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The Clothing and Household Textiles Building Innovative Capability (BIC) program will replace the SIP scheme from 1 July 2010. Legislation is currently being debated and the new regulations will be available as soon as they are published. BIC will be based on the SIP legislation but will focus more on innovation. In SIP terms, claims will be restricted to Type 2 activity covering innovative product design, innovative process improvement and research and development.
The Post 2005 Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program (SIP) is a $612.5 million assistance package designed to assist local TCF producers improve their international competitiveness whilst undergoing further local tariff reductions. The SIP Scheme (second iteration) commenced on 1 July 2005, and runs through to 2015/16.
Benefits
Two types of grants are provided.
Type 1: Covers capitalised investment in new plant and equipment and information technology used directly in the design, production, warehousing and distribution of locally produced TCF products. Information technology required to support local manufacturing activities and environmental upgrades required by Government legislation are also supported along with salary, material and contract costs when participating in trade showings and in-store promotions. The grant rate is 40%.
Type 2: Covers the salary, material and contract costs associated with locally based innovation activities directed at TCF products manufactured in Australia. The grant rate is 80%. Aside from pure R&D, the following innovation activities are eligible.
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Innovative product design.
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Innovative process improvement.
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Market research activities including market testing, development or sales promotion (including consumer surveys) that are 'not routine', and are aimed at the introduction of a new innovative TCF product and;
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Support for securing new industrial property rights anywhere in the world for new innovative TCF product.
Supplementary TCF Assistance Programs
In addition to SIP, TCF Services provides assistance with the
- Product Diversification Scheme (to help firms diversify their local/import mix); and the
- Extended Overseas Assembly Provisions (to reduce duty on clothing manufactured overseas using locally made fabrics); and
- Small Business Grants Scheme (for those firms unable to claim SIP);
For further details of any one of the above please email llew@tcf.net.au or gerry@tcf.net.au
One other program was created as part of the Government’s Post-2005 TCF assistance package:
- Structural Adjustment Program to assist displaced workers and encourage industry restructuring.
For assistance with this program please contact the Ausindustry hotline or by calling 13 28 46.
The TCF Way
TCF Services is celebrating 25 years as the leading national provider of industry assistance programs to the TCF sector.
This experience has guided us in the development of an integrated approach to delivering SIP. This includes the identification of critical activities, expenses and lead times, and the collection and management of supporting information required at each stage of the SIP registration, claim, evaluation and re-registration cycle.
We aim to smooth each claim through the SIP process with the minimum of fuss and inconvenience, and deliver our clients the maximum possible benefit.
We describe this approach as the TCF Way.
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| 1 Mar 2010 |
SIP: Final date for lodgement of claims for the 08/09 year. |
| 30 Jun 2010 |
SIP: Final date for registration for the new BIC program. |
| 1 Jul 2010 |
SIP: Opening date for lodgement of claims for the 09/10 year. |
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Registering and claiming for the Building Innovative Capability
Program (BIC)
If you are considering claiming BIC benefits, or haven’t used TCF Services in the past, contact us now prior to registering, to find out how we can help maximize your return and minimize the fuss of taking part.
Call Llew or Gerry on (02) 8219 4900
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