Stephanie Duong

A power of attorney (POA), also called a letter of attorney, is a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf. The person authorizing the other to act is called the principal, grantor or donor (of power). The one authorized to act is called the agent.

Customs generally require a bill of lading, packing list and declaration, insurance certificate and commercial invoice. Customs may also require more documents, depending on your cargo’s type and country of origin.

Strict quarantine rules and regulations are implemented in Australia.

DO:

• Check if you’ll need an import permit.
• Prepare a packing declaration to prevent delays and added costs.
• Make sure your container is free of contaminants such as grain and soil.
• Check that any wood based materials are permitted.
• Check packing materials (wool, paper, foam etc) for contaminants.
• Inspect goods from high risk countries for signs of disease or infestation.

DON’T:

• Use any straw packing as it can carry insects and diseases.
• Pack items in used egg, meat or fruit cartons as these may carry disease.
• Include any timber with bark attached. Bark is prohibited.

If your goods have been paid for and the payment remittance (evidence of payment) is provided then the exchange rate used to purchase the goods will be used to calculate any duty or GST.

Otherwise, when goods are being imported from overseas and have not yet been paid for then we use the customs exchange rate, which is the average of the four major banks on the date the goods were exported.

LCL means “Less than Container Load”. For example if one importer has goods that will only partially fill a 20 or 40 foot sea freight container, the goods can be packed into the container along with other shipments. When using this option goods may be supplied in boxes, crates or on pallets based on the shipment size.