Are you planning to import goods into Melbourne? Then, it is essential to understand the complexities of customs clearance. Customs clearance can be an overwhelming process requiring a lot of paperwork, coordinating with various government departments and keeping your ‘finger on the pulse’ until after the goods have been collected or delivered.
You will need to know all of the import regulations and customs and quarantine laws regarding importing goods to Melbourne to avoid legal issues and storage costs at the airline terminal, sea freight depot, or wharf when attempting to clear customs. That is why you need a reliable and meticulous customs broker in Melbourne by your side. This blog post will examine why you need a customs broker to help you seamlessly import goods to Melbourne.
Expertise in the Import Regulations
Whenever you plan to import goods from overseas to Melbourne, a lot of paperwork must be prepared before the goods depart from overseas. The goods first need to be customs cleared out of the overseas country, and a suite of paperwork will be prepared. Then, that same paperwork plus more is required to customs clear the goods before they arrive in Melbourne. The Australian regulations need to be met before the goods depart for Melbourne. Whenever cargo is about to arrive in Melbourne you are always working against the clock; the preparation, execution and finalisation process needs to occur pronto. Without a customs broker working on your behalf, you will have to navigate this complex process, which involves numerous government departments; the customs clearance process, to say the least, is challenging.
A customs broker in Melbourne has the knowledge and experience to handle all of the paperwork preparation by assessing the goods and the current paperwork against the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) regulations before your goods arrive in Melbourne. The aim is to always make the customs clearance process smooth and hassle-free for you. A customs broker in Melbourne works closely with the airline terminals, sea freight depots, and wharves; we know the opening and closing times and current and foreseeable delays, and we receive notice of upcoming industrial disputes. Your customs broker in Melbourne will act as your agent by preparing and submitting all of the import paperwork that is required electronically to both the ABF and to the DAFF; if your overseas supplier by chance, had forgotten to supply or prepare some paperwork before the goods departed from overseas, your customs broker will liaise with your overseas supplier and request that paperwork.
Faster Customs Clearance
Customs clearance can be quick and painless, or it can be long, drawn out and painful; the two options are dependent upon how early you involve your customs broker in the process. If your customs broker can liaise with you and your overseas supplier before the goods depart from overseas for Melbourne, then small or large issues can be ‘ironed out’ early – it is extremely important for first time importers to connect with their customs broker early. There are various policies, procedures and processes to follow; any error or omission can affect your compliance history with both the ABF and the DAFF, and don’t forget delays will result in storage costs at the airline terminal, sea freight depot or wharf. When you have an allocated customs broker working as your agent, you can mitigate and hopefully avoid unnecessary delays and expenses whenever you import to Melbourne.
A customs broker is able to speak the language required when communicating with the ABF, the DAFF, any other government department or any other international supply chain facilitator. As your customs broker communicates electronically to the ABF and the DAFF, both government departments receive instant communication from your customs broker.
Lower Costs
Importing goods into Melbourne can be expensive, and delays equal increased costs; your customs broker aims always to minimise your costs. One way to minimise your exposure to costs is to retain a customs broker before purchasing the goods from your overseas supplier and certainly before the goods arrive in Melbourne. A customs broker will help you identify the current policies and issues; your customs broker will liaise with you and your overseas supplier.
Your customs broker can undertake planning in regards to minimising your import duty, calculating the estimated landed costs once your goods arrive in Melbourne and also providing you with an estimated date of arrival or delivery.
Reduce Risks and Errors
Clearing cargo through both the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) involves a lot of intricately linked processes and procedures that must be followed carefully; an incorrect step could be costly as delays equal increased costs. A customs broker has the knowledge and experience to ensure that everything will be submitted correctly, reducing your risks of mistakes and penalties. A customs broker can assist you in identifying and mitigating potential issues before they even arise.
Save Time and Stress
Importing goods and clearing customs can be a time-consuming and stressful experience, especially if this is your first attempt in importing to Melbourne. You would need to dedicate days to prepare, submit and process your import customs clearance successfully.
With a dedicated customs broker, you can continue to do what you do best and allow your customs broker to do what they do best – customs clearing cargo arriving in Melbourne. Your customs broker would handle all of the paperwork requirements and communications necessary to have your cargo customs cleared and available for collection or delivery, allowing you to focus on your business.
Conclusion
Importing goods into Melbourne can be profitable, but in order to remain profitable, you need to work closely with your customs broker early in the process. Retaining a customs broker in Melbourne will make the customs clearance process smoother. Your customs broker has the expertise, connections and foresight to ensure that your goods are customs-cleared correctly and swiftly.
A customs broker will save you time and reduce any stress levels that the importing process can bring; a customs broker will handle all of the customs clearance processes and procedures. At Platinum® Freight Management, we offer you a dedicated customs clearance agent whenever you have cargo arriving in Melbourne; we guarantee you a smooth and hassle-free import experience as long as we are involved early in the procurement process. Please connect with us today to learn more about our customs clearance services.