Professional Indemnity Insurance increased 400%
Operating a corporate customs brokerage and a freight forwarding business continues to be a challenging operation.
Have you been overcharged for Australian port charges for your sea freight LCL cargo?
Have you been overcharged for Australian port charges for your sea freight LCL cargo?Whenever you import goods as sea freight Less than a Container Load [LCL], your overseas supplier gives your cargo to a freight forwarder in their country, this freight forwarder then...
When the headmaster threatens to punish you
The ABF never consults with customs brokers directly, it is an archaic process of headmaster and student relationship. If customs brokers do not do as we advise, ‘compliance action may be undertaken’.
How to choose the right shipping method for your goods or products
Whenever you are purchasing goods from overseas, you will need to ask your supplier how they intend to send your goods to Australia. There are two key people that you need whenever you wish to move goods from point A to point B; a freight forwarder who...
Businesses importing Fake or counterfeit trademarked goods
If a business imports fake or counterfeit trademarked goods and if the goods enter the country via air express carriers, general air cargo or sea freight – whether or not the goods are under or over $1000 AUD, a declaration (a communicated statement) is required to be made to the ABF). As the trademark owner has 1) a registered trademark with IP Australia and 2) a Notice of Objection (NoO) filed with the ABF, the ABF should be seizing the goods at the air express carriers depot, the air cargo terminal or at the sea freight depot.
The Importance of Obtaining a B709A Import Permit for Firearms
If you wish to import firearms for sporting, hunting or target-shooting, either as an individual or as a business, you must first contact your State or Territory Police [firearms licensing section] to complete their B709 application form. In Australia, all firearm...
Importers should not have access to the ICS
Recently a sea freight LCL importer contacted us, they had registered and gained access to the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). They attempted to process their own sea freight LCL declaration themselves, it became difficult. They telephoned the Australian Border Force...
6 Reasons to use a customs broker
There are various ways that your goods will be shipped to Australia; they may be sent through the postal network, with an express carrier, as general air cargo or as sea freight. Parcels arriving through the postal network You can either complete the paperwork and...
Licensed Customs brokers Need to maintain CPD across 3 platforms
As my fellow customs brokers would know, since 01 April 2016 we have been required to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. The reporting year commences on 01 April and runs through to 31 March. The Australian Border Force (ABF) requires all customs brokers to possess a minimum of 30 points. If I am honest, the most painful and tedious part of maintaining CPD is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) content.
Counterfeit trademarked goods: The under $1000 AUD problem
When an individual purchases fake or counterfeit Australian trademarked goods from overseas. All of the ‘ingredients’ are present to make the process simple, easy and repeatable.
The item is purchased (the products can be found easy enough on social media).
MAERSK ATTEMPTING TO OFFER A DAP SERVICE AND THE SUBSEQUENT DOGS BREAKFAST
An Adelaide based commercial importer in October 2022 purchased second hand machinery from the Netherlands; the Dutch exporter was offered a DAP service by MAERSK through to Adelaide. The Adelaide importer accepted the quote thinking that the goods would arrive at...
The importance of a correct classification; the wrong eight digits can lead you to a penalty
Most goods that enter Australia require an identifying eight [8] digit number known as a classification to be declared on the customs entry. This classification is linked to Community Protection questions that all Government departments who regulate imported goods...