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What does customs clearance involve?

Each country will have legislation setting out the exact requirements, but in essence the process involves the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation (and usually the payment) on behalf of the customer of taxes, duties and excise taxes, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities.
Clearing agents/customs brokers will often prepare and submit documentation to notify or obtain the clearance from other government agencies.
Clearing agents need to be familiar with the Tariff Schedule (see Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)), a listing of duty rates for imported items, and the regulations governing imports.

Clearing goods

You need to know that:
For goods imported through air or sea freight or international mail that are worth equal to or less then AUD 1000, there are no duties, taxes or charges to pay.
For goods that are worth more than AUD 1000, you will need to fill out a special form called an Import Declaration, and pay duties, taxes and charges.
You will need to pay duties and taxes on some goods (like tobacco or alcohol) regardless of their value.
Certain types of goods are not allowed to be brought into Australia, or need special permits.
First-time or infrequent importers are strongly encouraged to use the services of a customs broker to clear their goods through customs.
Note: Goods imported by travellers (arriving by air or sea) are treated differently.
For more information on goods imported by air or sea travellers see Duty free concessions.

I’m a first-time Importer

First time or infrequent importers are strongly encouraged to use the services of a licensed customs broker.
Licensed customs brokers can complete the Import Declaration for you and submit it to us electronically through the Integrated Cargo System. They can also help you with other tasks you need to do when importing goods.
Licensed customs brokers charge for the services they provide, though they also have access to lower processing fees because of their online connection to us. To find a licensed customs broker, search online or in your local Yellow Pages. Customs brokers are licensed by us.
If you want to clear the goods yourself, we will provide limited assistance to first-time importers only.
You will need an invoice, a bill of lading or air waybill other papers, such as packing list and insurance documents, as required.

What does customs clearance involve?

Each country will have legislation setting out the exact requirements, but in essence the process involves the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation (and usually the payment) on behalf of the customer of taxes, duties and excise taxes, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities.
Clearing agents/customs brokers will often prepare and submit documentation to notify or obtain the clearance from other government agencies. Clearing agents need to be familiar with the Tariff Schedule (see Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)), a listing of duty rates for imported items, and the regulations governing imports.

 Goods with a value of AUD 1000 or less

You do not have to pay duty and taxes on goods (excluding tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) with a value of AUD 1000 or less. These are called low value imports.
If these goods arrive in Australia by air or sea cargo, they must have a Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration. This will generally be taken care of by the cargo company or freight forwarder. We do not charge for this declaration.
Goods arriving by international mail do not require a SAC declaration.

Goods with a value of more than AUD 1000

To import goods with a value over AUD 1000, you need to make an Import Declaration. The Import Declaration provides information about the goods you are importing.
There is a processing charge for making an Import Declaration. You will also be required to pay the duty and taxes for your goods.
You can use the services of a licensed customs broker or Agent to help you import your goods.
For more information about: contact Global Overseas Direct Pty Ltd  or call +61 7 5522 0101.
How duty and taxes are calculated, fees and charges, making an Import Declaration, Import Declarations.
For more information contact Global Overseas Direct Pty Ltd or call +61 7 5522 0101.

What’s the Difference between Department of Agriculture & Water Resources and Border Protection?

The Department of Agriculture & Water Resources protects Australia from exotic pests and diseases, while the Department of Immigration and Border Protection intercepts illegal goods, such as drugs and weapons.
The Department of Agriculture & Water Resources and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection work together at airports, seaports and mail centres to detect and deter the unlawful movement of goods into Australia.

What can I bring or send to Australia?

Australia Quarantine has strict laws relating to the importation of certain goods.
This ensures that the bio-security risk to Australia’s agricultural industries and unique environment is minimised.
You must declare certain food, plant material and animal products.
When you declare these goods they will be checked by a Department of Agriculture & Water Resources biodiversity officer who will determine whether they are allowed into Australia.
Some products may require treatment to make them safe.
Other goods may be restricted due to pest and disease risks.

How much money can be taken out of Australia?

You can choose to carry currency out of Australia, or into Australia, but you must declare it if it is $10,000 or more in Australian dollars, or a foreign currency equivalent to Customs. Mar 4, 2016.

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