Compliance with Integrity, Delivered with Passion
Import Clearance
Documentation & preparing for shipping
Responsible trade practices and ensuring compliance with legal regulations:
Importers play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and compliance in the supply chain. To ensure lawful operations, it is essential to:
- Provide Accurate Documentation: Prepare and submit all required documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, import permits, and any biosecurity certificates relevant to the goods being imported. These documents must truthfully represent the nature and value of the goods.
Required Documentation
- Commercial Invoice: Details of the goods, their value, and the transaction.
- Packing List: Itemizes the goods in the shipment for customs review.
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms the origin of goods to meet tariff or trade agreement conditions.
- Import Permits: Required for restricted or regulated goods.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Necessary for plant-based goods, ensuring biosecurity compliance.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Acts as proof of shipment and ownership, issued by the shipping line.
- Insurance Certificate: Covers cargo risks during transit.
- Customs Declaration: Submitted to customs authorities to declare goods entering the country.
Making a declaration
- HS Code Accuracy: Correctly classify goods using precise Harmonised System (HS) codes to avoid erroneously declaring goods, fines, or delays.
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are prepared, including invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and permits.
- Timely Submission: Submit documentation on time to facilitate efficient customs processing and avoid delays.
- Biosecurity Documentation: Prepare additional documents for biosecurity compliance, such as phytosanitary certificates for plant-based goods and permits for restricted items, ensuring goods are free from contaminants, pests, or diseases.
- Partner with a Customs Broker: Collaborate with a qualified customs broker to streamline processes, ensure compliance with regulations, and reduce the risk of errors.
- Safeguard Australia's Ecosystems: Properly address biosecurity requirements to protect Australia's unique environment and agricultural industries from potential threats.
- Efficient Supply Chain Management: Adhering to these practices promotes smooth and compliant international trade operations, minimising risks and delays.
Letter of Authority
- Legal Requirement: Under Section 181 of the Customs Act 1901, a Letter of Authority is legally required to appoint a licensed customs broker to act on your behalf.
- Written Permission: Provides formal authorisation for the customs broker to submit import declarations or clear goods.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to customs laws, including accurate reporting of goods and legal procedures.
- Avoid Penalties: Protects both the business and the customs broker from penalties or delays due to unauthorised representation.
- Impact on Professional Liability Insurance: Without a Letter of Authority, customs brokers may face increased risks, potentially affecting their professional liability insurance coverage and premiums.
- Customs Recognition: Ensures customs officials recognise the broker's authority, preventing delays in goods clearance.
Moving your goods
Making Global Shipment Bookings with Network Agents
Simplifying the Booking Process
Our network of global agents ensures a streamlined process for booking shipments, connecting you to trusted carriers worldwide for reliable and efficient transport.
Key Features of Our Global Booking Services:
- Global Connectivity: Access a vast network of agents to arrange bookings with carriers in key trade locations worldwide.
- Customised Solutions: Tailor bookings based on your cargo requirements, preferred modes of transport, and delivery schedules.
- Documentation Support: Assist with preparing and verifying essential shipping documents.
Choosing who moves your shipment
Negotiating the terms of a contract of sale
- Buyer-Controlled Incoterms:
Opting for Incoterms like EXW (Ex Works) or FOB (Free on Board) gives the buyer greater control over the shipment. The buyer is responsible for arranging transportation, insurance, and managing customs processes, ensuring oversight of the entire supply chain.
- Seller-Controlled Incoterms:
Incoterms such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) place more responsibility on the seller. The seller arranges shipping, insurance, and delivery, limiting the buyer's involvement in the logistics process.
Assessing Risk and Responsibility
- Risk Transfer:
Incoterms define the point at which risk transfers from seller to buyer. For example, under FOB, the risk transfers once the goods are loaded onto the shipping vessel, whereas under CIF, the seller bears the risk until the goods reach the port of destination.
- Liability:
Both parties must carefully consider liability for cargo damage, loss, or delay during transit, which is influenced by the chosen Incoterm.
Securing Control of Cargo
- Negotiation:
Buyers should negotiate terms that align with their ability to manage logistics, including transport, insurance, and customs clearance. Clear communication ensures that both parties understand their responsibilities.
- Documentation:
Ensure proper documentation, including shipping instructions, bills of lading, and insurance certificates, is prepared and shared. Accurate paperwork maintains control and reduces risks.
- Professional Relationships:
Establish strong ties with trusted customs brokers and shipping agents to maintain oversight and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
By choosing Incoterms that align with your operational priorities and risk tolerance, and by working alongside knowledgeable professionals, you can maintain firm control over your cargo and confidently navigate the intricacies of international trade
Customs Status
Understanding Customs Status
Customs status refers to the current stage of a shipment in the customs clearance process. It indicates whether the goods are under review, awaiting documentation, subject to inspection, or cleared for release. The status is determined by factors such as:
- Submission and accuracy of required documents.
- Completion of customs risk assessments.
- Payment of duties and taxes.
- Compliance with biosecurity and import regulations.
Monitoring the customs status of your shipment helps ensure timely clearance and allows you to address any issues promptly.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) generally does not provide cargo status updates directly over the phone. Instead, they recommend using the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), which allows importers, exporters, and brokers to track the status of their cargo electronically. This system evaluates whether a consignment can be released based on conditions like documentation, customs risk assessments, and biosecurity checks.
If you encounter issues or need assistance, you can contact the Cargo Systems Support Centre during business hours. They may guide you on how to access or interpret cargo status information via the ICS, but they typically require you to provide detailed information about your shipment.
For more details, you can explore the ABF's Cargo Systems Support page or their guide on cargo status.