At EES Shipping, we are proud to work alongside leading industry bodies such as the International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our sector today — ABN fraud, also known as “piggybacking.”
Why ABN Fraud Matters
ABN fraud occurs when unauthorised parties exploit a legitimate Australian Business Number (ABN) to move goods through the supply chain. This form of identity misuse undermines trust, exposes businesses to compliance risks, and threatens the security of Australia’s trade ecosystem. As fraudsters adopt more sophisticated methods, traditional identity verification processes are increasingly tested. The result is a growing need for robust due diligence, stronger processes, and closer industry collaboration.
Industry Guidance from ABF
Recognising the scale of the issue, the ABF has reinforced its commitment to supporting industry with updated resources and guidance. Superintendent Edwards and the ABF have released new training and reference material to help businesses safeguard against fraudulent activity, including:
- Supply Chain Integrity – CPD 2025 presentation
- Presentation Forwarders – ABF 2025
- ABF Letter – Fraud Prevention Advice
These documents provide practical steps on how freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers/exporters can identify red flags, protect clients, and ensure their operations remain compliant.
IFCBAA’s Member Advice on Best Practice
Complementing the ABF’s work, IFCBAA has created a detailed member advice factsheet specifically addressing ABN fraud and piggybacking. The advice stresses the importance of businesses obtaining a Letter of Authority (LOA) directly from the ABN holder, not just from a freight forwarder or intermediary. This seemingly small step can make a significant difference in preventing unauthorised access to supply chains and strengthening overall industry integrity.
EES Shipping’s Commitment
At EES Shipping, we take these issues seriously. We welcome the efforts of both the ABF and IFCBAA and are actively integrating their guidance into our daily practices. Our approach is grounded in three key commitments:
- Transparency – providing clients and partners with full clarity across every step of the supply chain.
- Compliance – upholding not just the letter but also the spirit of regulatory requirements.
- Integrity – ensuring our operations set a high standard for the freight forwarding industry.
Working Together for a Stronger Trade Ecosystem
Fraud prevention cannot be achieved by any one company alone. It requires ongoing collaboration between regulators, industry bodies, and operators at every level of the supply chain. By working together, we can ensure Australia’s trade networks remain strong, resilient, and trusted in the face of evolving risks.
At EES Shipping, we are proud to stand with IFCBAA, the ABF, and our peers across the industry in the shared goal of protecting supply chain integrity and defending Australia’s trade future.
