We specialise in low value imports of all types; fresh flowers, taro, pottery, perfumes, garments, auto parts, bags, medical samples, books and furniture just to name a few of the things...
Do you import goods for your business or are you thinking about starting a new business through importing?
Consignments with a Customs value of AUD$1000 or under and arrive in to Australia by air or sea freight require a SAC declaration lodged for your goods to be released from Customs control and AQIS clearance to be completed.
All consignments that arrive in to Australia by air or sea freight, with a Customs value of AUD$1000 are duty/GST exempt (except consignments that have alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products).
N.B. SAC declarations are not used for carnets (temporary imports), personal effects or goods that are sent through the post.
If you import goods with a Customs value (this is basically the commercial invoice value of your goods converted to Australian dollars on the day of export) of AUD$1000 or under then you need a SAC declaration to get your goods released from Customs control.
We specialise in low value imports and assisting commercial importers with their importing requirements from organising Customs clearance and AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services) clearance through to delivery to your door.
Our goal is to ensure the process is as straight forward as possible for you.
Once you receive notice about your shipment, you need to contact us and provide your shipment details. If you receive a pre-alert from your supplier or freight forwarder you can email or fax this to us and we will organise clearance of your goods in advance of the shipment arriving.
When we have everything we need, your Customs clearance will be completed (usually within 1/2 hour of receiving all documentation). Once clearance is complete, subject to Quarantine, you can collect your goods.
Please note a SAC declaration must be lodged before AQIS clearance can take place.
If your goods are subject to AQIS, we offer you two options.
Firstly, to save on costs you can complete the Quarantine processing and associated directions yourself. If you need assistance or support with this we have DIY documents and are also happy to answer any questions you have about the way the process unfolds as well as an estimation of expected costs.
If you would like us to complete your AQIS processing and directions, we will organise this on your behalf and ensure everything is completed as quickly as possible. For shipments requiring treatments such as devitilisation, dipping or fumigation we ensure that the treatment is completed as quickly as possible and we use AQIS approved treatment providers.
Once your goods have been AQIS cleared, you will be able to collect them from the depot or we will organise for them to be delivered to you.
If your goods have arrived by airfreight the process is pretty straightforward and the goods can usually be collected on the same day that they arrive. If they require AQIS processing this is very easy to organise and can be completed within 1/2 day.
Most depot operators will usually give you 3 - 5 days free storage. During this time you can organise your clearance and any further directions required.
The basic process for goods that arrive via air freight is:
1. You receive an arrival notice or phone call. 2. SAC declaration needs to be lodged to complete Customs clearance. 3. Local charges need to be paid. 4. Goods will be released for collection once Customs and AQIS clearance is complete.
It takes one to three weeks for your goods to be available for collection if they have arrived sea freight. This is because it depends on where they have been unpacked (e.g. your goods could have been unpacked in Melbourne, but the final destination might be Sydney or Brisbane). Sometimes Customs also place a border hold on your goods (this could be up to five days) and if AQIS needs to inspect and further action is required, then this will also take more time.
The depot will usually give 3 - 5 days free storage for the above procedures to be completed (in almost all cases this is plenty of time to complete everything and collect your goods before the free storage period expires).
During this time the Delivery Order will need to be collected and local charges paid, so your goods can be collected.
The basic process for goods that arrive via sea freight is:
1. You recieve a pre-alert or arrival notice. 2. Local charges need to be paid and Delivery Order collected. 3. SAC declaration needs to be lodged to complete Customs clearance. 4. Goods will be released for collection once Customs and AQIS clearance is complete.
If you are considering importing goods and this is your first time everything might seem a bit overwhelming and a lot to take in. Not only are you trying to find the best price for your goods, but you are also learning the ropes of importing.
Some things for you to consider include the way you choose to import and the transportation.
There are many different ways to import, including door-to-door, FOB (freight on board) C&F (cost and freight) and ex-works (you pay the supplier for the goods only and then take care of the freight yourself). It is beneficial to find a good freight forwarder who can assist you with this process and give you the best rates for your import and will help you decide on the best way to import and pay for your goods.
You also need to look in to express courier, sea freight or air freight costings and associated local charges. These charges will include depot charges (ITF/IDF or port charges), deconsolidation fees (if your goods have arrived through a freight forwarder as consolidated freight) and clearance fees (charges vary depending on whether is air freight or sea freight).
If you have any questions about importing and the associated costs, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you with your enquiries.
• 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, which means your goods fall under the FID category and extra charges apply.
• We offer reduced rates to clients who import on a regular basis (weekly, fortnightly, monthly).
• Make sure all your shipping documents are in order.
If your goods have arrived by sea freight, check if you have a packing declaration, fumigation certificate, invoices and Delivery Order.
If your goods have arrived by airfreight check that you have your arrival notice/airway bill, treatment certificates (e.g if your goods required fumigation etc) and invoices.
• Give us as much advance notice as possible for your shipment. This is particularly important with sea freight shipments.
• Try to get your shipment details before the free storage period expires, otherwise you might be up for some storage fees from the depot.
• Browse through our website.
• When you are contacting us, have an idea of what type of service you would like and what you feel comfortable handling yourself (if you are unsure please just ask!).
For more information please click on the links below:
If you are a commercial importer requiring SAC declaration clearance or would like more information on how the system works, please email
or call us on 1800 154 520 for further assistance.
Commercial Importers
