Import export customs clearance Australia

Freight Forwarder Quote Online’s fully accredited team of Australian customs brokers have all the expertise you need when it comes to getting import export customs clearance for your cargo in Australia or overseas.

Customs clearance when importing via air

We provide customs clearance for cargo being imported to the following major Australian airports:

Customs clearance when importing via sea

We provide customs clearance for cargo being imported to the following major Australian seaports:

Customs clearance when exporting to overseas

We provide export customs clearance services for 40,000 overseas locations. See the major overseas airports and major overseas seaports we cover.

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Preparation and lodgement of quarantine documents

Biosecurity is the area within the Department of Agriculture which works to prevent pests and diseases from entering our country. This was previously done by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

They require reports and documentation from the importer before the arrival of goods such as the Quarantine Pre-Arrival Report (QPAR). Once the cargo reaches our port it then may require further documentation, such as a Fumigation Certificate.

Our professional brokers will ensure your cargo has all the required quarantine documentation in a timely and well-prepared fashion so there are no delays. More information regarding quarantine and inspection.

Preparation and lodgement of excise return

Importers wishing to deliver excisable goods for domestic consumption must report or return excise liabilities if they import the following products into Australia:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Fuel
• Similar goods

You can do so through any of the following options:

• Periodic settlement permission
• Settlement period
• Prepayment
• Lodging or amending an excise return

We can assist you in working out what method is best when returning or reporting excise liabilities to be. Call us at 1300651233.

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A range of documents is required for customs clearance into Australia. This documentation is dependent on many factors, including the type of cargo and the country of origin. Let our team of custom brokers help you by processing this documentation. We have listed below the major items, to give you an outline of what is involved.

Bill of Lading

This is a legal document between the shipper and the carrier of goods. It serves as the receipt for the shipment once it has been delivered to its destination.

It is important that this be with the cargo throughout the entire freight process. It has to be signed by the authorised representatives from the shipper, carrier and receiver.

Commercial invoice

Customs require importers to submit a commercial invoice to them in order to confirm the true value of your goods. This should have the following information:

• Date
• Terms of sale
• Your product
• Manufacturer
• Place of origin
• Destination
• HTS code

Packing list

This is a document that provides the details regarding the contents of your cargo including weight and dimensions.

Quarantine packing declaration

Australian quarantine (Biosecurity) requires the submission of a quarantine packing declaration once your shipment has arrived through sea freight. These may be either:

• Single LCL or FCL shipment declaration
• Annual packing declaration

Unfamiliar? We are experienced in preparing quarantine packing declarations. Contact us online today or call us on 1300651233.

Insurance certificate

This is used to verify the insurance coverage of your cargo issued by an insurance company and should have the following information:

• Date of effectivity
• Type of insurance
• Dollar amount of the applicable liability

Have any other questions about import export customs clearance? We have more information for you. Visit our import FAQ and export FAQ pages.

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Origin and preference including FTAs

Reduced or nil rate of duty can be achieved by properly defining where your goods originated and correctly classifying your goods. If there is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and that country of origin, you will need to check whether your goods’ classification qualifies for a reduced or nil rate of duties. Watch this video to see the list of FTAs Australia has with other countries.

Don’t know how to begin? We are here to help you. Send us a message or call us on 1300651233.

Refund and duty drawback applications

Who doesn’t want a refund and duty drawback? You sure do! However, there are specific circumstances that must exist in order for importers and exporters to take advantage of this.

Want to know if your goods are eligible? Talk to us at 1300651233.

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Tariff concession orders for imports

A Tariff Concession Order (TCO) reduces the duty payable on certain goods to zero. This applies to goods which do not have an Australian-made substitutable good. However, forms and relevant attachments need to be submitted to make your goods entitled for TCO. The process involves:

• Application
• Revocation
• Assessment

This is often tricky, especially for first-time importers, so our broker team is here to help with providing this service.

Tariff advice for import export customs clearance

Our licensed customs brokers are up-to-date with the import tariffs of all (hundreds) Australia’s cargo classifications when importing from various countries. Their experience in import export customs clearance means they can also help with tariffs when exporting overseas.

Call us on 1300651233 for help on working out your cargo’s tariff.

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Commercial consignment valuation and classification

Do you know that commercial consignment is free from export duties once Australian Customs has recognised it as such? However, importers and exporters need to correctly value and classify the cargo and the submit documentation.

Dumping and countervailing duty assessment

Additional duties applied to goods sourced from outside Australia are antidumping duty and countervailing duty. These are put in place by the government in order to protect Australian trade. Talk to us if you want to know whether the goods you are importing will be subject to these duties.

Import export customs clearance valuation advice

Customs determines, based on customs valuation, how much duty will be applied to your cargo. It is not just getting the value of the cargo from the invoice; it’s also considering the appropriate classification – and that can be tricky. One product may fit into five different classifications. Our licensed and experienced customs broker can help determine the specific customs value of your goods.

Let our expert broker help you with this. Feel free to contact us on 1300651233.

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Government assistance schemes for exporting

Are you an Australian business planning to export your products and needing financial assistance or business support? You’ll be happy to know the government has assistance programs that may be suitable for you.

For more information regarding the government assistance schemes for exporters here in Australia, refer to Assistance exporting from Australia.

We can help steer you in the right direction. Just give us a call.

Liaising with government and regulatory bodies

Concerned about the learning curve you face when processing your import/export clearance documentation through various government and regulatory bodies in Australia or overseas? We are happy to help.

FFQO has a global network that connects with the various government and regulatory agencies in Australia and overseas. Through our expertise and connections, we can save you significant effort.

Talk to us today. Call us on 1300651233.

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