7 Import Regulations Every Freight Forwarding Customer Should Know

By Author: Belinda Darling
Total Articles: 152
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Know the rules, play by the rules

Importing is not something that most of us do every day. Each new product you choose to bring into the country for sale can bring a wealth of profit opportunities, but also a whole new encyclopedia of import requirements! This is a complex area for legislation and business, and while both your freight forwarder and customs broker will alert you to any potential problems they are aware of, ultimately it is up to the signatory to ensure that imported goods comply with regulations. Today we check out 7 of the most crucial import regulations for freight forwarding customers to know.

1. There can be no relationship between you and the seller if you use the 'price actually paid' method of valuation
This is one that your international freight forwarder can't help you with, because they have no way of knowing your relationship with sellers. Customs require that if you use the valuation method of the 'price actually paid', there can be no relationship between buyer and seller that might influence the price even if you paid fair market value.

2. False trade ...
... descriptions are serious business
Quite heavy penalties are applicable for falsely labelling goods. This can include innocent mistakes such as listing only one thing in a container on the label and forgetting another, etc. Your international freight forwarder can help with this one. The rules are incredibly tight in this area - there is no wiggle room in the legislation!

3. You'll need English descriptions
Most of the translators in Australia are employed by the Australian government, but you are required to have your trade descriptions and other notices written in English - this means that your freight forwarder should be based in Australia.

4. All copyright holders should lodge a Notice of Objection with customs
This will prevent other people importing goods that infringe your copyright into the country. It is especially important since one of the world's major sources of IP-infringing goods is Thailand, a country with which we have a free trade agreement.

5. If your goods are seized under a Notice of Objection, you need to act quickly
If you do nothing about your goods being held for alleged copyright infringement within 10 working days, you automatically forfeit them.

6. Some goods with a legitimate use are prohibited for import
It isn't safe to assume that because you have a legitimate, honest purpose in mind for your imported goods that they will be allowed into the country. For example, you cannot import tablet presses, crowd control equipment, knives and daggers, woolpacks, electronic fly swatters, anything bearing the Australian flag or coat of arms or the word ANZAC, OR novelty erasers!! Always check the list.

7. You can bring in plant/animal/human material, if you notify AQIS
Many importers assume it is not possible to bring in organic material, and miss out on valuable business opportunities because of this! In fact, AQIS makes it possible for many organic substances to be imported, if you meet the conditions in their database.

The Australian government has put volumes of information about import regulations up on the web, and if you have any questions your freight forwarder or customs broker may be able to answer them!

Allworld Logistics offer a complete range of logistical solutions to suit Australian importers and exporters. With many years of experience in the import/export industry, you won’t find better freight forwarders in Melbourne. For experts in international freight forwarding solutions contact Allworld today.