Returning through Customs

SoylentGreen on 07/09/2023 - 16:39
Last edited 08/09/2023 - 01:10 by 1 other user

About to head off to Japan, first overseas trip for my family and I haven't travelled o/s for 16 years.

Wondering if I take my laptop overseas (edit: I bought it in Australia), how do I avoid paying import duty on it (edit: when I return)? And generally other used stuff like an expensive sleeping bag.

Do aerosol female haircare have to be under 100g, with carryon?

Some Japanese dept stores refund tax, do you have to keep documents for Japanese customs?

Does Jetstar handout entry cards to Japan inflight? Is it black pen only?

I suppose packaged snack foods like from coles don't need to be declared?

Thanks in advance.

• 

  altomic on 07/09/2023 - 16:52

  +2

  if I take my laptop overseas, how do I avoid paying import duty on it?

  why would you pay duty on something you already own? maybe if it was packed up in it's original box/packaging then maybe they would ask questions.

  Do aerosol female haircare have to be under 100g, with carryon?

  save yourself the hassle and just buy it there.

  Jetstar handout entry cards to Japan inflight?

  yes

  Is it black pen only?

  black or blue

  packaged snack foods like from coles don't need to be declared

  declared where?

• 

  holdenmg on 07/09/2023 - 16:56

  +2

  Personal Effects and Professional Equipment
  Clothes, toiletries, and other personal effects for your personal use, as well as portable professional equipment that will be used during your stay in Japan, are all free of duty and/or tax, if they are considered quantitatively appropriate and are not for sale.
  https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm

• 

  xcez on 07/09/2023 - 17:46

  +4

  Wondering if I take my laptop overseas, how do I avoid paying import duty on it? And generally other used stuff like an expensive sleeping bag.
  No, don't declare anything you own

  Do aerosol female haircare have to be under 100g, with carryon?
  Yes, and it needs to go into a clear bag to be x-ray/scanned.

  Some Japanese dept stores refund tax, do you have to keep documents for Japanese customs?
  You need your passport with immigration exit sticker/slip, and you do it on the spot in the store or the centre at the location which is a specific Duty Free Refund counter, and must be on the same day, after that you will not be asked to show anything as you clear Japan customs.

  Does Jetstar handout entry cards to Japan inflight? Is it black pen only?
  1) No, airlines do not, you can do it online - https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
  If you do it online, make sure you have both QR codes for each Immigration and Customs screenshot on your phone (internet at immigration is flakey)
  2) Or, you can pick up a form at the arrival desks
  Pen colour shouldn't matter

  I suppose packaged snack foods like from coles don't need to be declared?
  You should be fine with this, but best to declare on to Australian customs to be on the precautionary side, they'll ask you what you have and just tell them. Australia is very strict
  Anything pork is not permitted even if cooked

• 

  deme on 07/09/2023 - 18:22

  +2

  About to head off to Japan, first overseas trip for my family and I haven't travelled o/s for 16 years.

  Wondering if I take my laptop overseas, how do I avoid paying import duty on it? And generally other used stuff like an expensive sleeping bag.

  No, you are not importing it.

  Do aerosol female haircare have to be under 100g, with carryon?

  That's not customs https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsec… , if you are concerned check it in.

  I suppose packaged snack foods like from coles don't need to be declared?

  Depends, read the card you get and if unsure, tick yes.
  Nothing bad happens if you tick yes and they go oh yeah that's fine.

  Here is a sample https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-leaving-australia/files/ipc-…

  If I bought this https://www.coles.com.au/product/arnott's-multigrain-vitawea… should I tick it? I have no idea if you need to declare it, so I'd tick Yes. Same any country, nothing bad happens if you are honest. Declaring it doesn't mean you can't bring it in.

  If people have prescription medication they need to tick Yes to the first box doesn't mean they grill you. "You got a script for that etc." and off you go.

  They just ask you, I'd say oh this and they'd either say yeah/nah.

  • 

    donga100 on 07/09/2023 - 18:25

    +2

    Nothing bad happens if you tick yes and they go oh yeah that's fine.

    Even if they don't allow it there is still nothing bad that will happen other than having to throw it away. No fines or punishment if you declared it.

    • 

      miwahni on 07/09/2023 - 20:25

      +1

      And the line for people who have declared something is usually way shorter than the line for people with nothing to declare.

• 

  donga100 on 07/09/2023 - 18:23

  I suppose packaged snack foods like from coles don't need to be declared?

  All food needs to be declared. They will most likely ask what it is and just wave you through so don't worry about it.

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  deme on 07/09/2023 - 18:25

  Don't forget: Bring a pen on the flight home so you can fill out the form!

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  GordonD on 07/09/2023 - 19:56

  +1

  I think the OP's point with the laptop is HE knows he didn't buy it there, he bought it here and took it with him, but does he need to prove that somehow to get it back into Australia? Like taking purchase receipts with him.

  • 

    SoylentGreen on 08/09/2023 - 01:08

    Yep. Wondering about having to produce a receipt to prove I bought it in Aus. Just saw that it has "manufactured in 2021" on the back.

• 

  Xetrok on 07/09/2023 - 21:11

  -1

  NVM saw you're trying to dodge it up through Japan.
  If you're not eligable you shouldn't do it!

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  Transient on 07/09/2023 - 22:14

  +2

  I carry my work laptop when I go overseas but have never been queried. If Customs checks the model number they will see it is a few years old. If you are really paranoid you can keep a copy of the receipt on your phone showing you bought it in Au and Customs can cross check with their own records to show you never made a TRS claim for it.
  As you are travelling with your family, the GST allowance for each person can be aggregated, further reducing the risk of Customs querying your laptop. Same with sleeping bag.

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  SoylentGreen on 08/09/2023 - 01:14

  +1

  Thanks everyone for the helpful input!

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  try2bhelpful on 08/09/2023 - 13:16

  +1

  Have a great trip.