SAC Information
Self Assessed Declaration Information
The SACMAN is a SAC Communicator who acts as an intermediary between you and Customs to ensure Customs clearance of your goods in an efficient and professional manner.
- What is a SAC declaration?
- Why do I need a SAC declaration to clear my goods?
- Who can communicate a Sac declaration?
- When can a SAC declaration be lodged?
- Where can a SAC declaration be lodged?
- How is a SAC declaration communicated to Customs?
- SAC declarations in 5 easy steps.
- What do I need to complete my SAC declaration?
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 value at or below AUD$1,000. If you don’t use a SAC declaration to clear your goods you will not be able to collect them.Self Assessed Clearance Declaration Information
Who can communicate a SAC declaration?
A SAC declaration must be communicated electronically by a SAC communicator who is registered with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (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 your goods arriving in Australia. Or it can be lodged after the ship or plane has actually arrived.
It is important that Customs clearance is completed as soon as possible. This will enable you to collect your goods before the free storage period expires. Please note that storage charges will be incurred after the free storage period expires. (Free storage periods and storage charges vary from depot to depot)
How is a SAC declaration communicated to Customs?
A SAC declaration must be made electronically through Customs Integrated Cargo System (ICS). There is no documentary or paper version available for an importer to submit to Customs.
Where can a SAC declaration be lodged?
You can lodge a SAC declaration with me from anywhere in Australia. It doesn’t matter if you are in Perth or Broome or Alice Springs or Brisbane or Sydney. Once I have received your information, your clearance will be communicated immediately with Customs and AQIS.
Although I’m based in Sydney I do clearances Australia wide and can organise your clearance over the phone, by email or over the internet.
SAC declarations in 5 easy steps
- you receive your air freight or sea freight documentation.
- You communicate this information directly to me by either email, phone or in person.
- Pay the clearance fee.
- Once payment is finalised I will lodge your SAC declaration with Customs and AQIS (Quarantine).
- Once the goods have been cleared by Customs ( subject to Quarantine*) you will be able to collect your goods.
* If your goods are subject to Quarantine there will be AQIS processing. This may include an inspection. Once AQIS has released you goods from Quarantine you will be able to collect your goods.
What do I need to complete my SAC declaration?
A copy (either pre-alert or original) of your documents
If you receive advance copies of your documents from the shipper/supplier you can send them to me in advance of your goods arriving into Australia. This means your goods can be pre-cleared by Customs (subject to Quarantine) before they arrive into Australia.
If you receive your documents after your goods have arrived into Australia you must send them to me as soon as possible. This will enable me to lodge you SAC declaration before the free storage period expires.
Examples of Air Freight Documentation
- Master Air Way Bill (MAWB)
- House Air Way Bill (HAWB)
- Arrival Notice
Examples of Sea freight Documentation
- Arrival Notice
- Delivery Order (DO)
- Ocean Bill of Laden (OBL)
- House Bill of Laden (HBL)
Invoice/s ( if applicable) or proof of monies paid for purchase.
If you have an invoice(s) relating to your shipment this will be used as documentary evidence that your goods meet the AUD$1,000 entry threshold.
If you do not have an invoice(s) you must provide other evidence* of the cost of the goods. This could be in the form of Paypal receipt, cheque statement or credit card receipt.
*You are responsible and accountable for providing the true value of your goods. Any misleading or false information may result in legal action, the seizure/forfeiture of the goods or the re-export of the goods at your expense.
Evidence of Identity (EOI)
For security reasons you must provide Evidence of Identity to prove you are the importer of the goods.
You can use a copy of your Driver’s Licence or a copy of the bio page of your Passport. ( If you do not have either of these