Licensed Customs Clearance for Import & Export Cargo

Technically, importers can self-clear, but in practice almost all commercial imports use a licensed customs broker. Customs brokers are licensed by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and have the expertise to classify goods correctly, calculate duty, lodge declarations, and coordinate quarantine. Getting classification wrong can mean overpaid duty, delayed clearance, or penalties — which is why professional brokerage is the standard route.

If documentation is complete and no quarantine inspection is required, sea cargo typically clears within 24 hours of arrival. Air cargo often clears within a few hours. Delays usually come from incomplete documentation, unresolved tariff questions, or DAFF-directed quarantine inspections. We lodge pre-arrival wherever possible to clear on the day of arrival.

Standard requirements: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (if claiming FTA concessions), and any product-specific permits (e.g. TGA for medical devices, DAFF import permits for food and plant material). We'll review everything before the cargo arrives and flag anything missing.

Duty depends on tariff classification and country of origin. Some goods enter duty-free (especially under free trade agreements with China, Japan, Korea, the US, and the UK), while others attract 5%, 10%, or higher rates. GST is typically 10% on the customs value plus duty plus international transport. We calculate the exact liability during the quoting process so there are no surprises.

Biosecurity clearance (previously called AQIS clearance) is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). It applies to plant material, animal products, food, timber, soil-containing items, and machinery with organic residue. We coordinate DAFF inspections and arrange fumigation or treatment where required so your cargo isn't held at the border.

Yes. We clear cargo at every major Australian sea port (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide, Darwin) and every international airport. Because we also operate container haulage across Australia, we can handle the entire journey — clearance plus port-to-premises delivery — under one provider.

Australia has free trade agreements with China, Japan, Korea, the US, the UK, and several other countries. Goods that qualify under these agreements can attract reduced or zero duty — but only if you have a valid certificate of origin and correctly declare the origin. We identify FTA eligibility during classification and lodge declarations to claim whatever you're entitled to.

Inspections are normal for certain cargo types and are coordinated through DAFF. We book the inspection, liaise with the inspection facility, and manage the release once cleared. If the inspection finds an issue (e.g. fumigation required, documentation discrepancy), we handle the resolution and keep you informed of timelines and costs at every step.

Yes. This is one of our biggest advantages. Because Crest Logistics also operates container haulage — including side-loader, standard, and out-of-gauge — we can line up the truck to collect your container the moment it clears customs. No double-handling, no waiting between providers, no hidden demurrage costs.

Customs brokerage fees typically range from $150–$400 per entry depending on complexity, number of line items, and whether classification or quarantine work is required. Duty and GST are payable on top of that — these are government charges, not broker fees. We provide clear, itemised quotes so you know exactly what's a fee and what's a tax.