Many Australian businesses either import products or raw materials into the country, which can be a very complex procedure indeed. If the import procedure is not followed to the letter, this could result in delays, or even a refusal to allow the goods into the country, and in order to avoid this kind of issue, you are advised to make contact with a local customs broker.

The rules and regulations for importing goods into Australia can seem quite daunting for someone with no experience and would typically cover the following areas.

• Preparing and Submitting Relevant Documents – You have to submit declarations and provide the relevant information for the authorities when importing goods into Australia, and you are advised to use one of the established customs brokers in Sydney, who can easily be contacted through an online search.
• Ensuring the Documentation Fully Complies with Regulatory Requirements – As you would expect with any government agencies, all commercial paperwork must be correct, and even the slightest error can result in a long delay in receiving your goods.
• Checking for Permit Requirements – Some goods do require the importer to have the correct permit in order to import into Australia, and this is something that a local customs broker can handle on your behalf.
• Correct Product Classification – This is essential, as it determines the amount of taxation due, and getting this wrong could be a very costly mistake. An experienced customs broker would be able to classify the products/goods correctly, which ensures your goods will be taxed according to the right tariff.
• Customs Consultancy – In order to be certain that you are fully complying with the rules and regulations, a local customs broker can advise you on every aspect of the importing process, which could save you a lot of time and money.
• Handling Transportation – This is yet another area that a customs broker can handle, which really does take the strain from you, the importer, and with their expertise, the best transport form is guaranteed.
• Pre-Purchase Services – There are many pre-purchase tasks that a customs broker can carry out on your behalf, including product description and composition, screening potential suppliers, sample procurement, packaging and labelling. A good broker can act as a go-between, communicating with a foreign supplier to ensure that everything is in order, then finalising the order requirements.

When a person or company wishes to import goods into Australia, they, or a registered customs broker are the only people who can submit the application, and if you have little or no experience in this field, you are strongly advised to use an experienced customs broker, as they have the knowledge to ensure that the rules and regulations are adhered to, which will help the importing process to be smooth and trouble-free.

Green & Red Line Status

Some goods come under the Green Line status, which is usually quite a straightforward process that would not be delayed, yet some goods are classified as Red Line status, and such goods are liable to random inspections, which can cause long delays, especially if the customs officers are very busy.

Consult with an approved customs broker and you won’t be disappointed.