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Our Process
A clear, step-by-step system designed to remove stress, prevent delays, and give importers full confidence at every stage.
OUR PROCESS — HOW CUSMODE MAKES IMPORTING SIMPLE
Importing into Australia can feel complicated, especially with strict ABF (Customs) requirements, DAFF biosecurity rules, supplier documentation issues, and port/depot delays. At Cusmode Customs Brokers AU, we break the entire process into a clean, predictable workflow so you always know exactly what is happening and why.
Our process has been refined through years of handling sea freight, air freight, courier shipments, machinery, FMCG, industrial cargo, retail stock, and personal effects across all major Australian ports.
The goal is simple:
👉 Remove stress, reduce delays, prevent unnecessary costs, and ensure full compliance.
Below is the complete step-by-step process your shipment follows
STEP 01
DOCUMENT COLLECTION & INITIAL CHECKS
The first step is simple: you send your documents.
We accept them via email, WhatsApp, or directly from your supplier or freight forwarder.
Documents usually required:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air)
- Supplier declarations (if applicable)
- Timber/ISPM15 statements
- Certificates of origin (for FTAs)
The moment we receive your documents, we conduct an initial compliance review to check for:
✔ Missing information
✔ Wrong quantities or values
✔ Incorrect Incoterms
✔ HS code inaccuracies
✔ Potential DAFF issues (timber, soil, food, machinery contamination)
If something looks incorrect, we don’t wait —
we fix it with your supplier before clearance even begins.
This early intervention prevents 90% of delays and penalties.
STEP 02
COMPLIANCE REVIEW & RISK IDENTIFICATION
Australia has some of the strictest import rules in the world.
Our job is to ensure your shipment meets them BEFORE Customs or DAFF sees your documents.
We identify risks such as:
- Misclassified goods
- Incorrect valuation
- Missing country-of-origin details
- Timber packaging problems
- Machinery contamination risks
- Food/BICON restrictions
- Cargo likely to be selected for inspection
We apply both ABF compliance and DAFF biosecurity logic to your case.
This step protects you from:
❌ Re-inspections
❌ Holds
❌ Re-documentation fees
❌ Supplier mistakes
❌ Incorrect duty/GST charges
❌ Delays leading to costly storage
STEP 03
TARIFF CLASSIFICATION & DUTY ASSESSMENT
Correct HS codes are critical.
A single digit error can change duty rates, GST calculations, biosecurity requirements, or even legality of import.
Cusmode ensures:
✔ Accurate HS codes
✔ Application of all Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
✔ Concession eligibility checks
✔ Correct valuation method (FOB, CIF, etc.)
✔ Duty + GST calculation before lodgments
This gives you total transparency about your landed cost.
STEP 04
CUSTOMS LODGEMENT WITH ABF
Once documents are correct, we lodge your Import Declaration directly with the Australian Border Force (ABF).
We confirm:
✔ Correct tariff classification
✔ Correct value for duty/GST
✔ Evidence of origin
✔ Compliance with all import rules
✔ Correct duty and tax codes
After submission, we monitor your entry until ABF releases it.
STEP 05
DAFF (BIOSECURITY) MANAGEMENT
If your goods require biosecurity attention, we take over immediately.
We arrange and manage:
- Tailgate inspections
- Full unpack inspections
- Contamination checks
- Timber/treatment verification
- Soil/organic contamination checks
- BICON import condition compliance
- Re-cleaning (if required)
- Re-inspection bookings
We also coordinate with depots to fast-track inspections and minimize downtime.
DAFF delays often cause the biggest financial pain —
our expertise prevents unnecessary storage bills.
STEP 06
DUTY & GST PAYMENT OPTIONS
You will receive a clear invoice showing:
✔ Duty rate
✔ GST amount
✔ Any concessions applied
✔ Any FTA reductions
✔ Any DAFF fees
✔ Our brokerage fee (transparent, no hidden costs)
We provide payment options and assist you in keeping your import accounting compliant for Australian taxation.
STEP 07
FINAL RELEASE & COLLECTION
Once ABF and DAFF have cleared your cargo, we immediately issue:
Once ABF and DAFF have cleared your cargo, we immediately issue:
- Arrival notice guidance
- Release documents
- Delivery instructions
- Transport coordination (if required)
For sea freight, we also assist with:
- Port charges
- Unpack depot fees
- Container dehire timing
- Avoiding demurrage/detention
For air freight and courier imports, release is typically same day.
Our goal is simple:
you receive your goods as fast as possible.
STEP 08
ONGOING SUPPORT & FUTURE PLANNING
Cusmode is not a “single shipment” broker.
We support you long-term by offering:
✔ Future supplier guidance
✔ Tariff reviews
✔ Import strategy optimization
✔ BICON and DAFF advice
✔ New product import checks
✔ Help with growing your business
Most clients stay with us because they feel:
- Safe
- Supported
- Understood
- Never left alone when dealing with Customs
Your success is our mission.