Trade Facilitation Initiatives Working Group
The Trade Facilitation Initiatives Working Group (TFIWG) is a working group of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). It supports the NCTF’s role as a forum for government and industry to share information and discuss strategic issues relating to international trade facilitation.
The TFIWG brings together government and industry stakeholders to support customs and border modernisation in Australia. It achieves this by identifying priority issues and progressing practical initiatives that improve Australia’s trade system through policy, regulatory, technology and operational implementation pathways.
At the NCTF meeting held on 21 November 2025, Members agreed to incorporate the Trade Technology Working Group (TTWG) into the TFIWG, consolidating trusted trader and trade technology matters into a single forum. This will improve coordination, reduce duplication and strengthen end‑to‑end engagement across related initiatives.
Consistent with the NCTF’s definition, trade facilitation refers to measures that expedite the movement, release, and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. In doing so, the TFIWG supports the NCTF’s function as a consultative forum between government and industry on trade facilitation matters. This includes initiatives that deliver efficiencies and deregulation at the border through policy, regulatory or technology change.
The TFIWG provides a structured forum for the Australian Border Force (ABF) and other agencies to engage with industry on:
- trade facilitation priorities
- emerging risks and opportunities
- practical improvements informed by international best practice and standards.
Working group outcomes—including significant issues and risks—are progressed through appropriate channels and reported for consideration as part of NCTF discussions.
Meeting Frequency
The TFIWG meets at least three times per year. Additional meetings are convened where necessary and as agreed by the Chair.
Governance
