Interport Cargo Services provides a complete Import/Export Service throughout the world. With the benefit of over 37 years of commercial experience we pride ourselves on our reliability, competitive price and professional service which will give you the competitive edge in your market.
Import entry procedures are based on self-assessment by importers who should be aware of all their obligations. It is recommended that importers use our Customs Broking service to compile Customs import entries and related clearance formalities, as penalties may be imposed for the submission of incorrect or misleading information in entry procedures.
PERMITS
Owners of imported goods may be required to obtain permits to facilitate clearance of goods by Customs and Quarantine.
Some of the types of goods requiring a permit are:
• animals and animal products, food and plant imports;
• firearms and other weapons; protected wildlife and related products;
• certain drugs and goods containing those drugs;
• hazardous and health related manufactured articles and substances;
• motor vehicles;
• items from restricted trading countries;
• communications equipment and
• protected cultural heritage items.
DOCUMENTATION
The Australian Customs Service, on some occasions, do require importers or exporters to submit commercial documentation. However, Interport Cargo Services and the Australian Customs Service recommend that the owner of the goods keep all relevant commercial documents while the goods are subject to Customs control and also to keep them for 5 years after the goods are entered.
CUSTOMS DUTY AND SALES TAX
Customs duty and/or sales tax are levied on most goods entering Australia. The rate of duty or tax depends on the type of goods and the country of origin. The rates of duty are determined by the classification of the goods within the Australian Customs tariff.
Interport Cargo Services can assist you with information on all aspects of tariff classification and rates of duty.
COMMERCE MARKING
Goods entering Australia must be marked with country of origin and the composition of the goods. Trade descriptions must be in English, in prominent and legible characters and on a principal label or brand attached to the goods in a manner as permanent as possible.
It is an offence to knowingly apply or carry false trade descriptions on goods. A description that is likely to mislead on matters such as origin, contents, preparation, manufacturer, copyright etc. is considered a false trade description.The Australian Customs Service will increase their focus on articles bearing similar labels to the images associated with the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Any use of images including the Olympic rings symbol, and Sydney 2000 image must be authorised.
DUMPING
Dumping occurs when an exporter sells goods in Australia at a lower price than the goods are sold for on the domestic market of the country of export. This activity can damage Australian industries producing the same type of goods. Australia, as a member of the World Trade Organisation, can take remedial action against any company if the Australian Customs Service and Anti-Dumping Authority determine that the dumping of goods has caused injury or threatens injury to an Australian Industry.
TARIFF CONCESSION ORDERS (TCO)
The Tariff Concession System is the mechanism for granting concessional entry for imported goods. A Tariff Concession order (TCO) will be granted if there is no Australian-made item with a use which can be substituted for the imported item at the time the TCO application is lodged.
Certain goods including foodstuffs, furniture and goods covered by industry plans are excluded from admission under the Tariff Concession System.
Interport Cargo Services specialise in Tariff Concession Applications and can give you more information on this area. One of our clients, a new company, saved thousands of dollars on the importation of new machinery with a successful TCO.
POLICY BY- LAW APPLICATIONS (PBL)
Interport Cargo Services can save you a considerable amount of the cost of importing goods with a successful Policy By-Law application. Our Customs Broker can assist you in making an application for a by-law to remove the Customs duty rate.
