I am excited to lead a delegation of Industry Leaders, Designers, Educators and Buyers to Malaysia for the EFE and MIFF 2017 events. Whilst my role will be to present on the importance of complying with Australian standards, testing, certification and legislation, the reality is that many Buyers will still unwillingly purchase sub-standard products for importation into Australia.

The importance of this visit will be reflected in the release of upcoming announcements of mandatory standards reviews for Cots and Bunks, the changes to the Illegal Logging and Bicon legislation and emphasis on ACCC Product Recalls, which are all related to the importation of furniture and furnishings.

The fact is that we operate in a global trading environment, and, Australian businesses import products. It would be foolish to bury our heads in the sand and assume that Associations such as ours can only support Australian made products, when in fact, many of our Australian manufacturers are already importing components, materials, or finished products themselves.

The AFA takes a proactive approach to the issues facing Australian businesses, and most of these are related to price and competitiveness. Much of the work of the AFA is currently around compliance and submissions to governments’ to support the growth of Australian businesses.  

The work of the AFA is to reinforce the quality of Australian products, the social environmental and economic value to Australia, the high standards that are world renowned and our precious natural timber resources.

Don’t forget that if you import product, you are considered the manufacturer in the eyes of the law, so getting your supply chain right will help you to avoid any future legal ramifications. We look forward to a bright and vibrant Australian furnishing industry.