My Opinion of the argument above is ALL IMPORTS, both private AND commercial.. should have a $1000 Import Duty AND GST free start... .. simple.. first $1,000 .. who cares.. after that.. same for everybody, most business's don't import less the $1.000 anyway..and its not just the Harvey Normans & Coles but the little business that get screwed to the wall with the cost of official clearances worth hundreds more then the tax collected...... That would stop the whinging..... and that's for Sea, Air or returning holiday makers.. and boat people too...!!
BUT more to the point.. figure this might be of interest....
Maybe this TNT/ freight handlers update released today has something to do with it.. also might be a quiet warning to those doing bodgy invoices .. don't...
Customs Intervention on Low Value Goods into Australia
(Goods with a value of less than AUD$1000)
Dear valued customer,
Please see below important information regarding changes relevant to businesses dealing in International Trade.
As you may be aware, Australia has one of the highest Low Value thresholds globally and as such the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has advised that there will be an increased intervention in the profiling of Low Value Consignments that come into Australia. This will result in an increase in the number of low value goods experiencing delayed delivery.
TNT will attempt to assist the smooth delivery of our customers Low Value shipments by providing the Australian Customs Authorities with the required documentation electronically.
Where the Australian Border and Customs Protection Service do not accept the provided documentation, then the receiver /shipper will need to supply Commercial Documentation or "Evidence of Monies Price Paid (EMPP)". This is categorised as:
• Commercial Documents
• Commercial Tax Invoices
• Contracts of Sale
• Purchase Orders
• Illustrative Descriptive Material (IDM) may also be required
• Third party financial institution transaction record
• Where no transfer of funds an email between shipper / receiver confirming transition and values.
The provision of correct, complete and legible paperwork and sufficient consignment labelling, will assist in clearing Low Value consignments in the first instance.
TNT has been advised that whilst customs have seconded additional staff to address this activity, they are still experiencing delays in clearing goods.