Case Study: The Van That Never Arrived (and never existed)
How Platinum Freight® Exposed a Vehicle Import Scam in Katoomba When a Katoomba woman found a used van online that seemed perfect for her new mobile business, she thought she’d secured a great deal. The overseas seller appeared legitimate, provided shipping updates,...
Case Study: Resolving Excessive Australian Port Charges – China to Adelaide (LCL Shipment)
When a South Australian importer received an unexpected invoice of $2,149 AUD for Adelaide port charges for a small LCL shipment from China, they knew something wasn’t right. That’s when they turned to Platinum Freight Management® for expert support. At Platinum...
Case Study: Vehicle Import Scam Exposed
How Platinum Freight® Protected an Australian Buyer When an Australian car enthusiast found what seemed to be a great deal on a vehicle from the United States, everything appeared legitimate. The sellers provided detailed photos, an Australian import permit, and a...
Case Study: How an Adelaide Importer Found the Right Customs Broker for His Food Trailer
When an Adelaide importer purchased a new food trailer from China, he took all the right steps, including securing the official Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure before the shipment left China. But despite his careful preparation, the process...
Why Australian Importers Should Never Share Their Tax File Number (TFN) with Overseas Suppliers
At Platinum®, we’ve encountered countless situations where Australian importers have unknowingly made critical mistakes when importing goods via sea freight, Less than a Container Load (LCL) and sea freight Full Container Loads (FCL). One of the most alarming issues...
Why Australian Importers Should Always Consult a Customs Broker Before Purchasing From Overseas
At Platinum®, we recently received a call from an importer based in Brisbane who found himself in a challenging and costly situation. His story serves as a cautionary tale for all Australian importers, highlighting the importance of consulting a trusted customs broker...
Moving to Australia? Ensure a Smooth Transition for Your Tools of Trade
Whether you are a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or another skilled tradesperson, you will likely be bringing not just suitcases to Australia but the valuable tools of your trade. Shipping the tools of your trade to Australia, using trusted carriers like FedEx or...
When Your Chinese Supplier Offers You Door-to-Door Shipping
What You Need to Know A significant portion of goods purchased by Australians are imported from China, making this trade route vital for businesses. While importing might seem straightforward, the way you manage the shipping process can significantly affect the...
The Wheels Are Falling Off the Biosecurity Act 2015
The Biosecurity Act 2015 was designed to safeguard Australia's ecosystem and agricultural sector. However, recent events involving the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) policies by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) highlight significant...
![Illegal Tobacco Trade [ITT]](https://platinumfreight.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ITT-400x250.png)
Illegal Tobacco Trade [ITT]
‘Smuggling’ at section 4 of the Customs Act 1901 is defined as ‘any importation, introduction or exportation or attempted importation, introduction or exportation of goods with intent to defraud the revenue.’ Persons who import tobacco products to Australia without...
Top Tips for Importing Luxury Yachts to Australia Without Delays
Importing a luxury yacht to Australia is no small feat. It is a complex process involving various Custom authorities, regulations, time-sensitive documentation, and logistical planning. Without proper preparation, delays can occur, potentially costing you time and...
INCOTERMS Made Simple
A Guide for Australian Importers on Risks, Responsibilities, and Key Trade Terms INCOTERMS 2020 is the most recent update to the Invoice Commercial Terms. This guide has been written in simple language to make complex issues easy to understand. Whenever an...