Importing a motor from the US

FRDPWR · 04-06-2008, 09:29 AM

Hi guys

ive currently just had a motor built in the US, im tyrying to work out the best way to reduce the the fee im going to get charged in customs.

Can anyone have any ideas how much i mught be charged and how to reduce it

thanks

irlewy86 · 04-06-2008, 11:57 AM

Declare it as a gift or warranty work with very little value. Of course if you like things legal probably not a good idea.

Matty4 · 04-06-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irlewy86

Declare it as a gift or warranty work with very little value. Of course if you like things legal probably not a good idea.

For warranty work, you will need to prove that you exported the same motor over to the states and that you purchased it from them and paid all appropriate fees on first importation.
Even if it's a gift, a complete engine will still need taxes paid on it, whether or not you actually paid for the item.

Just geta freight forwarder to deal with it all, with just one bill at the end. Slightly more expensive, but much less headaches.

FRDPWR · 04-06-2008, 12:25 PM

thanks for that matty4, can tou explain how the freight forwarder works

or have you used it before

kremmen · 04-06-2008, 04:04 PM

I had my bike engine built in the states and sent over. Customs only charge 10% GST on it so whether u delare it at 3k or 5k or whatever its not that much difference. Declaring an engine as a gift is BS, as you have to have to have a tariff item on your house bill of lading. Best to be as honest as possible and not have any future hassles because if they bust you they can charge u a 100% penalty.

WayneHadfield · 04-06-2008, 05:04 PM

Speak to you freight forwarder about the engine. HOPEFULLY it's not an engine (not including modifications) that you could have bought here. Free trade agreements mean that a 100% US-built engine will mean that you don't pay duties either. The builder will have to state and sign that on the invoice. Either way, you will be up for GST, customs processing fees and the cost of the freight forwarder.

You don't have a location under your name, so I don't know if I can help you with a forwarder.

kooky · 04-06-2008, 05:23 PM

If it is made in the US then its free of import duties as we have a free trade aggreement with the U.S or at least that is what I am led to believe???? Happy to be corrected though.

** edit:

I should read all the replies.......

^^^^ what he said

EBTom · 04-06-2008, 07:23 PM

Can find out tomorrow for you, if you wish?
I work at a freight forwarder! Im pretty sure in the occupation thread there are a few members around that do similar work.
Importing it as a complete motor rather than in parts may give it a different classification, therefore exposed to different rates,surcharges etc, but seeing as your importing in for personal use rather than to sell, it may differ altogether. Customs are a weird and wonderful thing.

**Elks** · 04-06-2008, 10:13 PM

It sounds crazy but if you have the cash, being that you are already in for a bunch of shipping & handling charges. Buy a few big blocks, crate the lot together, pay the correct duties and when you get the lot here sell of the extra parts to cover freight & taxes.

A while back I new a guy & his mate that did this. Imported 4 motors when they needed 2. worked a treat.

kremmen · 05-06-2008, 10:27 AM

10% flat rate is all customs will charge.

Yellow pages, freight forwarder, wait 3 weeks, pick up from bond, bingo!!

EBTom · 05-06-2008, 12:10 PM

Having a quick look through the book today at work, this is correct. SHOULD only be the 10% of total value.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kremmen

10% flat rate is all customs will charge.

Yellow pages, freight forwarder, wait 3 weeks, pick up from bond, bingo!!

silver_xe · 05-06-2008, 12:19 PM

have a look on dragster.com.au, there is a guy on there with a 40ft container coming over here and is after people who want to bring stuff over, he might be able to help you.

FRDPWR · 05-06-2008, 03:47 PM

thanks for the info guys