Import Tax - Car parts from USA

[Simonnn]

Hey guys, sorry if this question has been asked over and over, I found a thread about it but it was more than 2 years old.

From what I gather (from that thread), we are not charged any import duties unless the value of the parts imported is greater than $1000

I'm looking to buy some parts from the USA which are worth <1k. However, the total cost of the item including shipping is >1k. So as far as I understand, I will not be charged any extra import duties as the item is not worth more than $1000, even if the total cost including shipping is. Is this correct?

However, my problem is that I am going to be ordering two of these items at once as my friend wants some as well. I have been told that the items will be sent in separate packages, but I'm just wondering if the items would be considered separate or as one? as that would change whether they are worth over 1k or not.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[90LAN]

you will have to send one item to one address other to your mates house
then it will be fine

[Red_EG4]

i thought that when the consignment numbers are different it was okay, but Lan would know because he's had plenty of experience.

[Simonnn]

Thanks for the replies, in this case it'd probably be safer to order separately then :eek:

Another question, is the value of the goods calculated in Australian dollars or the currency of the country you are purchasing the items from?

Thanks guys you've been a lot of help! :cool:

[mocchi]

Thanks for the replies, in this case it'd probably be safer to order separately then :eek:

Another question, is the value of the goods calculated in Australian dollars or the currency of the country you are purchasing the items from?

Thanks guys you've been a lot of help! :cool:

calculated in AUD, using conversion rate chart that ATO provides in their website.

[dahondr98]

It tells you on the customs website – if the item cost is more than AUD$1000, they’ll charge you 5% customs duty and 10% GST. If you split it into several packages, each worth less than $1k, you should be OK. It might be worth getting them to send the packages a week or more apart, though. See http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5653.asp and http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/ImportingGoodsByPostFAQ.pdf for the full info.

In the past I have imported car parts from England, and got caught for duty and sales tax (pre-GST). I had to pay up at the mail centre, and sign a customs declaration, to get the parts. They had a drug detection dog going through all the new mail packages while I was in there. The dog was a bit excitable, and was causing all sorts of havoc - parcels were going everywhere!

[npcan2]

Here: 1300 363 263... That's the number for the Victoria office for customs. Or, information@customs.gov.au while your at work man.

I'd like to confirm with the horses mouth before I do anything.