How do customs work out the AU$ value?

slow on 10/03/2012 - 08:35

I want to buy something from overseas - the trouble is that when converted to AUD today (using xe.com)the selling price comes out at $995 which is just at the border of having to pay tax/duty, and it could be $1,001 tomorrow. I have spoken to the seller and they won't fill in a lower value. I really really don't want to pay duty/tax.

How do customs work out the value?? Does anyone know if there is any flexibilty if it comes out at $1,001 on the day??

Thanks

General Discussion

Comments

  • slow on 10/03/2012 - 08:39

    One other thing I didn't mention - it is used (ie not new). Does that make any difference?

  • Geewhizz on 10/03/2012 - 09:02

    If that were to happen would simply waiting until a day when it was below the line again be an option?

    You're dealing with beurocracy - there is no such thing as flexibility.

  • nfr on 10/03/2012 - 09:10

    You have to assume you would be charged.

  • altomic on 10/03/2012 - 09:16
    +1

    hit up customs/DFAT.

  • oztonyau on 10/03/2012 - 09:45
    +1

    This might help you; If you buy with MC/Visa on Amazon you can pay in Aussie $'s. Also if you use a shipping service such as UStoOZ then the cost of freight from US to OZ is not part of the calculation.

  • saine on 10/03/2012 - 09:48

    When you carry it into Australia there is a $300 leeway - or was, when I last brought something back into the country. You might ask, they might have a similar policy through the mail.

    • TIMEMACHINEBOOKS on 11/03/2012 - 08:02

      I ordered from OS last year and the total was $1026 and I got pinged for gst….

  • rinbond on 10/03/2012 - 11:04
    +1

    The day its shipped is usually the fx rate is calculated for duties,freight is inc for duty if its commercial

  • endotherm on 10/03/2012 - 18:47

    According to this http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp the exchange rate that is used is the rate applied on the day the goods were posted or exported.

  • slow on 10/03/2012 - 20:26

    Thanks for the replies. I had read that page on the customs website but missed the bit about the rate. So from everything I have read it looks like I will be OK if I order today as based on today's rate it is $985 including shipping

    • Steptoe on 10/03/2012 - 23:11

      Return of repaired goods? ;)

      • dirtybird on 11/03/2012 - 09:26

        I've used that one before but still had to go and pick it up and explain it to them.
        Thankfully a mate shipped the goods out from the USA for me and I had him remove the barcode for a cash back redemption.
        When I went to pick up the parcels and explain I pointed out the removed barcode and said they do that for returned goods so you cant resell it. :)

        • CuteBirdy on 11/03/2012 - 13:17

          that's dirty…!

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