What do I need to know about Customs and tax when ordering parts from the US?

I'll probably be ordering a few hundred dollars worth of parts from Coz in the near future. Are there any value limits which I need to keep below in order to avoid extra costs, ex Aust customs, taxes, etc? I need to order enough to do a plenum pull, and I was thinking of doubling everything up so I have a spare set. There's a few other goodies on the list as well, which can wait for a later order if I need to keep below any $$ amounts.

I've read through a few posts, and USPS seems to be the cheapest postage -thanks to those who have previously posted info on that.

Cheers,

Dangerous

 

Keep your order Below $1K and no Duty or GST

 

I think just suck it and see. I know many people who have never paid duty on orders worth many thousands of dollars. I'm not sure how other vendors operate but Coz usually sends the invoice separately to make sure that you get it.

Of course budget for duty in case you are required to pay it.

 

If you stay under $1000 including postage, then there are no problems, since customs are on a blitz at the moment, it's best to keep it above board .
For now if it's over $1000, weigh up the cost off tax's and freight, then split it up and send to different address and names.
USPS is the best for us but a pain for US vendors, they pefer UPS,FEDEX as they pickup and don't require a trip to the post office.
It's better to talk over the phone, rather than a email trail.

ross

 

In march last year I bought $2000+ worth of gear from coz with no problems. Ill be doing the same with z1 next month, might try the separate addresses tho...

 

Since mr Harveys, public spit, (re online shopping ) customs , for now , has come down hard on most overseas imports, some slip through, but many are being stopped and are asked for a paper trail, ranging from online price checking to a paper trail investegation involving payments from bank statements.
Be carefull, i know off a few people who over the years , their items have sailed through, but now are being asked to produce paperwork to clear items.

ross

 

When i bought $2000+ from AMS alot came direct from Z1 and they didn't mark down the price like had been asked to be done... It got stuck in customs for a while and I got sick of waiting and called up, had to pay $280 or something in taxes.

 

I reckon Ross is on the money.

If you take the time to read the actual $1,000 rule (I have - it was hard to find on the customs website but perseverance pays), the customs people can combine separate shipments to the same person, same address, etc and consider them a single import for duty purposes.

That's what the law provides, but actually doing that is obviously a different problem for them.

But I wouldn't go spending $999 a week with the same supplier for goods coming to the same address - that would really be tempting fate.

 

PM sent - Secret Women's Business

 

Thanks , 2010 V's 2011, it pays to be a step ahead
All over the interweb, there are storys off people who's imports which sailed through(2010 ) that are being stopped (2011 )and questioned.
Keep it straight, and split, for now .
After many years off importing, all i'll advise, cross your T's dot your I's cover you ass.
Since the AU v's US dollar is close, why temp fate.
It's not the time to try and dodge customs,

ross

 

It should now be called the HARVEY TAX . I hope he goes broke. Not happy with making a dollar he wants the whole lot. I will never set foot in one of his stores again. Funny how he went quiet when he relised most people think he is a arse. But i bet he is just pushing it quietly now hoping every one forgets.

 

Duty / GST is cauclated on the combined cost off the item and post,
It's not worth inflating a postage cost as it's included in the $1000 threshold.
They do and will check the claimed value off a item against AU sellers, then overseas,
The hard part is trying to convince them you payed less,
WE use custom brokers now, best thing we ever done,

ross

 

How is duty and GST calculated?
The Customs value of goods imported into Australia is known as the ?transaction value?. It is usually the amount you paid for your goods, converted to Australian currency. The exchange rate that is used is the rate applied on the day the goods were posted (exported).

When the goods you import are valued at more than A$1000, or include alcohol or tobacco products of any value, a Customs value is used as the basis for calculating the amount of any duty and/or GST and other taxes payable.

Duty payable is calculated on the Customs value of the goods. Relevant duty rates are determined by the Customs Tariff Act 1995 and are applicable at the time an import declaration is made.

GST is paid on the Value of the Taxable Importation (VoTI). The VoTI is the sum of the Customs value, transport and insurance costs (or postage and insurance) plus any duty payable and WET payable

From the custom site, note the last section,

ross