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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Cusmode Customs Brokers AU, we understand that importing can feel overwhelming — especially for new importers or anyone dealing with tight deadlines. This FAQ page is designed to give you clear, practical answers in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect before your shipment arrives.
We believe in transparency, honesty, and straightforward guidance. If your question is not listed here, you are always welcome to contact us directly and we will help immediately.
In most cases, you will need the following:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (Sea freight) or Air Waybill (Air freight)
- Any certificates required (fumigation, origin, treatment, manufacturer declarations, etc.)
If you don’t have everything, we will guide your supplier on exactly what is required.
Incorrect or missing documents are the number one cause of delays — we prevent this before lodging.
Air Freight:
Usually 1–2 business days, unless DAFF selects the cargo for inspection.
Sea Freight (FCL):
Typically 2–4 days depending on depot processing.
Sea Freight (LCL):
Usually 3–6 days, as LCL moves through multiple handling points.
Courier Shipments (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT):
Often same day — but once value exceeds AUD $1,000 or there is a DAFF intervention,
a licensed customs broker (like us) must take over.
We monitor your shipment in real-time and notify you the moment it is released.
- GST is normally10% of the landed cost (goods + freight + insurance).
- Duty depends on your product’s tariff code. Many goods are0% duty, but some attract 5% or more.
- Free Trade Agreements (China–Australia, Japan–Australia, ASEAN, CER NZ–Australia, etc.) may eliminate duty entirely if your documents qualify.
We calculate this for you upfront so you are never surprised by hidden costs.
Yes — every day.
We provide:
- Step-by-step guidance
- Supplier instruction templates
- Landing cost estimates
- Help understanding DAFF/BICON requirements
- Plain-language explanations (no jargon)
Even if you have never imported before, we make the entire process easy and stress-free.
Absolutely — this is one of our strongest areas.
We manage:
- Tailgate inspections
- Full unpack inspections
- Timber declarations
- ISPM-15 treatment requirements
- Contamination / soil risk
- BICON import rulings
- Overseas cleaning validation
Many importers lose money due to DAFF delays — we prevent this.
We immediately:
- Contact the relevant authority
- Identify why the hold occurred
- Provide you a clear explanation
- Resolve the issue as fast as possible
- Minimise storage/demurrage fees
Most holds come from documentation issues or biosecurity concerns — both are areas we manage efficiently.
Yes — we specialise in high-risk and complex consignments including:
- Used machinery
- Tractors and agricultural equipment
- Earthmoving machinery
- Timber products
- Furniture
- Vehicles (cars, motorbikes, caravans)
These require very strict DAFF compliance — we ensure everything is handled correctly to avoid re-cleaning or re-inspection costs.
Yes. We can organise:
- Metro delivery
- Interstate transport
- Tail-lift delivery
- Machinery transport
- Depot collections
We work with trusted carriers and ensure you get competitive pricing.
No problem — we fix it.
We will:
- Correct the documentation
- Contact suppliers directly (if needed)
- Ensure alignment with ABF and DAFF rules
- Prevent delays caused by incorrect values, HS codes, or descriptions
This is extremely common with overseas suppliers — and we handle it every day.
Very easy:
- Send us your invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- We review and confirm costs
- We lodge your entry
- We update you step-by-step
- Your cargo is released
- Delivery arranged if required
You’ll receive clear communication throughout — no guessing, no stres