paying gst / import duty on imported goods?

[Greg]

On imported goods, how and when do you pay the import duty and/or GST? Does customs contact you when the goods enter the country? Do you have to lodge any forms? Pay by credit card? how does it all work?!

thanks heaps

Greg

[kakimoto33]

There are many ways for it to work depending on how it is shipped - a lot of the bigger companies will lodge an entry for you, otherwise you can have your own agent do it .. then payment is made to the agent the does the paperwork.

.. you 'should' only pay duty & GST on goods that exceed AU$500 in value (including shipping, etc.)

[williamc]

Hi,

Ive actually done it in 2 ways.

My first time I received a letter from customs instructing me that I had to pay the duty. They recommended a broker to complete the work.... I rang around a few places, and it was going to cost me about as I recall $60-$80 for it to be done, but they would deliver directly to me. I ended up actually going personally to the customs pick up, which is out west sumwhere (cant remember exactly, but I think Parramatta way) had to pay them the duty, GST, and another small fee.

I had another time, where it was sent from US via (the boys in brown) can remember the couriers name USPS maybe, but the guys that advertised on TV. As it was couriered to me, not posted, I had to pay them the brokerage fee and other duties.

Will