It seems like an overwhelming process when one thinks about sending parcels to Australia. kaboom Logistics knows how to take care of shipment of parcels to different shipping companies in Australia as well as internationally. Either you are sending shipments as a small enterprise and need an international shipping service for that or you are simply trying to send a package to a relative. We are here to assist you with the shipping information to make the entire process much more understandable.

When you are sending a parcel through a shipping company in Australia, be sure that the task is not as complicated as it seems. There are some factors worth considering when sending the parcels to a shipping company in Australia.

Reasons for shipping to a shipping company in Australia

Shipping parcels to Australia can have huge number of reasons. As a small business, you might be looking out for expanding your services on international level and for that you may want to search for the best shipping companies in Australia according to your requirements. Moreover, you may have a cherished one living away on another continent and perhaps they need to receive a thoughtful gift from you that is delivered safely to the destination.

There are endless possibilities. However, whatever the reason might be, searching for the right shipping company for your needs is essential.

Australian Customs Information

If you are importing the goods to a shipping company in Australia; to complete and attach a custom invoice along with your shipment is a legal requirement. Whether you are sending gifts, product samples or personal belongings, your shipment will not be able to cross the border if the customs invoice is not attached with it. Unless you are only sending the documents, you will have to pay a huge amount of sum if the parcel is returned back.

 Customs invoice and its use

The custom authorities of the destination country use the custom invoice to inspect and access the goods imported and to levy any duties or taxes that may be applicable to the goods that are being imported to the country. It is essential to note that the shipping company does not apply any additional charges; rather the charges are applied by the country’s custom authorities. So when transporting goods to a shipping company in Australia, the sender must comply with the rules.

Sending goods temporarily into Australia?

If the goods being imported to a shipping company in Australia have to be returned or sent elsewhere within the 12 months, this is referred to as a temporary import. It is improbable that any tax or duty will be applied on these kinds of shipments. Nevertheless, there are some strict terms for these shipments. If the customs are not informed by the sender about the departure of goods, then the payment of tax and duty becomes necessary as would have been on the arrival of goods on the first day.

Shipping Gifts to Australia

Gifts are classified in a separate category and they are not included in personal belongings. Therefore, any gift you may send to a loved one in Australia will be subjected to normal custom clearance procedure. Unfortunately, for sending gifts through a shipping company in Australia, there is no concession on duties and taxes. Therefore, the recipient has to pay the tax and duties for the custom clearance of goods. This condition is not subjected to any dispute as it is imposed by Australian custom authorities.

Shipping Personal Effects to Australia

All the goods that are imported into Australia are thought of as personal belongings that are unaccompanied in certain conditions. Duty, goods and services tax (GST) may be applied on these goods. However, the sender may be exempted from the tax and duty on the personal effect shipment on following conditions:

• If the sender personally used and owned the goods for at least 12 months before sending to shipping company in Australia
• If the sender has arrived or intends to arrive in Australia
• If the sender is a permanent resident of Australia or if they are migrating to Australia for the first time from another country

The goods that can be exempted from the tax and duty and that can be acknowledged as personal effects include furniture, clothing items (personal), books, rugs and bicycles.

It is imperative to complete the customs declaration properly and clearly. The sender has to clearly state and specify the items included in the package to demonstrate that the shipment consists of personal effects. For instance if the package consists of personal clothing items, the sender would state 3 shirts, 2 pair of jeans and 5 dresses etc instead 10 x clothing items.

Personal belongings that do not meet the criteria for exemption:

• Tobacco and Alcohol products
• Parts for cars, motorcycles or other vehicles
• Commercial goods
• Goods purchased from overseas while residing in Australia
• Goods which were donated

Prohibited Goods, Restricted Goods and Packaging

For quarantine, security and custom reasons, there are some items that are not allowed to be imported into Australia. It is noteworthy that some prohibited items can still be imported if the recipient obtains a permit or license of import in advance.

One must be aware that sending items such as wooden products and food items must go through custom clearance.

It is important to be aware that any shipments containing any restricted items such as foodstuffs or wooden products may result in the shipment having to be cleared by Australian quarantine, which can result in delays and potential additional charges.

To avoid any major issues, avoid the following packaging materials:

1. Egg cartons
2. Wooden boxes
3. Cardboard boxes that have been used to hold fruit, meat or vegetables
4. Straw material
5. Dried plant material

It is essential to note that all wooden boxes, pallets or crates must be decontaminated and also be escorted with a fumigation certificate for entrance into Australia.