All goods imported into Australia must be cleared by
Customs, whether they are imported by air, sea or post.
While imports of low value will generally be released
by Customs for delivery direct to consignees, importers
are responsible for obtaining a formal Customs clearance
for consignments of goods above set value limits (currently
$250 for goods imported by sea or air cargo and $1,000
for goods imported through the postal system).
Please note that Customs duty and/or Goods and Services
Tax (GST) may apply on many items entering Australia,
whether or not the goods require a formal Customs clearance.
Rates vary and depend on a number of factors such as
type of goods and country of origin.
Where goods are subject to import controls under the
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations, the importers
must apply to the appropriate department or agency for
a permission to import. The permission to import must
be obtained prior to the goods arriving in Australia.
Failure to obtain the permission to import prior to
the arrival of the goods may result in the forfeiture
of the goods.
You can check the immigration website for the latest
information: http://www.immi.gov.au