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Frequently Asked Questions about SAC declarations and Clearances PDF Print E-mail

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are commonly asked questions about SAC declarations and general importing.  If you have a question and it isn’t answered below, please email:  with your query.


General Questions


How long does it take to organise a SAC declaration clearance?

SAC's Cargo Clearances can complete most clearances within 1/2 hour of receiving all the neccessary documents and as long as there are no Customs/AQIS concerns you can collect your goods as soon as the clearance is confirmed. 

However, once the clearance is complete, your goods can still be subject to Quarantine and/or availablity dates (sea freight).  

If your goods are subject to Quarantine, the AQIS centre in your region will need to see the shipping documents and then decide what action to take (usually inspection and then further directions will be actioned if required). 

Sea freight availablity will depend on the shipping company that reported the cargo in Australia.  Once the goods arrive in Australia, they can take anywhere between a couple of days and a couple of weeks to become available for AQIS inspection and/or collection. 

What will happen to my goods if I don’t get them cleared?

If you decide not to clear your goods, then the Cargo Terminal Operator (CTO/depot) will continue to hold them for a certain period of time (you will need to check actual holding period with the individual depot where the goods are held).  After this period has lapsed and you have made no effort to clear your goods the depot will dispose of the goods at their discretion (usually through auction, destruction or transferring your goods to the Customs warehouse in your region). 

What happens if my goods arrive damaged?

If you recieve your goods damaged you can lodge and 'Intent to Claim' with the relevant parties.  Be aware that if lodging a claim with the depot the claim can only cover the actual value of the goods (e.g. not freight, fumigation or clearance fess). 

If the goods have been poorly packed, damage can also occur which is not due to negligence or mishandling by any of the operators.  In this case, you will need to discuss options with the supplier.
 
If your shipment is valuable to you, it is a good idea to pay the extra cost and invest in insurance.

What if I don't declare (mis-declare) the actual value of my goods?

If you don't declare the value of your goods correctly (i.e. that the goods are truthfully valued at AUD$1000 or under) and you are caught you could be charged and penalities include fines and jail.


Can I bring in multiple shipments with each shipment having a value under $1000?

If you bring in multiple shipments with a combined value over AUD$1000 to the same addressee (importer) in Australia from a single consignor (supplier) overseas that arrive at about the same time, then the value of all packages will be combined for duty/GST purposes. 


I can't collect my goods from the depot before the free storage period expires.  Can you help me?
You can organise for us to collect your goods and take them back to one of our bond stores (Australia-wide) and then you can collect them at a time that is convenient to you or we can organise delivery to your door. 


Do I need to register with Customs?

No, you don't.  For SAC clearances minimum information is required from you and we will input all your details in relation to your shipment. FYI If you require a FID (for imports that are over the AUD$1000 import entry threshold), then your broker will register
you on your behalf. 


What is a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder is someone who organises the logistics of freight moving from point A to point B. 


◊ Back to Top ◊ General Questions

SAC Declaration Basics

What is a SAC declaration?

A Self Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration is a declaration made to Customs to clear goods that you have imported by air or sea that have a Customs value at or below AUD$1000.  This values excludes the transport and insurance costs and is usually the amount for the goods that is stated on the invoice.  Don't worry if you don't have an invoice, we can check what the value of your goods are using alternative means that are accepted by Australian Customs. 

All goods that meet the above requirements must be cleared using a SAC declaration.  

Basically it is a Customs clearance for low value goods.

SAC declarations are NOT used for goods that arrive through the post, carnets (temporary imports) or Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE).  Please note that Customs has strict guidelines in place regarding personal effects, and just because 'personal effects' is written on the shipping documents, does not mean the goods will be excepted as 'personal effects'.  If you have any questions about whether your goods fall under the UPE or SAC declaration category, please contact us or Customs directly.


Why do I need a SAC declaration to clear my goods?

In October 2005 the Customs Act 1901 was amended to include the electronic processing of goods imported into Australia by air or sea that have a Customs Value not exceeding AUD$1000 as part of the CMR (Cargo Management Re-engineering) project.  If you don’t use a SAC declaration to clear your goods, you will not be able to collect them.  


How is a SAC Declaration communicated to Customs?

A SAC declaration must be communicated electronically with Customs via the ICS.  There is no manual option.


Who can communicate a SAC Declaration?

A SAC Declaration must be communicated electronically by a registered SAC Communicator.  The SAC Communicator must be registered with Australian Customs in the ICS and have a digital certificate.  Most SAC communicators are SAC specialists, Customs Brokers or Cargo Reporters.


When can a SAC Declaration be communicated?

A SAC Declaration can be lodged prior to the ship or plane carrying the goods arriving in Australia.  Or, it can be lodged once the ship or aircraft has actually arrived. 

It is important that the clearance is completed as soon as possible so you can collect your goods before free storage period expires.  Please note that storage charges will be applied after the free storage period expires (charge rates and free storage periods vary from depot to depot). 

When giving us your shipment details, use which ever mode of communication is easist for you.  If you become a registered user with us, you can email all your shipment details and payment to us via our website.  You can also call, email your shipment details directly, fax them through or come in and see us. 
is easist for you.  If you become a with us, you can all your shipment details and payment to us via our website.  You can also call, your shipment details directly, fax them through or come in and see us. 
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