
Originally Posted by
Brian Hjelm
The govt's view is that for low amounts such as GST on parcels with an invoice value below $1000 it is not cost effective to collect the relatively small amount of GST that would result.
Say I import a parcel of small tools value AU$600, air mail postage $46 which I do regularly, several times a month. These tools attract duty at 5%. So the gov. collects $30 duty and 10% GST on $600 + $30 + $46, $67.60. So for a return of $97.60 they have to notify me of the parcels arrival, securely store said parcel until I receive the notification and either present myself at the International Post Office or request the parcel be sent to my local PO. Someone has to assess the amount to be paid and handle the payment. This would be running at a loss.
Now if the gov. was to do this with all parcels, imagine the storage facilities needed and the staff!
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