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Everybody understands countries have been trading goods from the beginning
of time. When people consider importing items to their country, their comparing
prices. Price comparing between buying the stock locally or from a supplier
overseas. What most people don’t consider is the shipping aspect of it.
There are lot of grey spots when it comes to shipping. How will you transport
goods from one side of the world to the other? Once you figure out what the
best mode of transport is for your business, then it comes down to paperwork.
Paperwork that Customs checks and ensures that you are declaring everything
accurately and on a factual basis.
What is customs clearance
Customs clearance is the process of clearing your products through Customs.
Most countries have some sort of border control in place. When it comes to
Australia, Customs is strict. In our experience most, shipping agents find it very
hard to comply to Australian Customs requirements in terms of paperwork /
permits and licenses. Customs clearance is always needed before you canpick
up your goods from the wharf or depo.
Wharf / Depo – Customs Held
Every wharf and depo in the country must be approved by customs. Container
depos usually unpack the containers and start organising cargo from the
container. Each cargo would have some sort of a reference like a house bill.
Once they organise this, they report the details of the container or cargo to
Customs.
It’s necessary that all car be notified to customs and not released unless
Customs gives them authority.
Customs clearance in Melbourne and Sydneyare states in Australia that have the
highest number of imports.
Their gates are flooded due to them being larger cities and most of the trade is
handled around the capital cities. If any cargo is released without consent from
customs, fines can be up to $10,000 dollars for the depo.
Think again if your considering running a container yard that consolidates
freight.
Customs clearance Melbourne and Sydney Brokers
Every importer must see through a customs clearance procedure. Most people
refer to speaking to a Customs broker and this is correct. BUT customs brokers
are specifically trained to ensure that documents meet compliance with customs.
When it concerns movement of freight, your best option is to either find a savvy
customs broker that has experience in freight forwarding or request for an
experienced freight broker.
Freight brokers generally are co-ordinate and develop best suitable methods of
transportation. They are on the front line advising their clients correct
paperwork, best mode of transport, rates, insurance etc.
Freight brokers are the “go to guy” when you have a question relating to
logistics, customs, quarantine, dangerous goods, rates etc. If there is a very
technical and specific question such as a query regarding specific interpretation
of goods and what a previous customs broker has done.
Then ask the freight broker to get their advice on it. Customs brokers don’t
make the best shipping agents. Their roles are more technical to service
compliance to customs.
Conclusion
Always remember to have your paperwork in order and speak to your freight
agent before you move any sort of goods. The worlds nasty when it comes to
people trying to ensure you slip up to make a profit.