877 513 4094

Resources

INFOGRAPHICS

To ensure that you feel confident with the export and import process, we have created several handy flowcharts that explain the customs clearance process. You can view or download them below.

Air Freight Customs Clearance Explained

Sea Freight LCL Customs Clearance explained

Sea Freight FCL Customs Clearance explained

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FORMS

Below you can download many of the necessary customs clearance forms that you will require

Platinum® Standard Terms and Trading Conditions

Platinum® Authorisation and Acknowledgement of Trading Conditions

Australian Customs – Personal Effects B534 form

LCL/FCL – Packing Declaration

Importing to Australia ebook

 GET YOUR FREE IMPORTING TO AUSTRALIA EBOOK!

To help you understand the Australian import process we have compiled a handy ebook explaining Australian procedures and requirements. This must have guide to getting your goods to Australia covers all types of freight and includes links to required forms and videos to better explain the process.

Download Now

YOU CAN TRUST PLATINUM® TO HAVE YOUR CANADIAN GOODS PROCESSED THROUGH AUSTRALIA

Get a Quote

EXPORTING FROM CANADA TO AUSTRALIA: HOW DOES IT WORK?

Customs Clearance FAQs

WHAT ARE CUSTOMS BROKERS?
Your Customs Broker ensures that all of your goods pass through Customs and Quarantine in a timely and efficient manner. They monitor the cargo from the point of export through to the point of delivery. All of our customs brokers are licences by the Australian Border Force in accordance with the Customs Act 1901.
WHAT DO CUSTOMS BROKERS DO?

Customs Brokers are highly skilled in all facets of international trade, shipping, freighting, brokerage, warehousing, packaging, tax, GST assessments and transporting from point A to point B
After receiving the necessary documents from you, your customs broker will then –

  • Get in touch with the relevant shipping line or airline to receive notification of your cargo’s intended arrival date
  • Pay the shipping line’s port charges or airline’s terminal charges
  • Process your goods through Customs and Quarantine
  • Attend to any examinations or inspections conducted by the Australian Border Force (ABF), Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) or for any insurance purposes
  • Arrange for your cargo to be collected upon its arrival from the wharf or the airline terminal
  • Liaise with you in regards to delivery
  • Retain all of the import related documentation for five (5) years
DO I REALLY NEED A CUSTOMS BROKER?
Many people have tried to organise and clear their shipments themselves by contacting Customs and Quarantine directly. However, we strongly recommend against this, as airlines give you 24 hours in which to remove your cargo from their warehouse before they start charging you storage fees. In addition, sea freight depos only give you 3 days to collect your goods before you incur storage.
HOW MUCH DOES A CUSTOMS BROKER COST?
While each client and each shipment is unique, we provide you with a detailed quote prior to commencing work. This way, you will be aware of your estimated costs at all times.
FOR GOODS ENTERING AUSTRALIA, WHAT ARE THE DUTY AND GST RATES?
To provide you with accurate information, please contact us regarding the items that you wish to import. Please be sure to include supporting technical data sheets so that we can assess the duty and GST.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA SAVINGS IF MY PRODUCTS WILL BE IN AUSTRALIA FOR LESS THAN 12 MONTHS?
We may be able to assist you when your goods are to be in Australia for a short time. Call or email us to discover how.
DOES MY SEA FREIGHT SHIPMENT NEED A PACKING DECLARATION?
In accordance with DAWR regulations, a Packing Declaration is necessary for all sea freight shipments. This document must be completed by the packer / supplier of your goods and it is vital to help avoid high inspection fees.
BUT I ONLY HAVE A SMALL SEA FREIGHT SHIPMENT. IS THERE ANYTHING IMPORTANT I NEED TO KNOW?
For all that you need to know about Less than a Container Load (LCL) sea freight shipments, we recommend that you view the relevant infographic at the top of this page.
FOR SEA FREIGHT CARGO, WHO CHARGES THE PORT FEES?
The company that ships your cargo into Australia will charge the port fees. However, keep in mind that many shipping suppliers do not tell you about these fees when you purchase these goods. Unfortunately, many customers get a nasty shock when they get hit with Australian port fees, as they are on top of the cost of shipping the cargo and these costs may not have been taken into account beforehand.
I HAVE A SMALL AMOUNT TO IMPORT BY SEA FREIGHT… WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Platinum Freight has an easy to follow guide for Sea Freight FCL clearances located at the top of this page.
I WORK WITH BEVERAGES AND FOOD PRODUCTS AND WANT TO IMPORT INTO AUSTRALIA. WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS?

If you wish to import perishable food and drink into Australia there are many issues to take into consideration. For more information regarding requirements, please refer to the following –

You will also need to ensure that your food and labelling meets the Australian Food Standards. When our clients intend to ship food to Australia we always aim to check and ensure that all concerns have been addressed prior to shipment.
As a quick reference guide, here are the minimum requirements that must be addressed on the food or drink’s packaging or label:

  •  all writing must be in clear English
  •  all ingredients must be listed on the label
  •  the product’s expiry date, batch number or lot code must be clearly identifiable, as well as its country of manufacture
  •  the packaging must show your personal or business name as well as personal or business address