Buying online, import taxes?

[AnakChan (Sean)]

Hi folks, as I’ve just relocated back to Australia, I have to reacclimatize back to the local culture and guidelines. I’m curious about overseas online purchases and what sort of taxes/duties that may come my way. I understand that if I purchase something that’s more than $1000 I ‘m subject to some import and/or GST?? Is that $1000 inclusive of shipping?? Also what are the various tax rates? I”m guessing that it’s the amount above the $1000 that’s taxable?

[Rainmaker (Matt)]

Welcome back Sean,
Overseas purchases taxation has changed recently and as a result companies selling to Australia are required to collect 10% GST on any purchases of any amount..... However, only companies transacting more than $75K p.a. are required to register and actually do so. eBay, AliExpress, Amazon etc all now charge the 10% GST if the goods are coming from overseas.

Having said that, I have sourced some expensive equipment from overseas and it has just turned up at the doorstep without any hint of Customs intervention....

Cheers,
Matt

[rrussell1962]

Hi Sean, the GST is calculated on the delivered cost to the customer inclusive of shipping, customs fees and any other charges. There is no minimum threshold.

[JA]

Originally Posted by Rainmaker

Welcome back Sean,
Overseas purchases taxation has changed recently and as a result companies selling to Australia are required to collect 10% GST on any purchases of any amount..... However, only companies transacting more than $75K p.a. are required to register and actually do so. eBay, AliExpress, Amazon etc all now charge the 10% GST if the goods are coming from overseas.

Having said that, I have sourced some expensive equipment from overseas and it has just turned up at the doorstep without any hint of Customs intervention....

Cheers,
Matt

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Best
JA

[Peter Ward]

10% GST on both shipping and the goods is correct.
If customs intercept the package, then an electronic customs entry fee is also applied

For shipments under $10,000 it's about $50 and for those over that, then $185.00

If you need to make a formal customs declaration on a N10 customs form, and are not confident in doing so yourself, you'll need customs broker. They typically charge $150 or so.

[AnakChan (Sean)]

Cheers for the responses. I won’t be spending that much, maybe around the $1000 - $2000 for now & possibly around the $3000 - $4000 for misc items with smaller businesses like CyclobsOptics, Kyoei, PreciseParts, etc.