Importing Car Parts - Q's about Duty etc.

[GoldCoastDC5R]

Hey all, i know quite a few ppl on here import bits and peices for their cars from overseas.

I'm just wondering wat the laws are relating to the price of goods you can import before you have to pay duty and GST. I thought it was $1000 in total but someone said its $1000 per item? I tried looking at the customs website but couldn't find much info.

If anyone can point me to the guidelines it would be greatly appreciated.

[jlo]

Pretty sure its cumulative, not $1000 per item.

Look here, couple examples down the page: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5549

Going through the same thing myself, trying to find Integra Type S rims for sale is Aus is pretty difficult...

[fueltank]

Hey all, i know quite a few ppl on here import bits and peices for their cars from overseas.

I'm just wondering wat the laws are relating to the price of goods you can import before you have to pay duty and GST. I thought it was $1000 in total but someone said its $1000 per item? I tried looking at the customs website but couldn't find much info.

If anyone can point me to the guidelines it would be greatly appreciated.

$1000 per package.

[Evatec]

Hi Anthony,

The following applies currently (disclaimer: See governemnt web site to verify).
$1000 cummulative by post or air express is the limit provided goods are not be resale. If the goods are imported for resale, then tax applies. If goods are coming from the US, then no duty applies (free trade agreement). From Japan, then 10% duty applies.

For example, you you import $1400 (over the $1000 limit) of goods from Japan, then you will pay $140 duty, then $154 GST on the $1540 ($1400 + $140 duty). From the US, $1,400 attracks only $140 GST. (NB. I like how customs charge GST on duty).

Under $1000, and not for resale, then no duty or GST applies.

For the above reasons, importing from the US can be cheaper than from Japan.

It can get worse though. Customs can force you to fill in an application to import once goods are valued over $1000, then even more charges apply. Just ask anyone that has imported a car or engine by ship into Australia.

Send me a pm if you like for additional (non-documented) information.

[jlo]

importing from the US can be cheaper than from Japan.

Slightly off topic....has anyone ever bought / imported parts from Japan? Did you use an "importer" to do this?

I wouldn’t mind buying a couple of items in Japan, but communicating in Japanese isn’t one of my strengths.

[supernatural]

thx for the info evatec...

[Irish R]

Good info,reminds me of the nightmare i had with customs in sydney trying to get my car cleared.
4 days late and @$1400 unbudgeted later i learnt aussie customs are probably the sternest going!

[A'PEXi]

what is it that you are trying to import tony?

[TeMp]

If goods are coming from the US, then no duty applies (free trade agreement).

This is not entirely true. Goods that receive tax free from US to AU must be goods that are entirely made in the US as opposed to just from.

If you send small amounts of goods you can usually get away with the tax as they don't check.

[LUP15]

so ANY car parts under the value of $1000 is tax and duty free huh... hmm think aus post jipped me.

also one other thing people have to remember is that the shipping and handling is included in this $1000 limit

[tinkerbell]

This is not entirely true. Goods that receive tax free from US to AU must be goods that are entirely made in the US as opposed to just from.

so funny!

i imported a PWR radiator (made in Brisbane) from USA for $580ish, no GST or anything...

RRP in australia is $805, LOL!

[Evatec]

This is not entirely true. Goods that receive tax free from US to AU must be goods that are entirely made in the US as opposed to just from.

If you send small amounts of goods you can usually get away with the tax as they don't check.

Yes, very true. I should have been more explicit when I mentioned "from the US". Yes, it technically must be manufactured in the US.

However, a number of items that originally were made outside of the US (ie. Japan etc) usually are not stamped with the country of origin. Just too easy in most cases to import and by-pass duty.

[GoldCoastDC5R]

So what about a half cut of a car?

[tinkerbell]

information@customs.gov.au

[tinkerbell]

they are really helpful people, just be clear and upfront about what you are intending to do...