Custom duties?

[batema]

After being put on hold and not getting where I wanted to go "three times" I will ask the question here.

If I import an Astrophysics mount 1100gto to Australia will I receive a phone call/some form of contact and then have to fill out a form advising of the cost and then pay duties to Australia Post before they release them to me?

Thanks

Mark

[h0ughy]

do you really think you can get away with it - ask ponders?

[RickS]

Is it coming via post, Mark? It was a while back but I thought my AP900 was sent by courier. The couriers will normally call and ask for a payment to get the shipment out of customs. My experience with Aust Post is that they will just send you paperwork in the mail.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Renato1]

If the value listed on the box including postage is over $1000, expect to have to pay 10% GST plus a fee to the Government.

More annoying is when couriers like FedEX do the job for the government, and charge you a fee for the "service" they have provided.
Regards,
Renato

[LewisM]

I think the total if declared over $1000 AUD is 14%. 10% GST plus 4% duty fee.

Last time I had an excisable item sent tome, they sent a letter in the post (Customs and Border Protection) telling me the amount. I then went down to Brisbane (Customs is near DFO at the airport) and paid it at the counter, they gave me a receipt, then I went and collected it off the back dock. No issues.

If someone sends it to you declared as a second hand mount, value under $1000,expect a request for original invoice/stat dec from the seller. If they say it's a gift, well....

Customs do check values online :)

[Peter Ward]

If it comes in via post, and is over $A1000 in value (regardless of whether it is a "gift") you will have to do a formal customs entry.

This will mean you have to complete a Nature 10 form, with tariff item numbers, AWB's etc. etc. It's a real bureaucratic PITA.

I believe now they can only be lodged electronically these days via a broker. Brokerage fees are usually about $150, plus a $40 odd dollar customs entry fee, plus a $10 security fee.

You then have to pay GST on the $A value of the goods and shipping.

Companies like Fedex and UPS do this for you...but know how to charge.

P.S.
I've been importing gear for 25+ years... there is no duty on telescope equipment. Photographic cameras however do have a small duty component