Importing Speakers into Australia

[sschen]

Anyone know what is involved with importing speakers into Australia. I am considering buying a SVS subwoofer that will cost approximately A$1100 and just about $400 in "door-to-door" shipping fees quoted by SVS.

How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be a registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it is for personal use after all.

If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up against.

Thanks very much.

[El Bastardo]

G'day,

sschen wrote:
> How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be
> a registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it
> is for personal use after all.

My understanding (from reading the Customs website) is that there's a 5%
duty that applies to the cost of the product, and then a 10% GST on
everything (product, shipping, insurance, duty) on top of that.

So if the product cost is $1100, and the shipping cost is $400 (I assume
that includes insurance), then:

Duty = 1100 @ 5% = $55
GST = (1100 + 55 + 400) @ 10% = 155.50

Total cost = 1710/05

I must stress that's my interpretation of the customs charges, and I may
be wrong. You can always call Customs and they will give you the
necessary information.

> If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light
> so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up
> against.

I would recommend buying subwoofers locally -- they have an amplifier
which may need servicing, and you don't want to ship a sub back overseas
for servicing.

-- Geoff

[SA000584]

G'day,

sschen wrote:
> How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be
> a registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it
> is for personal use after all.

My understanding (from reading the Customs website) is that there's a 5%
duty that applies to the cost of the product, and then a 10% GST on
everything (product, shipping, insurance, duty) on top of that.

So if the product cost is $1100, and the shipping cost is $400 (I assume
that includes insurance), then:

Duty = 1100 @ 5% = $55
GST = (1100 + 55 + 400) @ 10% = 155.50

Total cost = 1710/05

I must stress that's my interpretation of the customs charges, and I may
be wrong. You can always call Customs and they will give you the
necessary information.

> If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light
> so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up
> against.

I would recommend buying subwoofers locally -- they have an amplifier
which may need servicing, and you don't want to ship a sub back overseas
for servicing.

-- Geoff


That seems right. Sometimes you can be lucky and it will go through customs without them wacking on 15%, but the size and the price of the subwoofer it would be unlikely that it will pass through customs without them putting on the 15%.

As far as importing vs buying locally I guess it is a trade off between how much cheaper you can get it from overseas compared to having a warranty with buying locally.

[sschen]

G'day,

sschen wrote:
> How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be
> a registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it
> is for personal use after all.

My understanding (from reading the Customs website) is that there's a 5%
duty that applies to the cost of the product, and then a 10% GST on
everything (product, shipping, insurance, duty) on top of that.

So if the product cost is $1100, and the shipping cost is $400 (I assume
that includes insurance), then:

Duty = 1100 @ 5% = $55
GST = (1100 + 55 + 400) @ 10% = 155.50

Total cost = 1710/05

I must stress that's my interpretation of the customs charges, and I may
be wrong. You can always call Customs and they will give you the
necessary information.

> If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light
> so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up
> against.

I would recommend buying subwoofers locally -- they have an amplifier
which may need servicing, and you don't want to ship a sub back overseas
for servicing.

-- Geoff

It is not that I don't want to buy the subwoofer locally. I have emailed the manufacturer SVS but unfortunately at this stage they do not have any dealer in Australia. So my only option is to "import" them into Australia if I want one. But I hear what you guys are saying about the servicing and warranty issues so I am certainly still in the process of making up my decision. Thanks very much for your input though

I don't need to be a registered importer or something along that line, do I? The Customs website also said something about "formal entry permit required" if the imported goods is worth more than A$1000. What the heck is this entry permit?

[The Gadget Shop]

http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/guideimport_export_040622.pdf

Cheers, Jason (remove ... to reply)
PC-Video-Gaming: http://gadgetaus.com
128MB USB/MP3 Player/Voice rec $89

[Mal P]

Consider HSU as well, another reputed US manufacturer who do have a
distributer here: www.hsuresearch.com.au

I recently imported a pair of speakers from Canada and it cost me $860 in
import taxes/duty/clearance.

"sschen" <sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> Anyone know what is involved with importing speakers into Australia. I
> am considering buying a SVS subwoofer that will cost approximately
> A$1100 and just about $400 in "door-to-door" shipping fees quoted by
> SVS.
>
> How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be a
> registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it is
> for personal use after all.
>
> If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light
> so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up against.
>
> Thanks very much.
>
>
> --
> sschen

[sschen]

Consider HSU as well, another reputed US manufacturer who do have a
distributer here: www.hsuresearch.com.au

I recently imported a pair of speakers from Canada and it cost me $860 in
import taxes/duty/clearance.

"sschen" <sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> Anyone know what is involved with importing speakers into Australia. I
> am considering buying a SVS subwoofer that will cost approximately
> A$1100 and just about $400 in "door-to-door" shipping fees quoted by
> SVS.
>
> How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be a
> registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it is
> for personal use after all.
>
> If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some light
> so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up against.
>
> Thanks very much.
>
>
> --
> sschen
Mal

How can it cost so much $860?? Can you tell me the breakdown of the taxes you paid and the value of your speakers? A previous post shows approximately $155 of GST+Custom duties based on the figures I supplied. If there are other fees involved, I am prepared to pay another $100 making a total of between of between $250 - $300 but certainly not $800 of taxes/clearance fees.

[Mal P]

"sschen" <sschen.1n9jf2@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:sschen.1n9jf2@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> Mal P Wrote:
> > Consider HSU as well, another reputed US manufacturer who do have a
> > distributer here: www.hsuresearch.com.au
> >
> > I recently imported a pair of speakers from Canada and it cost me $860
> > in
> > import taxes/duty/clearance.
> >
> > "sschen" <sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
> > news:sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
> > >
> > > Anyone know what is involved with importing speakers into Australia.
> > I
> > > am considering buying a SVS subwoofer that will cost approximately
> > > A$1100 and just about $400 in "door-to-door" shipping fees quoted by
> > > SVS.
> > >
> > > How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
> > > Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be
> > a
> > > registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it is
> > > for personal use after all.
> > >
> > > If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some
> > light
> > > so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up
> > against.
> > >
> > > Thanks very much.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > sschen
> Mal
>
> How can it cost so much $860?? Can you tell me the breakdown of the
> taxes you paid and the value of your speakers? A previous post shows
> approximately $155 of GST+Custom duties based on the figures I
> supplied. If there are other fees involved, I am prepared to pay
> another $100 making a total of between of between $250 - $300 but
> certainly not $800 of taxes/clearance fees.

It was based on the purchase price, which was higher than your $1500 (incl
shipping)... I believe taxes will be less than $300 for your amount.

[Netmask]

You can also be charged local storage on a per day basis, ie when it arrives
and eventually when you get notified and pay all the fees. Its not quite the
same as mail order of a small packet or parcel of DVD's etc that will go
though Australia Post.

Many years ago when I was running a small business I imported a couple of
Tannoy speakers (no cabinets) effectively it cost me 3 time the UK purchase
price after you took into account exchange rates, demurrage handling charges
and taxes and fees, import agent fees - even though I did all the work.

There are many local designers of loudspeakers right here in Australia and
remember the men who developed the fundamentals of all loudspeaker basic
design algorithms (Thieles & Small) are Australians.

"Mal P" <pandorastein@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:425917ce$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> "sschen" <sschen.1n9jf2@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
> news:sschen.1n9jf2@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>>
>> Mal P Wrote:
>> > Consider HSU as well, another reputed US manufacturer who do have a
>> > distributer here: www.hsuresearch.com.au
>> >
>> > I recently imported a pair of speakers from Canada and it cost me $860
>> > in
>> > import taxes/duty/clearance.
>> >
>> > "sschen" <sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
>> > news:sschen.1n887m@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>> > >
>> > > Anyone know what is involved with importing speakers into Australia.
>> > I
>> > > am considering buying a SVS subwoofer that will cost approximately
>> > > A$1100 and just about $400 in "door-to-door" shipping fees quoted by
>> > > SVS.
>> > >
>> > > How much custom duties and GST do I have to pay? The Australian
>> > > Customs website is not very helpful. Do I need to have a permit or be
>> > a
>> > > registered importer to bring a speaker into Australia? I mean it is
>> > > for personal use after all.
>> > >
>> > > If anyone has any experience with this, please please shed some
>> > light
>> > > so I am prepared for anything I need to do or charges I am up
>> > against.
>> > >
>> > > Thanks very much.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > --
>> > > sschen
>> Mal
>>
>> How can it cost so much $860?? Can you tell me the breakdown of the
>> taxes you paid and the value of your speakers? A previous post shows
>> approximately $155 of GST+Custom duties based on the figures I
>> supplied. If there are other fees involved, I am prepared to pay
>> another $100 making a total of between of between $250 - $300 but
>> certainly not $800 of taxes/clearance fees.
>
> It was based on the purchase price, which was higher than your $1500 (incl
> shipping)... I believe taxes will be less than $300 for your amount.
>
>

[sschen]

You can also be charged local storage on a per day basis, ie when it arrives
and eventually when you get notified and pay all the fees. Its not quite the
same as mail order of a small packet or parcel of DVD's etc that will go
though Australia Post.

Many years ago when I was running a small business I imported a couple of
Tannoy speakers (no cabinets) effectively it cost me 3 time the UK purchase
price after you took into account exchange rates, demurrage handling charges
and taxes and fees, import agent fees - even though I did all the work.

There are many local designers of loudspeakers right here in Australia and
remember the men who developed the fundamentals of all loudspeaker basic
design algorithms (Thieles & Small) are Australians.

Mal / Netmask

All I am trying to do is find out as much as I can about all the fees and process involved so I can make an informed decision. It is not as if I do not support Australian made product.

From what you guys are saying, apart from 5% custom duties and 10% GST, there is storage charge involved although I can't see why I should be charged this fee if customs does their job efficiently? If customs calls me after the goods have arrived, I am happy to pay all custom duties and GST on the day so they can release the goods for my courier to deliver to my door. I am opting for a "Door-to-door" service.

My shipping costs already include brokerage fees which I am led to believe is what you refer to as import agent fees. Apart from this handling charges, what other fees are there?

Thanks again for your inputs.

[Howzat]

Mal / Netmask

All I am trying to do is find out as much as I can about all the fees and process involved so I can make an informed decision. It is not as if I do not support Australian made product.

From what you guys are saying, apart from 5% custom duties and 10% GST, there is storage charge involved although I can't see why I should be charged this fee if customs does their job efficiently? If customs calls me after the goods have arrived, I am happy to pay all custom duties and GST on the day so they can release the goods for my courier to deliver to my door. I am opting for a "Door-to-door" service.

My shipping costs already include brokerage fees which I am led to believe is what you refer to as import agent fees. Apart from this handling charges, what other fees are there?

Thanks again for your inputs.
the storage charge is only applicable if you don't clear your goods through customs within seven days. If you're shipping costs already include brokerage fees then it sounds like they should handle all of the paperwork for you and just charge a fee. Therefore the goods should just come straight to you without you getting any messages from customs because the shipping company handles all the paperwork. I have read on forums that people that have bought projectors from Japan and shipped through DHL (who handle customs clearances themselves) have been delivered the projector very promptly, then a few days later get an additional bill from DHL to cover GST/duty/brokerage rates.

The only surprise from that is how much the shipping company charges for brokerage, I have seen a lot of unhappy posts around from people who think UPS and FedEx charge too much for their brokerage.

[Trevor_S]

sschen <sschen.1n93oq@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
news:sschen.1n93oq@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au:

<snip>

> I don't need to be a registered importer or something along that line,
> do I? The Customs website also said something about "formal entry
> permit required" if the imported goods is worth more than A$1000. What
> the heck is this entry permit?

If it via a freight company (UPS/DHL/Fed Ex etc) you will probably get a
phone call, they will ask you for your credit card details and charge you
$100 or so to do it all ($50 to customs for the clearance fee). If it's
via post, you will fill the forms out (a couple pages) all reativley
straight foward, after you work out the duty (assuming there is any) and
the various codes that go in boxes. They will mail you a letter saying
they have somethgin for you and fill in the forms. Be sharpish about it,
as if it's done throught he post they charge you a fee to store it after a
certian number of days (I was away and got done for this...sigh)

--
Trevor S


"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
-Albert Einstein

[sschen]

sschen <sschen.1n93oq@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
news:sschen.1n93oq@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au:

<snip>

> I don't need to be a registered importer or something along that line,
> do I? The Customs website also said something about "formal entry
> permit required" if the imported goods is worth more than A$1000. What
> the heck is this entry permit?

If it via a freight company (UPS/DHL/Fed Ex etc) you will probably get a
phone call, they will ask you for your credit card details and charge you
$100 or so to do it all ($50 to customs for the clearance fee). If it's
via post, you will fill the forms out (a couple pages) all reativley
straight foward, after you work out the duty (assuming there is any) and
the various codes that go in boxes. They will mail you a letter saying
they have somethgin for you and fill in the forms. Be sharpish about it,
as if it's done throught he post they charge you a fee to store it after a
certian number of days (I was away and got done for this...sigh)

--
Trevor S


"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
-Albert Einstein

If I go ahead with the order, it will be via a courier called Bax Global. I sent an email to Australia Customs the other day, and it is as you said, $50 on custom clearance fee. Apart from the 15% customs and GST, it does not seem there is any other fees involved.

Customs even gave me a link to the online form. The only thing I am not sure of is whether Bax will be handling the Custom Clearance form on my behalf or whether they will call me to fill in the form when the goods arrive in Australia. I guess I will find out when the day comes, if I go ahead with the purchase. :)

[Trevor_S]

sschen <sschen.1nfbr9@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in news:sschen.1nfbr9
@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au:

<snip>

> If I go ahead with the order, it will be via a courier called Bax
> Global. I sent an email to Australia Customs the other day, and it is
> as you said, $50 on custom clearance fee. Apart from the 15% customs
> and GST, it does not seem there is any other fees involved.
>
> Customs even gave me a link to the online form. The only thing I am
> not sure of is whether Bax will be handling the Custom Clearance form
> on my behalf

That's what always happenns with me when using a courier service but I have
only used Fed Ex, UPS and DHL. They charge me $50 (or there abouts) for
filling in the form (+$50 for the customs fee + duty (if there is any on
that item) + gst). It's easier if they do it and you don't get hit with
"hidden" storgae charges while you get around to it. That being said, I
have never dealt with BAX Global.

--
Trevor S


"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
-Albert Einstein

[dlite]

Bax like most couriers mainly does door to door deliveries so the customs paperwork preparation fee is included in the amount you paid for shipping. I had a few problems with BAX Global, they invoiced me incorrectly for the customs duty by invoicing me for a higher amount (tried to charge me for the shipping again). They also could not accept payment via credit card. They are obviously only really set up with dealing with businesses not individuals.