FAQ’s
- What is a SAC Declaration?
- Why do I need a SAC declaration to clear my goods?
- How is a SAC declaration communicated to Customs?
- Who can communicate a SAC declaration?
- When can a SAC declaration be communicated?
- Where is a SAC declaration communicated?
- How long does it take to lodge a SAC declaration clearance?
- What will happen to my goods if I don’t get them cleared?
- What happens if my goods are damaged?
- What if I don’t declare (mis-declare) the actual value of my goods?
- Can I bring in multiple consignments with each consignment having a value under AUD$1,000?
- What is a freight forwarder?
A Self Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration is a declaration made to Customs to clear goods that you have imported by air or sea that have a Customs value at or below AUD$1000. This value excludes the transport and insurance costs and is usually the amount for the goods that is stated on the invoice. Don’t worry if you don’t have an invoice as long as you have proof of the purchase cost of the goods.
All goods that meet the above requirements must be cleared using a SAC declaration.
Basically it is a Customs clearance for low value goods.
SAC declarations are NOT used for goods that arrive through the post, carnets (temporary imports) or Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE). Please note that Customs has strict guidelines in place regarding personal effects, and just because ‘personal effects’ is written on the shipping documents, does not mean the goods will be excepted as ‘personal effects’. If you have any questions about whether your goods fall under the UPE or SAC declaration category, please contact us or Customs directly.
Why do I need a SAC declaration to clear my goods?
In October 2005 the Customs Act 1901 was amended to include the electronic processing of goods imported into Australia by air or sea that have a Customs Value not exceeding AUD$1000 as part of the CMR (Cargo Management Re-engineering) project. If you don’t use a SAC declaration to clear your goods, you will not be able to collect them.
How is a SAC Declaration communicated to Customs?
A SAC declaration must be communicated electronically with Customs via the ICS. There is no manual option.
Who can communicate a SAC Declaration?
A SAC Declaration must be communicated electronically by a registered SAC Communicator. The SAC Communicator must be registered with Australian Customs in the ICS and have a digital certificate. Most SAC communicators are SAC specialists, Customs Brokers or Cargo Reporters.
When can a SAC Declaration be communicated?
A SAC Declaration can be lodged prior to the ship or plane carrying the goods arriving in Australia. Or, it can be lodged once the ship or aircraft has actually arrived.
It is important that the clearance is completed as soon as possible so you can collect your goods before free storage period expires. Please note that storage charges will be applied after the free storage period expires (charge rates and free storage periods vary from depot to depot).
Where is a SAC Declaration communicated?
You can lodge a SAC Declaration with us from anywhere in Australia. It doesn’t matter if you are in Broome or Brisbane! Once we have received your information, your clearance will be communicated immediately with Customs and AQIS.
Although our Head Office is based in Sydney we do clearances Australia-wide and can organise your clearance over the phone, via email or over the internet.
How long does it take to lodge a Sac declaration clearance?
I can complete most clearances within ½ an hour of receiving all the necessary documentation. This means that as long as there are no Customs/AQIS concerns you are able to collect your goods once the clearance is confirmed.
What will happen to my goods if I don’t get them cleared?
If you decide not to clear your goods the Cargo Terminal Operator (CTO) or depot/wharehouse will continue to hold them for a certain period of time. This may vary from company to company so you will need to check the actual holding period with the company holding your goods. After this period has elapsed and you have made no attempt to clear your goods the company may dispose of the goods at their discretion.
What happens if my goods arrive damaged?
If you receive your goods damaged you can lodge an Intent to Claim with the relevant parties. This claim will only cover the actual value of the goods. It does not cover the cost of freight or clearance fees or any other fees that you have paid.
If the damage is the result of poor packing, and not as a result of mishandling or negligence by any of the operators, you will need to discuss options with the supplier.
It is advisable to pay the extra cost and insure your goods.
What if I don’t declare (mis-declare) the actual value of my goods?
It is an offence to give false or misleading information to Customs. If you do not declare the true value of your goods (that the goods are correctly valued at AUD$1,000 or less) and you are caught the penalties are severe.
Can I bring in multiple consignments with each consignment having a value under AUD$1,000?
If you bring in multiple consignments under the AUD$1,000 threshold to the same addressee (importer) from a single consignor (supplier) that arrive about the same time; In this case the value of all the consignments will be combined for duty/GST purposes.
A freight forwarder is someone who organises the logistics of moving freight from point A to point B.