If you run a business that relies heavily on imported materials or goods, then you will have to deal with the rather complex procedure of the Australian Customs Department. The law states that either the owner of the goods to be imported, or a licensed Customs Broker can submit import proposal forms, and unless you happen to be an expert, you are advised to seek the help of a licensed customs broker.
Licensed customs broker
If you would like to contact a licensed customs broker, a Google search is the best place to start, so if you need a customs broker in Brisbane, the online search will reveal the location and contact details of a suitable company. By using an established broker that is licensed, you can minimise the time your goods are sitting around, and with all the paperwork submitted in a timely manner, the process is usually straightforward.
Green line status
Most goods fall into the Green Line Status, which means there are no special restrictions, and goods that fall into this category usually clear customs very quickly. The licensed customs broker would have a wealth of experience in handling all types of imported goods, and as they have a good working relationship with the customs officers, the process is normally very quick.
The risks
You can be fined for submitting the wrong information on the forms, and this could lead to a delay is receiving the goods and that could seriously affect your business. If your customers have to wait to take delivery of their products, they will not be happy, and you can’t really afford to take any chances when importing goods into Australia.
Red line status goods
This category requires special treatment, and the items listed could be randomly inspected at any time. Generally speaking, Red Line Status goods take longer to clear customs than Green Line items, yet with an experienced licensed broker, the time it takes will be minimised. A Red Line consignment could be help up without any explanation, and an inspection might be ordered, and if the customs officers are very busy, this could mean a long delay in customs clearance.
Research the goods to be imported
It is important that you do some research before agreeing to buy the said goods, as there could be restrictions or special taxes to pay, and unless you check with a customs broker, you could be in for a nasty surprise at a later date.
Online solutions
If you need to find a licensed customs broker, all you need to do is a simple Google search and you will have a list of all the licensed customs brokers in the country. Then you can start to browse their websites until you find a local company that is established, and with their expertise, your imported goods will be released in good time and you can carry on with your business.
