How Does Customs Clearance Work?

The tariff classification is an 8-digit reference number and 2-digit statistical code, obtained from the Australian Customs Tariff that identifies the imported item and the rate of Customs duty that applies.

No. You only need to provide your ABN if the goods are for use by your business and you wish to claim input tax credits on your BAS for the GST you pay upon importation.

We accept Visa and Master Card, both of which attract a 1.5% processing surcharge. Unfortunately, these credit card processing fees are levied by the banks and due to our low professional fees, we are forced to pass them on.

For most clients this fee translates to around $5.00. For a full list of charges that you can expect to pay please see the What It Costs section above.

Yes, but Firearms and parts/accessories thereof require additional legislative processing which takes considerable time and therefore incurs an additional $50 processing surcharge.

Just ensure you upload your import permit (if applicable) with your documentation upon online lodgement.

A good customs broker will save you time and money, typically more than you pay them. While it’s not mandatory to use a customs broker to clear your imported goods, in most cases it’s certainly beneficial as outlined below.

SAVINGS: Customs brokers work to ensure you’re paying the least amount of duty/GST that’s legislatively permitted for the specific circumstances of your importation. And there’s many avenues available for us to do this.

For example, over 83% (avg.) of our postal import clients pay less to use us than self-lodgement of a B374 - Import Declaration (N10) – Post form.

TIME: We provide electronic customs clearance processing which is significantly faster than self-lodgement of an import declaration as this is a manual documentary process.

For example, we clear postal consignments in just 3hrs, but self- lodgement takes customs 8-10 business days to process.

SIMPLICITY: With a customs broker, you simply provide your import documentation and they do the rest. With e-customs broker it’s even easier as you can submit online in just 5mins.

Self-lodgement requires you to complete the import declaration yourself, including applying the correct valuation and classifications of the goods based on your specific import circumstances.

LIABILITY: Using a customs broker also protects you from the risk of liability for lodging an erroneous import declaration, which can be anything up to a $12,000 strict liability fine.

The bottom line is that if you’re not 100% confident that you understand the legislation and know exactly what your lodging in your declaration, then you should use a customs broker.