An innovative, flexible and workable business continuity plan: Case study of the Australian Customs Service Cargo BCP

Before being released, all cargo crossing Australian borders must be reported, riskassessed for prohibited goods and revenue matters, and cleared by the Australian Customs Service and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. These functions are normally handled by a sophisticated IT system — the Integrated Cargo System — and through industry IT systems provided by software developers. The business continuity plan (BCP) is designed to meet the loss of normal processes across the total cargo reporting process. This includes the partial or full loss of the Customs IT system and/or industry IT systems plus any failure of internet and communication lines. It also provides an avenue for ‘Urgent Customs Clearance’ and other ad-hoc reporting transactions. The BCP was developed following the disastrous implementation of the Integrated Cargo System in 2005 and the failure of the previous BCP, resulting in significant loss of public and government confidence in the Customs service. Since its implementation in December 2006, the new BCP has on all occasions successfully facilitated the reporting and clearance of legitimate cargo until normal services have been restored. Australian industry is very happy with the flexibility and workability of the BCP and with the additional support material available.