Thread: GST on purchases from UK etc

Originally Posted by 101RRS

The $1000 rule not longer applies - you are supposed to pay GST either on purchase or entry into Aust on all purchases irrespective of whether it is over or under $1000.

While they will chase up GST on items on higher valued items, realistically it is not feasible for the authorities to collect it for every little item than arrives from overseas.

Garry

On duty it still applies but not gst.

Originally Posted by 101RRS

The $1000 rule not longer applies

Yes and no. While your correct it doesn't apply for GST anymore as that applies to all imports regardless of value, it does apply still to import duties which makes a big difference as you often then get slugged with an additional brokerage fee and you will pay GST on the import duty amount charged and brokerage fee amount too. So all up the difference between $999.99 and $1,000.00 can be larger than you imagine...

Originally Posted by twr7cx

Yes and no. While your correct it doesn't apply for GST anymore as that applies to all imports regardless of value,

Yes true but I was just talking about GST as that is the topic for this thread. My post was a follow on from Max Headroom where he said said GST was not payable when items came in under $1000 which is no longer the case.

Originally Posted by Max Headroom 2.3m

I spent big at Ascroft's but broke it up into two shipments so that each was sub AU$1000 inc freight = no GST on either. This was still cheaper than a putting it all together as a single shipment over AU$1000 + GST.

Cheers

Garry

From my last purchase from FCP Euro (Feb 2019) of $770.80USD ($1128 Aus or so) the UPS fee breakdown to release from customs was:
$9.95 security fee
$1 GST on the security fee
$83 Customs fee
$116.89 GST on goods inwards
Total $210.84

From my invoice:
Effective from 1st January 2016, the formal Declaration Fee (formerly known as the formal entry fee) imposed Border Protection will be AUD $83.00 for shipments over AUD $1,000 by the Department of Immigration and
As of 1st January 2016, the formal Declaration fee for shipments valued over AUD $10,000 imposed by the Australian Customs Service will be AUD $185.00

You may still get caught at inbound for GST on parts under $1k but looks like you'll avoid a fee on top. I've only bought from eBay and Amazon since the new rules which, as others have said, add the GST at checkout.

Similar experience here.
I wish I’d done my research prior, as I’d thought the $1000 limit was on the goods only.
I just purchased some items from the UK, and with shipping I ended up at about AUD $1030. Extra cost paid to DHL to get it in my hands was a further $269. If I’d known I’d have split the package into two orders.
Caveat emptor.

The whole GST thing is pretty hit or miss.
Most US sellers have not listed with the government as they don't see why they should, so independent sellers out of the US can be GST free if it is under $1000.
Same in the UK, although they understand the concept of VAT and some have opted to collect the GST.
Remember, if you buy from the UK, you need to ask for the VAT to be removed as it only applies to sales in the UK and EU - but having said that, some smaller outlets dont want the added papaerwork of doing it.

Originally Posted by Aussie Jeepster

The whole GST thing is pretty hit or miss.
Most US sellers have not listed with the government as they don't see why they should, so independent sellers out of the US can be GST free if it is under $1000.
Same in the UK, although they understand the concept of VAT and some have opted to collect the GST.
Remember, if you buy from the UK, you need to ask for the VAT to be removed as it only applies to sales in the UK and EU - but having said that, some smaller outlets dont want the added papaerwork of doing it.

I have to agree and disagree with you here. While I agree that most of the sellers aren't listed with the Government and aren't collecting the GST, I disagree that you're getting out of it as all the freight carriers have. So most US/UK sellers don't collect, but the freight service that they use to deliver it to you does collect the GST and pass it onto the Australian government - so you haven't gotten away with it. A lot of people just don't realise as it's all just part of the total freight cost that is quoted and charged - it's why for those of us that are regular overseas shoppers we noticed a price increase when the change came into effect.

Originally Posted by jc109

Similar experience here.
I wish I’d done my research prior, as I’d thought the $1000 limit was on the goods only.
I just purchased some items from the UK, and with shipping I ended up at about AUD $1030. Extra cost paid to DHL to get it in my hands was a further $269. If I’d known I’d have split the package into two orders.
Caveat emptor.

DHL are a bunch of rogues and thieves.
Never seen such rorting. Never had the gouging when using TNT or others.

If a company will only ship DHL I don’t buy from them.