the Origin waiver and consolidation cargo clearance. This not only improved speed to market but also facilitated signing savings in customs clearance administration related fees .
A mid-sized medical device manufacturer leveraged ATT’s Mutual Recognition Arrangements to expand into Southeast Asian markets. With smoother customs processes and fewer inspections, the company reduced delivery lead times by 30% and gained a competitive edge in tenders requiring proof of trusted trade status. The dedicated Border Force account manager also helped resolve a classification issue that had previously delayed shipments.
An automotive parts distributor faced increasing compliance complexity due to multi-origin components. Through ATT accreditation, they implemented a robust duty management framework and benefited from the Origin Waiver. This enabled them to reallocate internal resources from focusing on shipment-by-shipment documentation to which resulted in administrative savings but more importantly reducing duty leakage.
ATT accreditation is a powerful endorsement – but it’s not a set-and-forget achievement. Accredited businesses must continue to actively manage customs compliance and duty obligations to retain their status and benefits.
Key obligations include:
Periodic reviews can help accredited companies validate their processes, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and prepare for revalidation. ATT status is not just a badge – it’s a commitment to continuous excellence in trade compliance.
Grant Thornton’s Global Trade & Customs specialists are actively supporting businesses across industries – whether they’re seeking ATT accreditation or already accredited. We guide clients through the application process, help embed robust compliance frameworks, and provide ongoing support through tailored compliance reviews, duty optimisation strategies, and proactive risk assessments. This ensures businesses not only unlock the full benefits of ATT but continue to meet and exceed program expectations.
ATT accreditation is more than a regulatory milestone – it’s a strategic asset for businesses looking to thrive in today’s fast-moving global economy. With trade conditions shifting rapidly, now is the time to unlock the benefits of trusted trader status and future-proof your operations.
Accredited businesses are better equipped to:
Whether you're pursuing accreditation or already accredited, our Global Trade & Customs specialists provide end-to-end support – from navigating the application process to ongoing compliance reviews and duty optimisation. With expert guidance, the journey is not only achievable – it’s transformative.
Contact us to learn how we can support your Trusted Trader journey and help your business set a new standard in international trade.
Article contributed to by Chloe Cullen - Global Trade & Customs
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