points to mention from my recent import experience
We have just recently completed an import of an '85 Porsche 911.
I purchased it virtually on a whim on ebay UK (price was irresistable) and successfully managed the entire UK purchase, AUS Import Approval, freight/shipping/insurance and Customs/AQIS processes myself, although the UK seller was quite helpful with doc's/photo's and delivery to shipping co. at that end.
I am currently seeing it through the AUS compliance process personally...
General comments.
Have no fear, but be well informed. AUS Customs will help you with info and contacts but can not direct you to anyone specific due to having to remain impartial. Stick with referals to service providers from here at AULRO and you will be safe.
Roll On - Roll Off Freight and port to port insurance cost us approx $2,000 GBP (significantly cheaper than container). Don't pay too much more than that or your being stung.
These agents are valuable only if you don't have time or patience with convaluted processes. They are virtually charging you for pushing paper and making phone calls. I saved approx $1,500 AUS by DIY'ing. There was one hefty "sting" style charge (for a portside security escort) that I got hit with by not being/having an agent, but the $200 didn't hurt when I was saving $1,500. In saying all that, if someone else was subsidising the move as part of a relocation, I would probably let an agent manage it.
As with a lot of Gov bodies, Customs/AQIS processes are somewhat cumbersome and completley inflexible. However, the people working there are very helpful and informative and understand the issues. The thing to remember is recent Aus. Gov's in their usual mode of the last 20 years have been pushing the management and running of process across to private industry (agents) in order to reduce taxpayer funded costs - i.e. privatisation. As you would expect, the Customs/AQIS people have been pushed for years to push people toward agents to assist with this transition... knowing that they are ultimately putting themselves out of jobs eventually (one lady told me she had been there in Melb. 16 years and the team had been reduced by around 60% in that time). Given all that, my experience was that they were all still really helpful and mostly nice people doing a really important job of protecting our borders from bad stuff. I reckon they will all be fair if you are so just be honest and roll with it.
Don't expect any shipping or port dates to be met and you will be less likely to be disappointed. Boats rarely arrive at the intended time and public servants and wharfies work to their own peculiar schedules. Have a back up (e.g. hire/loan car) to allow for typical delays of around a month.
Compliancing is turning out to be OK as long as you keep looking and talking to people and don't accept any illogical things like that whole throw out your entire brakes and lights and crap. A lot of Aus. Businesses/Companies managing completing the compliance process are inclined to do the same as others fringing around "luxury" items and just "gouge" your wallet. So far on the Porsche I have purchased all my own parts saving around $1,200 from quote, and am considering hiring the engineer directly to 'plate' the car after I complete the few jobs required and get the car a roadworthy certificate.
All in all, get well informed, stay on your toes, stay on the front foot, be honest, genuine and polite, don't accept the first quote and check everything (and ask plenty of questions) back here at AULRO. I am yet to hear of anyone getting a real bum steer (misdirection) from this forum.
Finally, I kept all my receipts/forms/notes/e-mails from my experience (probably gonna do more over the next few years) so if you want any specific queries answered, I'd be happy to help.
