Founded in 1948, APTA is the peak national philatelic trade association in Australia. The Association has members world wide and co-operates with member associations affiliated with the International Federation of Stamp Dealers' Associations (IFSDA) and other philatelic bodies.

The Aims of APTA are to develop and maintain a high standard of business ethics, to provide benefits and services to members and to promote the hobby of philately.

APTA Membership embraces full time dealers, accessory manufacturers, wholesalers, publishers of philatelic literature and employees of members. Regardless of the size and type of your operation, APTA membership is an investment that will be most beneficial to you.

APTA studies local and national legislation that may be relevant to the philatelic arena. In this and other areas of influence on the trade or hobby, it not only keeps members informed, but undertakes lobbying to the relevant bodies.

Members are required to observe the APTA Code of Ethics to maintain sound and responsible standards of business practice and to encourage and foster high standards of professional conduct amongst those engaged in the stamp trade. This in turn develops goodwill for APTA members throughout the philatelic community.

APTA supplies a membership certificate, lapel badge and Code of Ethics for display purposes and its logo in various forms for advertising display and use on stationery.