Importing a Boat into Australia

In the last 12 months we have shipped nearly 200 boats into Ports such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Port Kembla, Fremantle and Melbourne Australia. Below are a few key notes that will make sure your import is a success.

Clean Boats – The most important!! We can provide all the documents, assist with your import permits, and products in the world. You will never make it past AQIS with water, soil or insect infested boats. You will face heavy penalties, storage, cleaning orders, and possibly re-export of the boat costing you thousands!! We can help make sure this does not happen to you.

Proper Documentation – At Marine Point we provide all the necessary documentation for export from the United States. (AUSFTA) Free Trade Agreements, Certificate of Origin, FCL / LCL Documents, Cleanliness Documents and many more.

Trailer Import Permit Assistance (DOTARS) – Please begin by visiting the following link and make sure you apply for the permit prior to the shipment of your boat as it could cause delays with your import. Please open the link for the “Application Approval to Import a Small Road Trailer” DOTARS

Fumigation – Although we can provide this service, over the last twelve months we have done some research. What we have found is that the common items that will trigger a Quarantine situation are as follows: Insects, Snails, Plant Pathogens, Plant Material such as Seeds or Bark and Water. In the US we use a chemical treatment called Methyl Bromide. It will take care of the insects and Seeds but THAT IS IT. Please view this document for the latest Quarantine Risk Matrix before you choose to fumigate instead of CLEAN your boats.

Duty and GST – Upon import you will be required to pay 5% Duty on the cost of the Boat and any transport fees accrued in the United States. You will also be required to pay 10% GST on all of the costs from the purchase of the Boat, Sea Freight, Duty, Wharf Charges and Customs Broker Fees at the Destination Port.

AUSFTA – If your boat was manufactured in the United States you might qualify for the exemption of the 5% duty. We will provide this form as well as a Certificate of Origin prior to your shipment if the boat and trailer was manufactured in the United States. The Australia – United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) is a preferential trade agreement between Australia and the United States modeled on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The free trade agreement (FTA) was signed on 18 May 2004, ratified by the U.S. House of Representatives on 14 July 2004 by a vote of 314–109 and by the U.S. Senate on 15 July 2004 by a vote of 80–16.[1] President George W. Bush signed the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act into law on 3 August 2004.[2] The FTA came into force on 1 January 2005. your boat was manufactured in the United States you might qualify for the exemption of the 5% duty.

ISPM-15 – This is a standard for all countries not just Australia. Although we use steel cradles it is sometimes necessary for us to use timber in the bracing process or in some situations small crates. This will be noted on your FCL declaration and given to you after the shipment has processed.

Patience – This is another important factor when shipping to Australia. As the crow flies Australia is nearly 10000 miles from the East Coast of the United States. Unfortunately, your shipment is not traveling by air in most cases. So this number is increased by almost double. We have quite a few services that can land your shipment in Australia within 40 days. However, the most economical forms are 55-75 days transit time. All shipments have the ability to be tracked and traced and can be done upon request.

Customs Brokers and Destination Charges – As you might know there are quite a few US companies out there claiming they know the costs to import into Australia, even posting these figures on their websites. Although we can provide you with many different agencies suited for assisting you with the import of your shipment, we find it imperative that you contact the destination agents yourself and inquire about these charges prior to the arrival of your shipment. There are many charges that can arise from the shipment and you should make yourself aware of all of them!

 

*Please seek the advice of a Licensed Australian Customs Broker for all Laws specific to importing a Boat. Marine Point will not be responsible for the import your vessel, Duty, GST or penalties resulting from your import. These are facts that we have found to be very common when shipping into Australia and should only be used as secondary advice.