Trade deal with EU collapses as both sides walk away.

We have recently been made aware that tariff relief on imported frames from countries without FTA is likely to be a long way off, given the recent stall in talks on the EU FTA.

 This is as a result of talks between Australia’s Trade Minister, Don Farrell, and EU’s Valdis Dombrovski falling apart. See news article here.

We are all shocked that talks have come to such a sudden halt, which was totally unexpected.

 With appeal processes and prior lobbying already undertaken by the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA), there are not obvious new approaches to try however, ODMA is committed to continuing to advocate for removing the tariffs on spectacle frames.

 ODMA’s immediate action that will be taken is to again write to BorderForce, explaining what a ridiculous situation this is, and we will copy in the Home Affairs Minister and the Shadow Affairs Ministers in the hope they will be interested and will take any positive actions available to them to resolve the matter.

 ODMA will also view any potential broad-reaching PR media campaign in daily newspapers that may be able to assist in gaining traction with the Government in 2024 and will reach out to collaborative optical associations to see if they have any channels that can also be utilised.

 If you have any further suggested courses of action, please submit them for consideration.

 I encourage all optical frame suppliers to provide evidence directly to me of the impact this is having on your business, both administratively and financially, to provide a body of evidence to assist in any future advocacy activities. Please send any information to amanda@odma.com.au

 I truly hope we find a way to reduce this extra cost burden I know you are all enduring.

 Kind Regards

Amanda Trotman

CEO