Pete39

Hi,
Can I ask, when packing a container, if I choose to buy say a brand new washing machine to ship to Aus, ( as existing one clapped out and replacement in Aus expensive), do I pay a tax at the other end for it being a new item? If so would this apply to brand new small items eg kettle, toaster? I understand that customs check the contents of containers - have I understood this right?
Thanks

GarryP

As far as I know they view it like any other import - so there's a $1000 limit before getting taxed.

Of course, the difference between 'brand new' and 'used' is in the eye of the beholder.

Bermudashorts

Unpack your items.

I believe inspections are at random.

Pulaski

Like Bermudashorts said, unpack them.

Yes, anything new is subject to tax, but the chances of anyone noticing that something not in it's original packing is "new" is pretty unlikely even if your container is opened for inspection.

The chances of anyone bothering to try to tax small appliances even if your container is opened AND they decide that your kettle is "new" is extremely low - they have better things to do than complete the paperwork to collect the tax on a £40 kettle.

BTW Remember that if you take a new washing machine, or any other appliance, to Australia the warranty will be worthless.

Pete39

Thanks all for your replies

rammygirl

Second that. There are very few global warranties. I honestly don't think there is that much difference in price when buying power is taken into account not exchange rate.

Swerv-o

I thought the $1000 limit had been abolished now?

I'd love to be wrong though...


S

GarryP

https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Impo/Buyi

I'm not sure if Hockey's b*stardry got through, but even if it did, it wasn't due to come in till 2017, and it was widely expected that overseas retailers wouldn't act as unpaid tax collectors anyway.

Swerv-o

Ah, OK, for some reason I thought it was 2016 - that's good news - I have a number of high ticket orders to make so I should get on and get them made!


S

old.sparkles

You are supposed to declare if you have any goods that are less than 12 months old though - I'm too honest and did just that and paid a bit of tax.

I also knew that my container was likely to be inspected as I had other goods to declare, but I would have declared the new items anyway.

moneypenny20

We bought a new Dyson and microwave prior to moving over. We left them in the boxes and no one picked up on them, . Iit's obviously the luck of the draw but generally speaking they're not too concerned with one or two household items.

Pulaski

Exactly! The paperwork for a few $$$'s isn't worth the effort. It has no benefit to the customs officer, just more paper and admin.

old.sparkles

I checked my invoice. There was a $25.00 customs duty charge (charge for invoicing me maybe?), and $52.50 in assessed GST. But as I said, I declared my goods and I knew my container would be inspected (I also had martial arts weapons for which I had to get SAPOL exemption cert)

dreamliner.1904

Its cheap at Australia. All comes from China.

Pollyana

Often cheap for a reason, says she, sick of replacing cheap junk. Wish I'd brought the better quality stuff I left behind.