Everything you need to know about custom clearance in 2021
March 15, 2021 0Uncategorized
Custom Clearance for Imported Goods
Keeping up with changing custom rules and regulations is a challenging task both for importers and exporters. Custom clearance in the COVID-19 era can also mean unexpected fees, misclassifications of cargo, complicated documentations, all of which can affect your business, by creating unwanted delays and costs. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about customs clearance Brisbane in 2021.
Basics of Custom Clearance
1. Check shipping regulations:
Every country will have variations in regulations in terms of what it allows to be imported or All business need to be fully aware of licensing, special provisions and restrictions and prohibited goods in the country one is shipping to.
2. Prepare Documentation:
It is important to have the entire paper-work ready in advance to avoid border hold-up. These may include documents like commercial invoices and product descriptions. There are numerous agencies and contractors who can help with It is recommended to find a government approved service provider.
3. Duties and Taxes:
There are varies import duties and taxes that may be applicable for different products. They may vary according to the destination and the shipment value. Make sure you are fully aware of what you or the receiver will have to
Custom Clearance Process in Australia
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service manage customs that allows the cross- border movement of goods. It requires business that are importing or exporting goods to fill out a list of tasks and documents. Any shipment, personal or commercial worth over $1000 requires a custom entry, which then determines the duty and GST rates applicable. Again, depending on the nature of the goods, importers might also need to obtain permits to clear certain imports from custom control. Personal effects entering Australia are subject to biosecurity control and checks because they could allow the entry of pests and diseases
In Australia, in addition to duties on import, there also exists a custom import declaration processing fee.
Documentation Required for Customs Clearance of Commercial Sea or Air Freight Consignments:
- A legible copy of the airway bill, bill of lading or ocean bill of
- A completed FCL or LCL packing declaration
- Commercial invoice/s
- Packing list/s (if any)
- Any certificate/s of origin or Free Trade Agreement (FTA) statements that may be applicable
- A fumigation certificate which should be presented to us for any wooden packing or items that have been
This is not an exhaustive list, to find out about the requirements https://www.abf.gov.au/buying- online/importing-by-post-or-mail
If you are an Australian business you may be eligible for tariff concessions if you are importing a product that has no known manufactures in Australia, who can make its substitute. You may also be eligible for a concession if you are producing the same product locally in Australia.
Business based in Australia can also take advantage of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that brings in benefits of reduced tariffs and greater access to foreign markets. Australia in 2019 had 14 free trade agreements with 18 countries. In order to benefit from this, businesses need to provide a certificate of origin for their products. According to the latest Government notification, preferential rates of duty will be reduced for sectors with FTA arrangements. For more information on this visit https://www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support-subsite/CustomsNotices/2020-54.pdf
DID YOU KNOW?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is offering administrative remedies to businesses experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19. This means affected businesses can negotiate with the ATO for GST deferrals and remissions. https://www.austrade.gov.au/
Bio-Security Preconditions
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is offering administrative remedies to businesses experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19. This means affected businesses can negotiate with the ATO for GST deferrals and remissions. https://www.austrade.gov.au/
COVID-19 and Custom Clearances
Australian borders are closed for all individuals other than Australian citizens and permanent residents. There is however no restriction on air and ship freight, but they have to go through strict quarantine processes. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has confirmed that there is no risk of disease transmission via cargo. Clearance of cargo containers are subject to Biosecurity Import Condition System (BICON). A detailed list Dos and Don’ts for cargo clearance can be found here.
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/arrival/clearance-inspection/cargo-containers
In Australia custom clearance systems largely rely on importers and purchasers self- declaring. There is a system in place for incorporating the paperwork and declaration processes. There are many instances of goods held up in clearances, mostly due to the incorrect assessment of value, the import of prohibited goods and incomplete paperwork or payments.
Globalisation and open borders have meant a free-flow of people and goods. The terms of movement hinges on a complex web of regulations set out by different sovereign countries. International politics may affect custom clearances and it may be very difficult to stay on top of changing regulations, which can manifest as new import license requirements, special taxes and imposition of import quotas. Large and small businesses routinely engage in international trade with the help of expert freight forwarders and logistics partners.