Importing from U.S and dealing with customs

[Peaking Human]

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Hi guys,

Very new to all of this and just after some information.

I am looking to import goods on a regular basis from the US. Roughly the package size will be 500mmx500mmx500mm and roughly weighing 30-50kgs

My supplier said they will ship but i have to organise customs and delivery in Australia.

So with that being said what are the process of deal with customs and would I be better off using a freight forwarding company instead for the whole process?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[LucasArthur]

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HI

Am i write in assuming you mean ‘customs’ and not customers?

Most peeps answers will depend on your shipping method? are you shipping via AirFreight such as FedEx or similar? And another key piece of information will be the value of the item?

With these two pieces of info there will be a few regulars that could be able to (or should) provide some more input.

Cheers
Jason

Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: hello@lucasarthur.net.au   P: 61 3 8324 0344    M: 61 412 244 888

[Peaking Human]

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Sorry yes I did mean customs.
I will hopefully be shipping by air I had using dhl in mind? The value of the item will be between $250 to $1000.

Hopefully that will help

[LucasArthur]

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Ok,

Not that customs is my forte and the likes, if the amount including freight etc is under the $1k threshold and you are using DHl (or similar) i am under the impression that this will get to your door without the requirement of a customs agent or freight forwarder.

If, on the other hand, the amounts exceed and are declared in excess of $1k i would advise using a forwarder or become familiar with the processing requirements of customs duties via the freight forwarder of choice you are using.. Meaning, if you use DHL, they may have there own in house policy to clear the customs side of things.. Although i could be incorrect in this.

Hope that helps a little?

Jason

Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: hello@lucasarthur.net.au   P: 61 3 8324 0344    M: 61 412 244 888

[Petemac]

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Hi, DHL has their own in house customs agents, so if they goods are over the $1,000 AUD mark they can handle all Customs for you. You can also select to use you own customs agent if your prefer but at approx $50 via DHL not really worth the hassle of your own. We use DHL but at the 30-50kg mark they only have an Express service, if an extra 48-72 hours is not an issue, one of our carrier partners offers a good Economy rate for those size shipments.

Cheers

[Peaking Human]

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Awsome thanks for the info guys. Really strarting to get my head around it all.

The price will usually be around $500 and my supplier said they can ship it to my door. Im guessing that this means i do not have to have someone deal with customs? And should come through without my help?

Cheers

[Petemac]

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If the value of the goods are $500 AUS than you shouldn’t have any issues with duties and GST, even though Customs does still randomly check shipments, especially if they feel they have been undevalued but you can easily sort that out direct if in the off chance it happened. The only other isse that can happen is that it get held for a quarratine inspection, depending on the goods.

The other thing you should check is if the goods are actually made in the USA. If so, should you every exceed the $1,000 threshold, whilst you still have to pay GST, you shouldn’t have to pay duties http://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/ausfta/Pages/australia-united-states-fta.aspx

Cheers

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