Why Should I Hire a Licensed Customs Broker to Assist with Customs Clearance in Australia?

When considering whether you need a customs broker in Australia, the answer is yes, especially if you’re importing goods. A licensed Customs broker plays an integral role in helping importers adhere to legal obligations, accurately estimate import costs, submit required declarations, and navigate the process of clearing goods through Customs. However, it’s not just about compliance; a seasoned broker can also offer strategic advice on minimising costs and avoiding delays, making them an invaluable asset to your import operations.

In Australia, the Australian Border Force provides licenses to qualified Australian custom brokerages, who can help you understand and scrutinise customs duty and taxes, quarantine requirements, trade regulations and other crucial customs clearance documents. For that reason, relationships between brokers and clients often form before any importing begins. If you need a licensed customs broker in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth we have an onsite presence, we are ready and waiting to assist.

Fundamentally, our licensed and highly trained brokers and customs agents can explain any customs charges that relate to your operations as well as minimise the risk of mishaps, which could save you a small fortune and a lot of hard work in the long run. If you do have any questions, you can of course ask your local customs broker agent or brokerage company directly. https://www.abf.gov.au/licensing/brokers/about

Do I Need a Customs Broker to Submit Customs Declarations?

‘The Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) provides that only the owner of goods or a customs broker or agent licensed by the Comptroller-General of Customs for the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) can submit an import declaration to enter goods for home consumption in connection with the importation of those goods’. https://www.abf.gov.au/licensing/brokers/overview

By law, only a licensed customs broker or the owner of the imported goods can submit an import declaration, but the majority of importers choose to hire a customs broker to simplify what can be an extremely complex process that poses a number of financial and operational risks. For example, you can receive a financial penalty for wrongly completing the paperwork. Plus, if your goods are detained for lengthy periods, you risk losing customers and diminishing your reputation. Your dedicated Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth customs import clearance broker will help you obtain and fill out all required customs documentation so that you can get on with business as usual without having to contend with the authorities or amend mistakes.

What Complexities and Implications Are Inherent with Freight Customs Clearances for Businesses?

Most shipments with Green Line Status experience very few problems with clearance processing. However, Red Line Status Shipments, which refer to problems with random checks, inspections, holds, audits and more, can cause lots of problems for importers. Our customs brokers are well-versed in the technicalities of the Customs clearance and Quarantine Clearances of imported goods, allowing them to deal with the challenges associated with legislation, documentation and dealing with the relevant agencies.

Not only can our customs brokers and customs clearance agents help you understand the complexities of customs duties and the importation process, but we can also make sure that all the required information is provided to make the customs clearance process prompt and seamless, alleviating risks associated with detentions, unnecessary storage and penalties. Our first customs clearance consultation is free of charge, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with our team.

Our Customs Clearance Services for Imports include;

• Electronic lodgement of Full Import Declaration (FIDS)
• Tariff Advice Applications
• Valuation Advice Applications
• Tariff Concession Orders (TCO) applications
• Tradex and related industry schemes
• Duty drawbacks/refunds
• Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
• Landed costing
• Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Acts and Regulations
• Prohibited Import Acts & Regulations
• Self-Assessment Clearance (SAC)