I just need some help searching old posts.
I am looking for a post from a couple of months ago where someone was hit with excessive charges when importing once the parts arrived.
Does anyone remember the post or who posted it??
I've done a number of searches with no success.
Just I'm in the same boat and am interested in what happened before I fork out the dough!!
Thanks,
Andy

[Edited on 1-7-2003 by Andy]

Pretty easy to calculate cost.
REMEMBER-duty will be expected on all items (15%).
THEN- GST (10%) on total cost, this means purchase price, shipping, insurance, documentaion fees and handling this end.
Handling and documentation fees are if using a freight company to clear customs not postal shipping.

As a side note, if the item is for "aviation useage" and the invoice states as such then you can remove the duty. A friend is building an aircraft in QLD and all of the materials, tools etc are imported from the states, so he is paying NO duty.
He has just purchased a $25K USD 360 CI aircooled engine (lycoming) and is duty free....saved a bundle.

Here's the earlier thread

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2407

:thumb

Thanks Jen, I did find that one, but seem to remember another thread??

Speedster356 thanks for the great info. Forgive my ignorance, but what's the difference between the two (Quote: Handling and documentation fees are if using a freight company to clear customs not postal shipping.)
That's exactly where I've been caught out. So how can you make sure it's sent one way or the other?

Buying from the UK or US? No just advice

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2559

Can't find another either

I recently had a streamlined fearing sent from NZ for the Spyder. Now I thought that the Graham Mcrae would send by mail as the item was only 1 mtr x 300mm x 300mm. He used my shipping agent that I transported my cars....so I was up for close to $400 when I picked it up after documentation costs and customs clearance etc! And the item was only $150NZ.....
Have the vendor use the US postal service if shipping from the US, they have lots of different shipping rates depending on the item sent. Have them item it as aviation parts (if you can).

Thanks again Folks. That answers most of my queries.
Speedster, that's exactly what I have been hit with. The parts (actually two push bikes ex Tiawan) were sent by a freight forwarder to Brisbanes port. ~$700 all totaled for bikes and sea freight which I was happy with, only to get told it's another $400 for documantation and customs :puke:puke:puke
Need a re-think for any future parts I get.
:thumb

Hmmm, I've never got around to importing parts yet though been studying it all for ages. It is all the added costs that bothers me.

Hey, anyone bring over aviation parts to Melbourne:sandrine

What type of item gets hit bad with import costs? Had to pay $200 once to pick up a rug I had sent home from India, ouch!!!

Well I guess we pay the price if it is something we can't easily get over here.

Reckon a steering box would count as aviation parts?... gotta control the flappy bits somehow...

My brother uses UPS from the states for his bike imports, cost a little extra for shipping but doesn't have to worry about extra costs etc this end.
Hmmmmm I think you have been importing some lowriders!

I now that KruizinKombi was hit with a bill for extra charges about 6 months after he got his parts maybe u2u him :thumb

wait till 2004 for the free trade between aus and USA!!!!!
cheers
rhys

I asked customs about the import duty's on a few things I was thinking on getting from the states, and this is what they sent me;
Goods imported to Australia valued over $250 ($1000 through the postal service) require a declaration called a Formal Customs Entry to be completed by the importer to clear their goods. The entry as well as shipping documents and commercial invoices for the goods should be lodged at Customs House. I suggest you consider using a Customs Broker to do this on your behalf. Courier companies usually complete the customs entry as part of their service. An import processing fee of around $50 will also apply.

Where goods are valued less than the above thresholds and the tax applicable is less than $50 Customs will waive the taxes.

Hope this helps.
Rob........

Welcome to the world of the importer...

Always declare the age of the vehicle that the parts fit (less duty for parts to suit cars over 30 years old).

If it fits a Kombi or Transporter, have the invoice state it is for a commercial vehicle.

Rubber wears much more duty than steel (rubber industry protected)

These are some tips - also have a good customs agent handle it, they can get things out of tight spots which the mere public can not (when it comes to dealing with customs!)

I've definately been charged duty+gst+processing fees on items sent via USPS that was under $1000 (once for my T4 stroker crank, once for some Berg parts, and another for some Porsche calipers). I too have read that <$1000 clause for items through the postal service, but it never seems to be the case. <$250 is always duty+gst from my experience though.

I agree with Guy though on the broker stuff though, everytime I've used UPS as a broker I've managed to get 3% duty.

A Q for Guy - can you use a broker if you get items sent USPS? Love the cheap postage, but hate getting hit with max car parts duty everytime though...and I have yet to see whether a "Parts for '66 VW" declaration on a USPS package will get cheaper duty through customs.

I dont think you can tie a broker to it if it comes by post - it gets stuck in their big system. We have been called to the airport to clear stuff sometimes - (bigger stuff) - not sure about how customs decides things......

Hmmm, taiwann... you wouldnt happen to be buying one of the new 3G cruisers or 2 would you?

No, I'll give you two more guess's though. I'd bet money you won't get it right
I'll post a pic later (still need to do some mods to it).
I've told Guy a while ago, but I don't think he will remember.
:thumb

I'll even give you a hint. Despite all the varied bikes I have, my passion is road racing (not that I'm good by any means).

Get a Litespeed - I will never buy another road bike again. Its a bit like wanting to go fast & buying an Enzo as your first car... Eh Andy!

Memory & beer - somethings missing thats for sure!

Is it gear driven ??

I import my stuff via the inlaws in the USA. It is funny that I can get away with a dozen or so Birthdays a year :

Yes Guy, the Litespeed is very desirable. So when will you join us for a club race?

Buggy Boyz. Your getting hot!! (I think you have a little inside info though??)

Any further guess's??
:thumb

Club Race?

Bit out of shape these days.... Have a new Cannondale MTB & just waiting for the young fellow to be old enough to sit in a baby seat on the back....

If that's the case, try some MTB orienteering. Great family fun!! Not too much fitness required.

And for VW content, you can come out to see a very nice Deluxe miro!!!!
:o

Just thought I'd add a detail to the duties info here (I didn't know about the $1000 limit by post - thanks.) The duty for car parts is only 5% if the car is over 30 years old - I know, 'cos mine is (and DHL called me to ask this question.)

Thanks for that 70autostk (it was mentioned by Guy above).
For Bay window stuff I guess you could get away saying it was for a pre '73 model, even if you have a later model, as many parts are interchangable!

Has anyone had any dealings with CB performance in the US?
as of today the aussie dollar is looking better

forgive me for asking, but UPS is not the same as USPS yer?
also if ups couriers the stuff do they take care of all the conveyancing and clearing etc? or do i get an agent to do that? :|

no UPS is not usps (United states postal service)
last time I got a package from CB via UPS ( the only way they like to send it) UPS in Australia was quite diligent in collecting duty and GST and then added about $50 for various reporting and inspection fees.
But it was at my door in about 6 days from ordering.
Jeff

Sounds complicated is all i can say - there was a post on the old forum that talked about ways of dodging all the bureaucracy and some of the costs. I am considering importing a set of Webber for my type 3 from CB Performance - any suggestions. I have contacts in the US that could take delivery rewrap them and label as a gift . Would that work ?

Does anybody know if any local supplier sells the type 3 kits here ?

Check on ebay for new Webers. 40's and 44's are common as a kit ...oops for type 1!
I paid $400 USD for a new kit complete with new 44's.
Just need to get around the customs part which can get ya.