IN D U ST RY N EW S Ecuador simplies entry rules Mundy is AFRA Woman of the Year Laura Mundy, Branch Manager of Grace in Alice Springs, has been named Woman of the Year by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). The award celebrates exceptional women in the industry who have made significant contributions to their organisation and community. Nicki French, Director Moving Services at Grace, said: Lauras tireless efforts and exceptional leadership have contributed significantly to the success of our Alice Springs branch. Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and efficiency sets her apart, and we are delighted to see her receive this welldeserved recognition. Ecuadors national customs service (SENAE) has issued new import regulations that aim to simplify entry procedures and encourage investment in the country. The SENAE-SENAE2023-0043-RE rules apply to household goods, personal effects, vehicles, and working equipment for returning nationals and foreigners entering Ecuador. Juan Jos Andrade Rojas, Operations Director at FIDI Afliate INSA International Shipping & Storage Cia Ltda, said the rm had campaigned alongside LACMA for the improved regime. The new customs regulation is the result of INSAs persistence to many of SENAEs General Directors for simplied procedures and norms that align with the international agreements of trade facilitation that support investments in Ecuador, he said. Special thanks to our customs business unit for its hard work and LACMA for its support in getting these proposals actioned. BAR gets apprentice standard approval The British Association of Removers (BAR) has been given approval from the UK government to develop an apprenticeship standard for moving staff. In a Facebook post, the organisation said the UKs Transport and Logistics Route Panel had approved its occupation proposal for the development of the standard. Details, including content, assessment methods, training providers, and end-point assessment, will be finalised this autumn. BAR, alongside BAR Affiliate TRS Training, provides removal apprenticeships to new employees and existing staff. The courses run for a minimum of 12 months. Additional costs for Qatar moves Shipments to Qatar may be subject to supplementary charges after Qatar Port Authorities refused to grant the household goods sector an exemption to improper stufng charges (nes for incorrect lling of containers) introduced on 1 August. The port said the charges US$90 for a 20ft container and US$138 for a 40ft container were a reinstatement of those in place before the pandemic. Containers containing vehicles will be subject to a US$962 levy. It added that previous charges did not account for expenses related to container opening and item removal. An industry source said the charges could be avoided by palletising cargoes correctly before loading containers at origin, and to take photos to share with Qatari customs. With rms unable to absorb the charges, they would be passed on to consignees or partner ofces, the source said. Dedicated marine insurance www.reason-global.com Solutions outside the box 14 FF311 Sept-Nov 23 pp12-19 News.indd 14 14/09/2023 15:47