Importing perils - seeking advice

[stephen low]

Am just having a wonderful read of the customs legislation....I needed that sleep!

Anyway, can anyone pre-warn me of the pitfalls of sea freighted goods in advance.

This relates to the impending purchase of a Tremec gearbox and bits out of the States.

As one issue I am aware of a possible duty dodge for goods declared as made in the USA but what level of proof is needed on this and what other information if any is needed?

Have to pay GST that's a given but are there other ways and means to soften the custom's blows?

Cheers

Steve

[Tenrocca]

For the free trade componant - I just wrote up a statement indicating the good (wheels) were made wholly in the US from US sourced materials. I just supplied this to the shipping company when they called to let me know the goods were in town.

send me your email and I can send you a copy of the letter I used. ttenroca@tpg.com.au.

Cheers

[stiffy]

Steve,


1. Thats why when you buy local its more expensive that from the net.


2. The time you have spent on the forum discussing the importation of goods you could have flown over and brought them back as hand luggage without paying the G.S.T. and duty

3. There is no such thing as a FREE LUNCH.......


STIFFY THE IMPORTER

[stephen low]

Stiff

3 - everyone knows that

2 - had a mate just come back from the US, he was happy to carry on luggage but i couldn't afford the hernia operation costs for him

1 - if it touches ground in any form and customs get hold of it any net purchase will rapidly approach local prices

Trying to read the legislation is giving me a headache.

Think I'll go get a beer instead..................

[Wallyk]

Imported a gearbox about 4 months ago. Was not able to get Free trade USA as gearbox specifies built in Mexico. Tried getting 5% duty but ended up paying 10% Duty ,Customs wanted a CAMs vehicle racing type for 5%. All up air freight, Duty, GST and custom/brokerage was approximatly $1000AUS on a US$1850 gearbox.
Wallyk

[richardferguson]

Originally Posted by stiffy

Steve,


1. Thats why when you buy local its more expensive that from the net.


2. The time you have spent on the forum discussing the importation of goods you could have flown over and brought them back as hand luggage without paying the G.S.T. and duty

3. There is no such thing as a FREE LUNCH.......


STIFFY THE IMPORTER

Give it to 'em Stiffy
Best advice I've read this week.
The image of trying to stick a gearbox in an overhead locker appeals
Richard

[Merv and Sharon]

Steven, You probably know that under $1000 is GST free and the FTA means that the only costs you should have are for the freight and handling. Provided that you have a statement from the seller that the product is made in the USA, you should have no problems. The import agent can advise of any issues that arise. I had no problems with tyres/tires and wheels.

Merv

[400TT]

By co-incidence I just unloaded a container today. It was like a bottomless pit. I am sure it was bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside.

Steve, for country of origin, basically they take your word on it. I'll let you ponder the risks of a false declaration.

I assume you are sharing a container with what seems to be the favourite importer for Melbournites or another. So will have just been given a price for freight costs and won't have to worry about all the details.

Yeah, see if you can buy a Tremec that costs less than $1000 on paper.

Also check about insurance.

Good luck with it.

[stephen low]

There's three of us bring in boxes and other stuff in support so am uncomfortable witha <$1000 call and as said Tremec print made in Mexico on the side which I've since learnt today is not part of the USofA. Strange since they're attached.

So may just have to take the lumps which are still cheaper than buying of someone here.

Oh and we were going to be the import agents or is there a heap of trouble likely with this route?

[400TT]

If you have the time and energy, no problem with being the import agents. Customs is friendly and helpful with the paperwork required. It's much easier though if you can go into the customs office in person and have the ladies tell you what to write where, particularly the codes required etc. I did it myself years ago.

[sideshow]

i got a parcel worth 1400 us

and they put that invoice on it

had to pay 170 duty

so its not too bad

if u know them u can get them to write a dodgey invoice and then email u the correct invoice

thats what i did in my latest massive box of ls2 l76 l98 air flow meters and other stuff

another time i looked at buying this special battery powered crimper
i can get it from the uk but they wanted 300 bucks for postage
would have saved only a bit after i paid duty
then if the product failed im stuffed with what to do for warranty
as it would cost me 200 bucks to send it back then 300 back here again

so maybe see if its all worth it

for a 2000 dollars part from usa say u pay 200 duty
then u might pay 200 freight

are u goin to save thta much

if u are saving abit then just pay it

ive had parcels sent as gifts and they make them look like girly boxes and ****
but very little gets past them

probably the only way to not get cause is to find someone bring **** over in a contaner and chuck the boxes in

not many containers get checked totally

[trularin]

Pray the ship does not sink.

[Rob. Smith]

two bits worth..I imported gauges from england and was stung pretty hard. The customs bloke then told me that if it was less than 1000 bucks it would have been cheaper so I should have bought two separate packages.
A work colleague, who caught onto the "birthday gift" angle, got a letter from the customs tax department suggesting that he had, had a few too many birthdays that year and next year he should age a bit slower. Customs do have a sense of humour !
Smithy

[C0braed]

Do a price check with Summit for freight and gearbox ad 10% duty and 10% tax and that is all you will pay then check what the same box is going to cost here Hogster air freighted one in and saved heaps

[stiffy]

Steve,

I purchased some side pipes and a car cover from Factory Five Racing, 5 days shipping to my door, no hasstles.

The box was huge and heavy well packed and the shipping cost was OK considering the size. But the things I purchased dont need warranty, tehrefore no drama's, but for a gearbox/engine I would be a little bit worried. What if its a DOA Who would pay the freight back? I know you can get the same box locally for about the same price, no frieght, local warranty and FAST.

STIFFY

[stephen low]

Thanks guys for the comments.

Have committed to a new TKO600 and associated parts a tad late but the contacts weren't available to me until a few days ago, a shame.

However these items will still be less than just a gearbox here by a long stretch. Boxes are to be rebadged made in the USA so I'll try the duty free angle but playing it cautious on price as I want the goods insured.

We will see how this all pans out.

Cheers

[400TT]

Good luck with it mate, you've done all your homework, so I expect it will all go smoothly for you.