University Customs Broker™
1300 882 877Platinum Freight® provides specialist customs clearance assistance to Australian universities who import specialised equipment, research materials, I.T systems and cultural goods into Australia.
OPEN EXTENDED HOURS
Monday - Friday 8.30am-5.00pm
Zero Credit Card Commission
You’ll never pay extra
ALWAYS COMPLIANT
Giving you peace of mind.
Air Freight
Air Freight
Import Customs Clearance
Parcel Post
Australia Parcel Post
Import Customs Clearance
Sea Freight FCL
Full Container Load Import Customs Clearance
Sea Freight FCL
Less than a Container Load Import Customs Clearance
Hand Carry
Hand Carrying Goods Import Customs Clearance
University Customs Clearance™
Australian universities and research institutions frequently import a wide range of goods to Australia, from laboratory and scientific equipment to I.T systems, furniture for lecture rooms, cultural artefacts and also printed materials. These imports are often high-value and time-sensitive. Australian universities are educational institutions; their role is to deliver education. Platinum® works with Australian universities to provide a smooth and hassle-free customs clearance.
Platinum® provides specialist University Customs Clearance™ services designed to meet the unique needs of universities, ensuring that their goods arrive safely, on time and in compliance with both the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) requirements.
Talk to a University Customs Broker™ Today
Why Universities Need a Customs Broker
University imports are rarely straightforward. The university has a purchasing and procurement department, a legal department, and a finance department, but they do not have a customs and quarantine clearance department.
Research equipment, laboratory materials and cultural items are often classified under complex tariff codes and may even be eligible for special import duty rates. Failing to understand the goods that universities import can lead to delays and audits.
When universities work with a licensed customs broker, the university will benefit from (1) professional guidance, (2) accurate customs declarations and (3) the peace of mind that their shipments will be processed through the Australian border without any unnecessary complications.
Why rely upon Platinum® Freight Management
Platinum® has extensive customs and quarantine customs clearance experience; we are well-suited to provide concise answers and scenarios to universities and research organisations whenever they are importing to Australia. Our licensed customs brokers carefully review the current paperwork before the goods depart the country of export. We assess the gaps and advise the university of these gaps, helping to mitigate any risk to the university. We liaise directly with both the overseas supplier, overseas freight forwarder, Australian freight forwarder, and the university, coordinating a smooth logistics and compliant customs clearance process.
Our customs clearance team also provides trusted and accurate advice to the university’s finance team regarding GST issues. When the university is able to understand the costs and issues upfront, the university can plan its budgets with certainty – all while ensuring compliance at each stage.
Common University Imports that Platinum® Customs Clears
Platinum® provides University Customs Clearance™ services for a wide range of goods imported by universities, including:
Laboratory and scientific research equipment
Computers, servers and audiovisual technology for their teaching facilities
Books, journals and educational publications
Campus furniture, fixtures and capital works materials
Cultural artefacts, artworks and instruments for exhibitions and events
Whether the shipment will travel to Australia as a small express courier parcel, air cargo, sea freight Less than a Container Load (LCL) or sea freight Full Container Load (FCL), our University Customs Broker™ will process the shipment quickly and efficiently.
Talk to a University Customs Broker™ Today
Australian Customs™ Compliance & Special Considerations
Universities need to navigate several compliance requirements whenever they import goods to Australia. These include:
- the correct tariff classification for the scientific and educational equipment
- assessing whether there are any concessional duty treatments which would allow the educational or research items to enter Australia at a special rate
- DAFF biosecurity requirements for any shipment that has been pre-used or pre-owned, contains plant material, timber items, or even biological specimens
- valid and correct import permits for items that may contain radiation, or items covered by CITES
- correct and accurate documentation
Our University Customs Broker™ works closely with the university to ensure that all of the compliance obligations have been or will be met before arrival, reducing any risk of delays or added costs.
Required Documents for a University Customs Clearance™
In order to process a University Customs Clearance™ smoothly, the following documents would be required:
- the commercial invoice – detailing the goods, quantities and values
- the packing list – outlining the contents and packaging information
- the air waybill, bill of lading or sea waybill – transport documentation from the carrier
- Certificates of Origin (CoO) or Free Trade certificates
- any supporting certificates – which might include permits, test reports or
- compliance documents wherever applicable
- a copy of the university’s purchase order
Transit Times – Import Timeframes and Logistics
Transit times will vary depending on the origin and the mode of transport. As a general guide, Airfreight shipments can arrive in as little as three hours or up to three days; we always aim to process the University Customs Clearance™ before the goods arrive in Australia. Sea freight shipments could arrive in as little as one week or take up to six to eight weeks.
In our experience, university imports are time-sensitive and don’t have much room for delays; if we discuss a Full Container Load shipment, the goods needs to be delivered to the university, the FCL needs to be unpacked on site (usually with specialised people and equipment) and then the goods need to moved into their correct location all while the university is in operation mode with students and staff on-site. Platinum® works to minimise any delays and liaises with all parties involved to ensure clear communication and accurate updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do universities need a customs broker in Australia?
Universities generally import specialised and high valued items, the items could be laboratory equipment, testing, measuring or simulation equipment. A licensed University Customs Broker™ will ensure compliance, reduce any delays and assist with the correct amount payable to the Australian Border Force (ABF).
What documents are required for a University Customs Clearance™?
Essential documents will include a commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill or bill of lading, and any permits or compliance certificates.
Can universities receive a duty concession on imports?
Whenever a university imports to Australia, their goods may be duty-free in their own right, or they may be covered by a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), or Platinum® will research to see if there is any other concession available for the goods.
How long does it take to customs clear a university shipment?
Whenever a university chooses to make a purchase from an overseas supplier, generally many weeks, months and sometimes years have gone into the planning process.
Platinum® always aims to pre-clear the university’s goods before they arrive into Australia. Airfreight can arrive in as little as one day; sea freight could arrive in as little as one to two weeks, through to say six to eight weeks.
Rely upon Platinum®
At Platinum®, we understand the importance of timely and accurate customs clearances for both universities and research institutions. From securing duty concessions, assessing any permits, preparing the import declaration and coordinating the delivery, our University Customs Broker™ will provide a comprehensive service that supports your institution’s teaching, research and cultural goals.
Reach out to Platinum® today to discuss your university’s import requirements and experience the Platinum® difference when it comes to your University Customs Clearance™.