Customs Broker & Customs Questions

[Xmetal]

Background:

Bringing a Stagea in via Sydney drive on/Drive off stylez through J-Spec

Customs Broker

What are the pros/cons of using a Customs Broker? How much do they charge? Recommendations?

Is it easier to not use a Customs Broker?

Quarantine:

Do I physically have to go to the docks to 'sterilise' the car myself or not? Powerplay Imports gave me the impression I have to clean the car myself, doesn't bother me i'm used to hard work but i'm just clarifying before rocking up there with cleaning aids on to find out it's been done.

[kakimoto33]

Background:

Bringing a Stagea in via Sydney drive on/Drive off stylez through J-Spec

Customs Broker

What are the pros/cons of using a Customs Broker? How much do they charge? Recommendations?

Is it easier to not use a Customs Broker?

Quarantine:

Do I physically have to go to the docks to 'sterilise' the car myself or not? Powerplay Imports gave me the impression I have to clean the car myself, doesn't bother me i'm used to hard work but i'm just clarifying before rocking up there with cleaning aids on to find out it's been done.

You have to have the car cleared through customs by a licenced agent, most charge around $100 to $250 for their service depending on exactly what they do. You can choose a cheaper agent who only does the actual clearance and do a lot of the running around yourself if you want but it would only save you $50 to $100 and would be the most painful 2 days of your life if you haven't done it before - even after importing as many cars as I have personally I would still use a customs agent who offers the full service.

Usually we arrange the clearance for all of our clients through the most appropriate agent at the time, however you can arrange it yourself but please make sure you let us know so the clearance isn't lodged twice by accident.

Quarantine (AQIS) inspection is done to ensure there are no plant or animal materials on the car, usually they look for things that could start growing like seeds, berries or insects. About half the cars inspected will be ordered for steam cleaning and/or vacuuming, in most cases it's just as a precaution and there is no way to tell which cars will be effected - we have had spotless clean cars sent for steam cleaning and other times cars with heaps of dirty that sailed right through. If the car is ordered for cleaning then it must also be done by an authorised Quarantine approved facility so you can't do it yourself.

Let me know if you have any other questions at all.