Import checklist generator
Answer three questions and tick off your personalised checklist as you go. Full background in the getting started guide.
1. Who is importing?
2. What kind of goods?
3. Shipment value?
Your checklist (0/9)
General information only — verify current requirements with the ABF and DAFF before shipping.
Why the AUD 1,000 threshold matters
Goods with a customs value of AUD 1,000 or less clear the border with a simple Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration and no duty or GST at the border — GST is collected at checkout by overseas sellers under the Low Value Imported Goods rules. Above AUD 1,000 you need a full Import Declaration through the Integrated Cargo System, and duty, GST and the import processing charge become payable before release. Restricted goods need a full declaration regardless of value.
What trips up first-time importers
The most expensive mistakes happen before goods ship: skipping the BICON search for anything of biological origin, ordering restricted goods without a permit in hand, accepting an overseas "asbestos-free" certificate at face value, and forgetting that GST applies to freight and insurance as well as the goods themselves. Work through the checklist above in order and confirm your HS classification early — it determines your duty rate and any extra conditions.
Next steps
Once your checklist is complete, model the money side with the landed cost calculator and screen your products with the prohibited goods lookup. For the full end-to-end picture, start with the getting started guide.