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customs brokers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Inquiries

General Inquiries

We’d be happy to provide a quote! To get the most accurate pricing, please tell us:

  • The origin and destination of your shipment
  • The type of goods you’re shipping (e.g., personal belongings, commercial goods)
  • The size and weight of your shipment
  • Your preferred shipping method (e.g., air freight, ocean freight)

We offer a wide range of cargo services, including:

  • Ocean freight (FCL and LCL)
  • Air freight
  • Customs clearance
  • Inland transportation
  • Warehousing

Yes, we offer door-to-door service for both domestic and international shipments. This means we’ll pick up your goods from your origin and deliver them to your destination of choice.

Here’s a general overview to get you started. For detailed and up-to-date information, it’s always recommended to refer to the official Australian Border Force (ABF) website.

Key Requirements:

  • Export permit: Not all goods require an export permit, but it’s best to check with the ABF using their online tool.
  • Accurate description of goods: Clearly describe your goods, including their commercial value, weight, and harmonized system (HS) code. The HS code is an international system for classifying goods and can be found on the ABF website.
  • Commercial invoice: This document details the transaction between you and the importer, including product descriptions, quantities, and pricing.
  • Packing list: This details the contents of your shipment, including individual item descriptions, weights, and dimensions.
  • Proof of export: Depending on the value of your goods, you may need a certificate of origin or other documentation to prove your goods meet specific requirements.

Custom Brokers can help you with:

  • Classifying your goods and obtaining HS codes.
  • Completing the necessary customs documentation.
  • Ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant with regulations.
  • Liaising with the ABF on your behalf.

Please contact us for a quote on your specific needs.

Absolutely! We have experience shipping a wide variety of fragile items, including large artworks, musical instruments, and antiques. Here’s what we can offer:

  • Expert packing: Our team uses specialised packing materials and techniques to ensure your fragile item is well-protected during transport.
  • Crating: For very large or valuable items, custom-built crates can provide extra protection.
  • Secure transport: We work with reliable shipping partners who prioritize careful handling of your cargo.

Please contact us for a quote on your specific needs.

Yes, please inquire about availability in your area and pricing for short-term storage.

Contact us for a customised solution for your shipping needs – we can help you find a cost-effective way to handle regular imports of equipment, including the following: 

  • Consolidating Shipments: Group multiple orders into a single shipment to save on freight costs.
  • Optimising Shipping Routes: Choose the most efficient routes to reduce transit times and costs.
  • Use Free Trade Agreements: Leverage any applicable trade agreements to reduce tariffs and duties.
  • Duty Drawback Programs: Use programs that allow refunds on duties paid on imported goods that are later exported.
  • Efficient Customs Brokerage: Work with experienced customs brokers like us to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.

Warehouse and Distribution Centres: Use local warehouses to reduce storage and distribution costs.

Customs Clearance

Customs Clearance

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

  • Preparation: This involves gathering necessary documentation like commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Custom Brokers can assist you with this.
  • Submission: The documentation is submitted to the relevant customs authority for review.
  • Examination: Customs officials may physically inspect your goods or request additional information.
  • Payment of Duties & Taxes: If applicable, duties and taxes must be paid before your goods are released. Custom Brokers can calculate these fees for you.
  • Release: Once everything is cleared, your goods are released for delivery.


Please refer to this page for international customs clearance or contact our team for more detailed information.

Importing clothing items for an online business involves several key steps:

  • Tariff Classification: Determine the correct tariff classification for your goods to understand applicable duties and taxes.
  • Import Duties and GST: Pay import duties based on the tariff code and GST at a rate of 10% (on most goods).
  • Valuation: Declare the correct value of the goods, including the cost of goods, insurance, and freight (CIF).
  • Documentation: Prepare accurate and complete documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
  • Biosecurity Requirements: Ensure compliance with any biosecurity regulations, especially if importing natural fibers.
  • Licenses and Permits: Obtain any necessary import licenses or permits. 

For detailed guidance tailored to your specific needs, contact us.

The customs clearance price for LCL shipments depends on several factors:

  • Goods Description: Specific details of the items being imported.
  • Value of Goods: Declared value of the shipment.
  • Tariff Classification: Correct classification of goods to determine duties and taxes.
  • Documentation: Completeness and accuracy of all necessary import documents.
  • Inspection Fees: Potential costs if the shipment is subject to customs or biosecurity inspection.
  • Additional Services: Any additional services such as warehousing or local delivery. 

Please provide more details about your shipment to receive an accurate quote.

Introducing a new product into the Australian market involves several steps. For assistance, please contact our local office based on your destination city with product data for the following steps:

  • Product Classification: Determine the correct tariff classification and any applicable duties and taxes.
  • Compliance Requirements: Ensure the product meets all Australian safety, health, and environmental regulations.
  • Documentation: Prepare and submit accurate documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Permits and Licenses: Obtain any necessary import permits or licenses.
  • Customs Brokerage: Work with a licensed customs broker to facilitate the import process.
  • Logistics Coordination: Arrange for efficient transportation and warehousing solutions. We can guide you through each step of the process to ensure a smooth import experience. 

Our offices are located in Fremantle, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Port Kembla and our staff are available to assist you Australia-wide (and globally).

Specific Cargo

Specific Cargo

Yes, we understand that delicate machinery requires special care during transport. Our team is experienced in handling fragile items and uses specialised packing materials and techniques to ensure their safety. 

We can also offer custom crating solutions for an extra layer of protection for your valuable machinery. Please contact us for a quote on your specific needs.

We can definitely handle oversized or overweight machinery. We have the experience and resources to manage complex logistics, including:

  • A global network of partners to ensure smooth handling throughout the entire transportation process.
  • The capability to arrange specialised transport solutions for oversized or overweight cargo.

For more information, feel free to browse through our resources on machinery shipping. 

For more specific details on our crating services and our experience handling oversized/overweight machinery,  don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re happy to discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored solution.

As much as we would like to assist you, unfortunately we cannot ship perishable goods.

Here are some common documents you can expect to need, but keep in mind requirements can vary depending on the specific vehicle and origin country:

  • Bill of lading (original): This document issued by the shipping company serves as a receipt for your vehicle and details the shipment.
  • Original registration certificate: Proof of ownership from the previous country of registration.
  • Import approval from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF): This may be required depending on the vehicle’s age and origin country.
  • Transit security declaration (for some countries): This document may be required by the exporting country.
  • Proof of export approval from the origin country (if required).
  • Completed customs declaration form (provided by ABF).

Evidence of comprehensive third-party vehicle insurance (Australian cover).

The total time to ship a vehicle overseas can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Origin and destination: The distance between the origin and destination ports significantly impacts shipping times.
  • Shipping method: Ocean freight is the most common method for vehicle transport, and transit times can range from weeks to months depending on the chosen service (e.g., standard vs. expedited).
  • Customs clearance process: The time it takes for customs clearance can vary depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any inspections required.

As a general estimate, you can expect the overall process to take anywhere from 4-12 weeks,  depending on the factors mentioned above.

Here at Custom Brokers, we can help streamline the process and provide you with more accurate estimates based on your specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your vehicle import and receive a personalised timeframe.

Unfortunately, due to strict regulations, we cannot assist with importing tobacco products into Australia.  For information on these regulations, please visit the Australian Border Force website.

Yes, we can provide a shipping quotation for heavy equipment. Please provide the specific details of the equipment:

  • Condition: New or Used
  • Equipment Dimensions and Weight: Specific measurements and weight of the excavators. If you don’t have these then provide us with a make and model.
  • Shipping Method: Whether shipping is via Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo), containerised, or breakbulk.
  • Ports of Entry: Costs vary depending on the ports of entry in the country of destination.
  • Insurance: Options for insuring the equipment during transit.
  • Customs Duties and Taxes: Import duties and taxes at the destination ports.
  • Logistics and Handling: Any additional handling requirements.

Contact us for further assistance or request a quote for more detailed information on pricing options.

As much as we would like to assist you, unfortunately we cannot ship personal effects.

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