Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find your question? Don’t hesitate to contact us

How to import commodities?

Please check our First Time Importers section for further information in regard to importing for the first time.

Why do I need a Customs Broker?

A customs broker is a professional who is versed in finding all the possible duty concessions for your goods, dealing with all governing bodies, and arranging all related shipping matters on your behalf.

What is the Department of Agriculture?

The Department of Agriculture which can also be known as Quarantine. DAFF is the Australian governing body for Quarantine related matters. These are both commodity and non-commodity based.

Are there any rules for exporting from Australia?

Generally speaking, no there are no “rules” for exporting that should impede on exporting general commodities.

However, some more specific commodities require permits, and government applications. This can include exporting to certain products or technology to certain regions and examples of these can be found on the Defence Export Controls website.

What is a Self Assessed Clearance?

A Self Assessed Clearance or SAC is a clearance for goods worth under $1000 AUD in value.

These can be cleared without payment of duty or GST. However, they are not exempt to Dept. of Agriculture requirements.

We have a department dedicated to Self-Assessed Clearances and can be found here.

Why do I have to pay Duty and GST on my goods? How do I avoid it?

Duty is required to be paid as per Customs Act 1901 and Customs Regulations. There are ways to assess if goods can be Duty Free, there are tariff concessions, and by-laws that make goods duty free for certain commodities.

GST is required to be paid by the Australian Taxation Office, if you are importing regularly and with large values of GST payable on goods, is it possible to arrange GST to be deferred, which means it will not be paid at the time of importation, rather you will sort it out when you do your BAS lodgements.

How to I pick up my goods from the wharf?

You can not pick goods up from the wharf without special identification requirements.

If you goods have been sent as LCL (less than container load) they will be available from what is called a depot, after deconsolidation. These are located near the port facilities and have their own individual rules and regulations.

Should I send my goods Air-freight or Sea-freight?

Goods that are timely in nature can be sent via airfreight however it is much more costly.

Other goods, that are not required urgently can be sent via seafreight. It is much cheaper than airfreight, however takes a much longer time.

It is wise to consider insuring all goods that are being transported internationally, regardless of the method of movement.

When will my goods arrive?

If you have shipped our goods with us, please call us and we can track your goods for you.

If you have shipped with someone else, including your supplier, we may be able to assist you.

What is a Tariff Classification?

A tariff classification is a 8 digit reference number, and 2 digit statistical code, which is obtained from the Australian Customs, and references to the amount of Duty, GST or other charges that need to be paid to Customs.

HSEN codes, (the first 4-6 digits) are universal around the world.

My goods are a sample or a gift do I still pay charges?

Yes. If your goods are worth over $1000 AUD they will need to be assessed for Duty and GST requirements, even if they are sent to you for free, your commercial documents must state what they would be worth if you paid for them.

If your goods are worth less than $1000 AUD you can declare the goods as a self assessed clearance.