Draft regulation amendments released for public consultation today will mean that tourists in Australia will find it easier to claim a refund on duty-free purchases and have more certainty about what can and cannot go into on-board luggage, following changes to the Tourist Refund Scheme and the Sealed Bag Scheme.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, said the regulatory changes will increase the flexibility of off-airport duty free shopping under the Tourist Refund Scheme. The amendments will also ensure administrative arrangements for the Sealed Bag Scheme are consistent with international security arrangements.
The amendments to the Tourist Refund Scheme will extend the period that travellers can claim a refund on purchased goods from 30 days to 60 days. They will also allow travellers to aggregate multiple invoices from single retailers to meet the $300 threshold.
"These changes will increase the flexibility for travellers to make claims under the Tourist Refund Scheme," the Assistant Treasurer said.
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, said the existing sealed bag scheme arrangements are a consequence of international security arrangements applying since 31 March 2007, requiring passengers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes of more than 100 millilitres into their check-in luggage if purchased from duty free stores prior to crossing the customs barrier.
"The Government's draft regulation will ensure the rules for duty free shopping under the sealed bag scheme are consistent with international security arrangements," Mr O'Connor said.
The amendments will also extend the sealed bag scheme eligibility period from 30 to 60 days.
The exposure draft regulation is available on the Treasury website. Consultation closes on Friday, 29 April 2011.