Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation modifies how Australia's customs authorities investigate whether imported goods are being dumped or unfairly subsidised — practices that can harm local industries. It amends the Customs Act 1901 to change the procedures and rules for how these safeguard inquiries are conducted, likely affecting when and how investigations can be started, who can request them, or what evidence is required. The changes matter because they could make it easier or harder for Australian businesses to challenge cheap imports, which affects competition in local manufacturing and agriculture, and may influence how quickly the government can respond to claims that foreign competitors are operating unfairly.

What happens at this stage

The final vote in this chamber on the bill as a whole, after all amendments have been considered. If it passes, the bill moves to the other chamber to go through the same process. If both chambers have already agreed to identical text, the bill proceeds directly to Royal Assent.

Next: The other chamber, which runs the same process from First Reading, or Royal Assent if both chambers have already agreed