How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Hi all

Our container arrived in Tasmania 2 weeks ago and we have been told by the company dealing with the move from this end that it has been cleared by customs and on the online tracking system it shows our stuff has been reloaded into another container and the original one has been returned to the carrier.

However, we don't seem to be any nearer to getting our stuff, apparently an invoice has to be made up first for the customs fees before we can get it.

Can anyone tell me how long they had to wait at this stage?

Its not the end of the world but after 2 months of living out of one suitcase I'd kind of like something else to where and a nice sofa to sit on;)

Sam

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

If its cleared Customs it should be pretty quick - once they send you the invoice, and you oay it, they can often deliver the goods within a few days. The long delay is usually while they wait for xustoms inspection.

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Yeah, thats what I thought.

I think its just waiting for the invoice thats holding it up now as we've been told its been cleared.

When I knew it was still at sea I was not bothered at all but now I know its only 20 minutes away I want my stuff!!!

It left 2 months ago so another week or so is really no matter but I've been a bit up and down this week and I think I want some of our nice things around me to feel like this is home rather than an empty house we are rattling around in!

Thanks Pollyanna:D

Sam

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

I was led to believe (in Fremantle) the delay could/would be AQIS not Customs.... and doesn;t it clear customs first?

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Hi Sammy if I remember rightly from our container arriving in Tasmania, once it had cleared customs it then had to be cleared/checkec by AQIS (once we had paid the fee) and then it was delivered to us. It took about one and a half weeks to come to us. We just keep calling the removalists (in our case it was Wridgeways) in Tas. They were excellent and really helpful considering our stuff got delivered the day before christmas eve!!!! Hope you get it soon, it will be like an early christmas opening all those boxes!!!! Regards C x

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Thanks Corinne

I chased them again today, apparently (and they keep changing their story) they have had our goods since 13/08 but they can't let us have it until the invoice has been raised by AQIS, they said that can take up to a month to do:eek:

Think someone's taking the mick here, company in UK don't want to know. N

Never mind, just keep thinking of when I can sit on a comfy sofa:)

Sam

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

You fill in a document called a B534 , in this you declare to to Aust customs what you have in your shipment ,that might be of intrest too them.
AQIS come in and do an audit of your goods, if they find any thing that is not declared on your B534, Customs will come in, and assess the item this is what holds jobs up, they cross check every thing.................mm;)

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Hi

Thanks, we filled in that form already before we left the UK and our appointed agent has signed the other forms down at the AQIS depot.

Our goods have already been released to the removal company but they won't deliver them to us until we've paid the invoice prepared by AQIS. Which I thought was a bit odd that AQIS would even release the goods until they have been paid. The removal company at this end don't seem to know what they are doing!

Sam

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Aqis issue the import branch with an invoice for their work in the bond store, they never know how long it will take as , people who have read their AQIS web site ,know what it is all about and are prepared.
On the other hand those who don,t prepare get hammered, and as soon as they find an indiscretion , they will check the whole shipment at your cost..Aqis will issue the import branch with a survey bill ,which in turn is passed on to you, when you pay this , your goods will be released........;)mm

Re: How long for container to be released from customs?
 

Hi mate when Mark called he called the ports authority and got someone really helpful (so he by-passed the removers in the end due to the running around)!! he told Mark what was happening and when we could expect it as we really wanted it for christmas, keep bugging them mate. Love c x