Anyone have any experience with importing random stuff? I am looking into the possiblity of buying some gear from the US namely ice skates/hockey gear as they are a buttload cheaper over there even with the hefty postage costs added on.

Now my question is when does the import tax actually apply? I have had a bit of a search and turned this up.

Imported goods with a value of A$1000 or less

* Imported goods arriving by post will be released duty and tax free by Customs for delivery direct to the addressee
*
o except for tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages (refer to example 2) or goods subject to import permit requirements
o
+ in these cases, you will be contacted and notified of the action you must take.

http://www.customs.gov.au/SITE/page.cfm?u=5549

As far as I can see from that is if the value of the crap I buy is less than $1000aud no import tax will apply...? Am I correct in understanding this?

I recently received about $200-300 worth of electronic components, shipped from the U.S.

No tax involved.

i recently priced up some inline gear, basically got a whole new kit for the price of the pair of skates over here. (quote included the same skates + 200 worth of shipping).

sometimes i really do hate australia. :(

Awesome, looks like new skates for me then :D

No import duty when buying from the US mate (free-trade agreement).

I imported my Warwick Thumb 6 bass from the states, paid ~AUS$2000 + US$100 for shipping (25-pound bass in a hardshell case, took 6 days to ship). Customs opened it up & had an 'inspection' which cost me ~AUS$60, but that was it.

...so I snagged a wicked bass for around 1/2 what I would pay here in Aus :D

The limit got raised to $1000 a little while back. I have been told there are some exemptions to this value rule such as 'warranty replacement'.

We've had about 8 orders in the last 3 months from the US and only 1 has been hit with duty.

Hrm so if they decide to randomly crack open the package u get charged for it? :(

Also how does that work exactly? Do they call you up and say oi we checked your s*** and you now owe us 60 bux, once you pay us you can have it.

Wow we really do get reamed over here... I just priced up a set of uber ice hockey skates + decent inline hockey skates + new helmet + extra laces + blade covers

I can get all that INLUDING the $125 US shipping for $1 more than I could buy the ice hockey skates locally :o

Even if it got hit with a $60 import fee that'd still be a pretty sweet deal!

Hrm so if they decide to randomly crack open the package u get charged for it? :(

Yeah - I got a phone call (all your contact details are on the package) from customs. I gave them my CC info & it was taken care of on the spot...