We are going to ship our two motorbikes soon from LA to Sydney.
The information we are getting from what is needed in terms of customs requirements etc are conflicting. We do not have a carnet so we know we will need a VIA (Vehicle Import Approval) but have heard that we might need an agent (customs broker) to clear the bikes and that we need to contact all these different departments...

Does anyone have any experience with this - as in have you imported an Australian bike back into Australia and what was your experience?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Mark & Sanne

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Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com

First ive heard of this one? i take it your not Australian citizens?

Have you read both DOI & Customs sites on this subject?

Do the bikes have an Australian compliance plate riveted to the frame?

Are you also aware of Australian biosecurity rules?

Read the 8 step precess overview HERE.

You don’t need an agent just print out the PDF`s & fill them out, biosecurity is the one they are most hot on, any dirt on either bikes they will fine you.

At worst you will pay 10% GST but i doubt they can apply that in this case as they are Aussie bikes & duty has already been paid.

Mezo.

The last time I shipped my bike back to Aus was in 2010 from the USA. They had just changed the rules then and as crazy as it sounds even with a Vic registered bike with a compliance plate on it the bike had to be "re-imported"

You can do it all yourselves, but I used a freight forwarder, when it's all done you get a call to come and collect your bike. It cost me about $240 which might sound a lot but be aware that there will be port charges and customs fees anyway. which might only save you $100. Plus there will be quite a bit of running around to different offices to get it all done.

The most important thing is clean your bike and when you think it's OK clean it again. If AQIS decide it's dirty they will send it for a power clean and then charge you.

Happy Shipping

Chris

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http://wombatstravels.blogspot.com.au/

CRIKEY "re-imported" gotta love the Aussie way, shag em once & then shag them again even harder.

Yep like Chris & myself said, scrub a dub dub, then lick it clean.

Mezo.

Thanks for your reply guys.
We were aware of most of the things being Aussies ourselves, just needed confirmation on the agent thing as the documents we have been sent from AAA claims you need a so-called "customs broker".

We have been told to expect to pay $600 per bike to get them cleared.

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Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com

G'day guys,

Where are you shipping them into??

Chris

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http://wombatstravels.blogspot.com.au/

Do the weblookup on VSB10 to get the latest guff. Dept of Infrastructure are the lead dept. for vehicle imports. I think you need to get a vehicle import approval, if you had a carnet it would not require a VIA>


Self clearing is an easy enough task, try and put the bikes in the one crate as this will reduce the opportunity to get you to bend over.


The process is roughly;
Pay the port fees to the shipping agent who will give you a clearance order.
Take the clearance order and the VIA or stamped carnet to customs and get either another clearance or a stamp on the shipping agent's order.
Book at Customs an inspection by both AQIS and Customs if required.
Pay AQIS fees.
Attend wharf for Customs and AQIS inspection - you need to arrange with the wharfies when this will be done - you will need to be wearing safety boots, usually they supply hard hat and fluro vest. You will be escorted at all times.
The wharfies will get the bikes out of the crate for AQIS and Customs.
You may have to pay for the disposal of the crates.
If all is good you will be allowed to push the bikes to the gates and ride off into the sunset. Don't forget a can of fuel.
If AQIS have a hissy fit, you ill have to pay for a steam clean at the wharf.


Not all wharves have cleaning facilities, so be aware that you may have to pay for a truck to take the bikes to the vehicle unloading wharf where the RORO ships arrive and they do a lot of steam cleaning. They use very high pressure steam so don't be surprised if there is some damage.

Do you know if the Import Declaration needs to be done BEFORE the bikes arrive at the port or is this a form you fill out at the customs office when you pick them up?

How many days does this process usually take - more than one?

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Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com

hi Mark and Sanne ,after my trip (2 years) we flew the bike into perth WA and to be honest i hadnt even thought of using a broker.i had applied for my vehicle import approval which if i remember cost 50 bucks prior to departure.we had cleaned the bike but still was made to hand brush some areas before i was allowed to take the bike.the big upset for us was we went to the airport expecting to get the bike but had to do all the paperwork and then book the AQIS 3 days later .in perth it was a long trek to get to the airport which was dutifully repeated 4 days later.i was allowed into the customs area with a signed in tag and a glow worm vest the accompanied to the bike.i opened it in the presence of the AQIS guy .it didnt cost me any fees other than a small fee to customs for paperwork and that was that .pump up tyres and put some petrol in and i was offski .it was all quite easy although the customs people havnt a clue in australia as leaving and arriving i was told by one of them something that wasnt right about carnets .i guess they cannot keep up to speed with all the rules .hope that helps in some way .cheers al