I have just found that as of 3 weeks ago, the Australian govt has put restrictions and duties on all imported goods worth over $1000 in value. Goods over $1000 also need to be through a broker and 3 forms need to be filled out, one of which must be by the seller. Any goods where the appropriate fees and paperwork is not submitted within 60 days are forfeited.
My friend recently imported motorcycle parts with a stated value of $1100. The parcel was intercepted by customs who then checked the value and determined it to be $1500, the postage was $80 so the tax applicable was $158 and the brokerage fee $300 which also incurred a $30 tax. The final cost was $1668, just over a 50% increase in the actual purchase cost. How customs determined the value I do not know, but the actual purchase cost was $1100 as stated. So anyone that is bringing goods into Australia beware, keep your goods well under $1000 and if that is not possible be prepared for the $300 extra in appointing a broker as well as a 10% tax
David
My friend recently imported motorcycle parts with a stated value of $1100. The parcel was intercepted by customs who then checked the value and determined it to be $1500, the postage was $80 so the tax applicable was $158 and the brokerage fee $300 which also incurred a $30 tax. The final cost was $1668, just over a 50% increase in the actual purchase cost. How customs determined the value I do not know, but the actual purchase cost was $1100 as stated. So anyone that is bringing goods into Australia beware, keep your goods well under $1000 and if that is not possible be prepared for the $300 extra in appointing a broker as well as a 10% tax
David
