Self Assessed Clearance Declaration InformationSAC's Cargo Clearances is a SAC Communicator specialist who acts as the intermediary between you and Customs, ensuring Customs clearance of your goods in a quick and professional manner.
SAC declaration Procedure with SAC's Cargo Clearances.
SAC Declaration BasicsWhat 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.
Where is a SAC Declaration communicated?
You can lodge a SAC Declaration with us from anywhere in Australia. It doesn't matter if you are in Broome or Brisbane! Once we have received your information, your clearance will with communicated immediately with Customs and AQIS. Although our Head Office is based in Brisbane we do clearances Australia-wide and can organise your clearance over the phone, via email or over the internet.
SAC Declarations in 5 ½ Easy StepsYou receive your air freight or sea freight documents. - You communicate this information directly to us by email, phone, fax or in person. We will discuss specific options with you to ensure you get your goods as quickly as possible, with minimum hassle.
- Pay the clearance fees.
- Once payment is finalised, your SAC declaration is lodged with Customs and AQIS.
Once the goods have been cleared with Customs, subject to Quarantine, you can collect your goods. We will let you know as soon as clearance is complete.
1/2! If your goods are subject to Quarantine, there will be AQIS processing. AQIS may inspect your goods. Once AQIS has released your goods from Quarantine, you can collect them or we will organise delivery for you.
What do I need to complete my SAC Declaration?
If you receive advance copies of your documents from the shipper/supplier, then you can send them to us in advance, which means your goods can be pre-cleared, subject to Quarantine, before they arrive in Australia.
If you receive your documents after the goods have arrived, they must be collected as soon as possible, so clearance of your goods can be organised before the free storage period expires.
Examples of Air Freight Documents
• Airway Bill (either Master Airway Bill or House Bill)
• Arrival Notice
Examples of Sea Freight Documents
• Arrival Notice
• Delivery Order
• Ocean Bill of Lading
• House Bill of Lading
If you have invoices relating to your shipment, these will be used as documentary evidence to ensure your goods meet the import declaration threshold.
If you do not have invoices, you must declare an approximate value of your goods.
You are responsible and accountable for providing the true value of your goods and any misleading or false information may result in legal action. To assist you in this, we have alternative ways of checking the value of your goods (e.g. comparative value of your goods to buying a similar product in Australia).
For security reasons you must provide ‘Evidence of Identity’ to prove you are the importer of the goods.
You can use a copy of your Driver’s Licence or a copy of your Passport (if you do not have either of these, please call us on 1800 154 520 to discuss other options available).
If someone else is picking up your goods, you will need a Letter of Authority to say that they can collect the goods on your behalf. Please look at the sample letter in our downloads section. This example letter is particular to using SAC's Cargo Clearances services, but you can adjust the content to state that you give permission for 'xyz' to collect the goods on your behalf. It is a good idea to include your EOI and their EOI details and also let the depot (e.g. Qantas) know that someone is collecting the goods on your behalf.
How do I lodge my SAC Declaration with SAC’S Cargo Clearances?
You have three options available for your convenience. Select the option that best suits you: Option 1.Complete your SAC declaration over the phone. Option 2.
If you are based in Brisbane, you can come in and see us, and complete your SAC declaration in person. Option 3.
If you are a regular importer, you can become a registered user with SAC's Cargo Clearances and simply lodge your shipping information and documents over the internet.
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SAC Information
