Every shipment that enters or leaves Australia has to be declared to the government. Get it wrong and you risk delays, storage charges or penalties. Our licensed customs brokers get it right the first time, and explain what's happening in plain English.
A customs broker is licensed by the Australian Government to deal with the Australian Border Force on your behalf. Only the owner of the goods or a licensed customs broker can lodge an import declaration, and most businesses choose a broker because the rules are complex and mistakes are costly.
Smith Channon is both, so you deal with one team from start to finish.
From your supplier's documents to your goods being released, here's how we clear your shipment into Australia.
Your supplier's invoice, packing list and shipping documents tell us what the goods are, what they're worth and how they're travelling.
Every product has a code in the Australian customs tariff, and that code sets your duty rate. Getting it right means you pay the correct amount, not more.
We calculate duty and GST, and claim any free trade agreement savings your goods qualify for.
We submit your import declaration electronically to the Australian Border Force.
If your goods need checking or treatment, we arrange it with the Department of Agriculture.
Once duty, GST and charges are paid, your goods are free to be delivered.
Four steps to get your goods cleared, loaded and on their way, with the paperwork to keep your sale GST-free.
We confirm whether anything needs a permit or special permission.
Goods worth more than A$2,000, or any goods needing a permit, must be declared before they leave. We lodge it and get your Export Declaration Number, which your goods need before they can be loaded.
We help you get a certificate of origin, which proves your goods were made in Australia and can lower your buyer's import duty.
You'll have the proof of export you need to keep your sale GST-free.
Have these ready, or ask your supplier for them early, and your clearance will move much faster.
What was sold, who to, the price and the trade terms.
How many packages, what's in each, and their weights and sizes.
The shipping company's receipt for the goods.
Your supplier's statement about packaging materials, for biosecurity.
Needed to claim free trade agreement savings.
Only for certain goods. We'll tell you if yours need them.
Licensed customs brokers who explain things clearly, without jargon
Freight and customs under one roof, so nothing falls between the cracks
Free trade agreement savings claimed wherever your goods qualify
Clearing goods since 1877
Call us on 08 8447 1011 or email sales@smith-channon.com.au. Send us your documents and we'll take it from there.