RESOURCES

Forms

Easily download essential customs clearance forms required for both personal effects and commercial cargo. These forms simplify the import and export process, ensuring you comply with all regulatory requirements.

Customs Clearance Forms

Stay informed about global weather conditions to ensure the safe and efficient transport of your goods. This resource helps you plan for potential weather-related disruptions in your shipping routes.

ILLEGAL LOGGING COMPLIANCE

All wooden items or goods containing wood must adhere to Illegal Logging regulations. Please find the declaration and information sheet below.

INCOTERMS

  • INCOTERMS AND THE EXPORTER

    International Commercial Terms, known as “Incoterms”, are internationally accepted terms defining the responsibilities of exporters and importers in the arrangement of shipments and the transfer of liability involved at various stages of the transaction. Incoterms do not cover ownership or the transfer of title of goods. It is crucial to agree on an Incoterm at the start of a negotiation/ quotation of a sale, as it will affect the costs and responsibilities involved in shipping, insurance and tariffs. The new Incoterms 2010 rules were revised by the International Chamber of Commerce and will become effective January 1, 2011. Four terms were eliminated (DAF, DEQ, DES, DDU) and two were added: Delivered at Place (DAP) and Delivered at Terminal (DAT). The modifications affect obligations, risk transfer, and cost sharing for the seller and buyer, resulting in better clarification and application of the eleven (11) Incoterms, and consistent with the way global trade is actually conducted since the last update in 2000.


    In any sales transaction, it is important for the seller and buyer to agree on the terms of sale and know precisely what is included in the sale price. Exporters should choose the Incoterm that works best for their company, but also be prepared to quote on other terms.


    Inexperienced exporters may want to use the Incoterm “Ex Works” (EXW), because this term carries the least burden for them. Under EXW, an exporter’s responsibility ends at their facility’s loading dock, which includes making the goods available for pick up and providing any product information needed for filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI). The importer’s agent (i.e. their designated U.S. freight forwarder) will arrange and pay for the pre-carriage, shipping, insurance and any additional costs from the exporter’s door. A sale based on the Incoterm “CIF”, on the other hand, requires the exporter to arrange and pay for the pre-carriage, shipping, and insurance to a named port. In this case, the sale price (invoice) includes not only the (C)ost of goods, but also (I)nsurance and (F)reight costs that the importing buyer pays the exporting seller.


    When designating the Incoterm on a commercial invoice or a quotation to the buyer, the term should be followed by the city or port of load/discharge, such as “EXW Factory, Richmond, VA” or “CIF Rotterdam”. Using the actual address is better to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation. Communication throughout the entire process is crucial. For example, under Ex Works, the shipper should notify the importer when the goods are ready and after they have been picked up by the importer’s selected carrier. The exporter’s freight forwarder often provides.


    • Vessel.
    • Sail date.
    • Air cargo service used.

    and any ocean bill of lading or airway bill number to keep the parties informed of the arrangements and status of the shipment (even though technically under Ex Works the exporter’s responsibility ends at their loading dock).


    The most burdensome Incoterm for the exporter is Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), because all arrangements and costs are borne by the exporter, usually with the assistance of agents (freight forwarders and customs house brokers). With DDP, the exporter bears all risks and costs of transportation, including duties and tariffs, until the goods are received by the importer, usually at the importer’s factory or warehouse. Since DDP represents the maximum obligation to the seller, it is not recommended for companies that are new-to-export.

  • INCOTERM DEFINITIONS/CHANGES

    During the process of revision, which has taken about two years, ICC has done its best to invite views and responses to successive drafts from a wide-ranging spectrum of world traders, represented as these various sectors are on the national committees through which ICC operates. Indeed, it has been gratifying to see that this revision process has attracted far more reaction from users around the world than any of the previous revisions of Incoterms. The result of this dialogue is Incoterms 2000, a version which when compared with Incoterms 1990 may appear to have effected few changes. It is clear, however, that Incoterms now enjoy worldwide recognition and ICC has therefore decided to consolidate upon that recognition and avoid change for its own sake. On the other hand, serious efforts have been made to ensure that the wording used in Incoterms 2000 clearly and accurately reflects trade practice. Moreover, substantive changes have been made in two areas:


    The 11 Incoterms consist of two groups and are listed below in order of increasing risk/liability to the exporter. Under the revised terms, buyers and sellers are being urged to contract precisely where delivery is made and what charges are covered. This should avoid double-billing of terminal handling charges at the port of discharge. References to “ship’s rail” were taken out to clarify that delivery means “on-board” the vessel. Insurance, electronic documentation, and supply chain security are addressed in more detail, and gender-neutral language is now used.

  • RULES FOR SEA AND INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORT:

    FAS – Free Alongside Ship: Risk passes to buyer, including payment of all transportation and insurance costs, once delivered alongside the ship (realistically at named port terminal) by the seller. The export clearance obligation rests with the seller.


    FOB – Free On Board: Risk passes to buyer, including payment of all transportation and insurance costs once delivered on board the ship by the seller. A step further than FAS.


    CFR – Cost and Freight: Seller delivers goods and risk passes to buyer when on board the vessel. Seller arranges and pays cost and freight to the named destination port. A step further than FOB.


    CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight: Risk passes to buyer when delivered on board the ship. Seller arranges and pays cost, freight and insurance to destination port. Adds insurance costs to CFR.

  • TRANSPORTATION RULES AND TERMINOLOGY:

    EXW – Ex Works: Seller delivers (without loading) the goods at disposal of buyer at seller’s premises. Long held as the most preferable term for those new to export because it represents the minimum liability to the seller. On these routed transactions, the buyer has limited obligation to provide export information to the seller.


    FCA – Free Carrier: Seller delivers the goods to the carrier and may be responsible for clearing the goods for export (filing the EEI). More realistic than EXW because it includes loading at pick-up, which is commonly expected, and sellers are more concerned about export violations.


    CPT – Carriage Paid To: Seller delivers goods to the carrier at an agreed place, shifting risk to the buyer, but seller must pay cost of carriage to the named place of destination.


    CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid To: Seller delivers goods to the carrier at an agreed place, shifting risk to the buyer, but seller pays carriage and insurance to the named place of destination.


    DAT – Delivered at Terminal: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility until goods are unloaded (delivered) at named quay, warehouse, yard, or terminal at destination. Demurrage or detention charges may apply to seller. Seller clears goods for export, not import. DAT replaces DEQ, DES.


    DAP – Delivered at Place: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility for goods until made available to buyer at named place of destination. Seller clears goods for export, not import. DAP replaces DAF, DDU.


    DDP – Delivered Duty Paid: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility for cleared goods at named place of destination at the customers disposal. Buyer is responsible for unloading. Seller is responsible for import clearance, duties and taxes so buyer is not “importer of record”.

  • INCOTERMS DO NOT:

    • Determine ownership of goods.
    • Transfer title to goods.
    • Determine or change payment terms.
    • Apply to service contracts.
    • Define contractual rights, obligations, or remedies for contract breach except for delivery.
    • Protect parties form their own risk or loss.
    • Cover the goods before or after delivery.
    • Specify details for the transfer, transport, and delivery of the goods.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 1. WHY CHOOSE CFFWORLD?

    CFFWORLD (Change Freight Forwarding and Consulting) is a premier logistics firm based in Sydney, Australia. Specializing in comprehensive transportation services for air, sea, and rail cargo, CFFWORLD operates in over 50 countries worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized freight solutions tailored to each client's specific needs. Our dedicated freight specialists and experienced Customs Brokers emphasize reliability, customer service excellence, and compliance.

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  • 2. WHAT DOES A CUSTOMS BROKER DO?

    The responsibilities of a customs broker can vary widely depending on their clients' needs and specialties. A customs broker develops expertise in clearing goods for specific client requirements.


    Upon receiving initial shipping documents, a customs broker performs the following tasks:

    • Liaises with the airline or shipping line to obtain arrival details of the cargo.

    • Collects a 'delivery order' from the airline or shipping line and settles any associated charges.

    • Handles necessary documentary checks with Customs and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

    • Arranges for inspections or examinations required by Australian Customs, DAWE, or for issues related to pilferage or damage.

    • Organizes the collection of cargo from the airline or wharf and ensures delivery to the client's premises.

    • Provides the client with a completed Customs Clearance dossier, which must be retained by the goods' owner for a minimum number of years.


  • 3. WHAT IS FREIGHT FORWARDING?

    An Australian freight forwarder has a reliable network of overseas agents to ensure the safe transportation of your goods to and from Australia. A professional freight forwarder can efficiently coordinate the collection of your boxes and containers from your supplier's premises, manage the shipping process to Australia, handle customs clearance, and ensure the final delivery to your location.

  • 4. WHAT ARE THE 10 LARGEST PORTS IN AUSTRALIA?

    • Port of Brisbane
    • Port of Sydney
    • Port of Fremantle
    • Port of Melbourne
    • Port of Hedland
    • Port of Dampier
    • Port of Wellington
    • Port of Darwin
    • Port of Adelaide 
    • Port of New Castle

  • 5. WHY DO I NEED A PACKING DECLARATION FOR MY SEA FREIGHT SHIPMENTS?

    A packing declaration is essential for all sea freight shipments, as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). This document should be completed by the packer of the goods. Having a packing declaration can help reduce costs associated with inspection fees.

  • 6. WHAT ARES THE STEPS IN AIR FREIGHT PROCESS?

    The responsibilities of a customs broker can vary widely depending on their clients' needs and specialties. A customs broker develops expertise in clearing goods for specific client requirements.

    Upon receiving initial shipping documents, a customs broker performs the following tasks:


    • Liaises with the airline or shipping line to obtain arrival details of the cargo.

    • Collects a 'delivery order' from the airline or shipping line and settles any associated charges.

    • Handles necessary documentary checks with Customs and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

    • Arranges for inspections or examinations required by Australian Customs, DAWE, or for issues related to pilferage or damage.

    • Organizes the collection of cargo from the airline or wharf and ensures delivery to the client's premises.

    • Provides the client with a completed Customs Clearance dossier, which must be retained by the goods' owner for a minimum number of years.


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  • 7. WHAT ARE THE FACTS WHEN CLEARING GOODS THROUGH CUSTOMS?

    Low-Value Imports:

    • Goods worth equal to or under AUD $1000 incur no duties, taxes, or charges.

    • Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration is required for air or sea cargo arrivals, handled by the freight forwarder or cargo company.

    High-Value Imports:

    • Goods worth over AUD $1000 require an Import Declaration form, subject to processing charges, duties, and taxes.


  • 8. I’M A NEW IMPORTER OR EXPORTER IN AUSTRALIA. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?

    Starting out as an importer or exporter in Australia involves navigating several key aspects to ensure smooth operations and compliance with regulations. Here are some essential things you should know: Regulations and Compliance: Learn about Australian customs regulations, including tariffs, duties, and import/export controls. Visit the Australian Border Force (ABF) website and the Department of Home Affairs for detailed guidance.


    Documentation Requirements: Familiarize yourself with essential documentation like commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and necessary permits.


    Understanding Tariffs and Duties: Know the tariff classifications and duties that apply to your products using resources like the Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) and Customs Tariff.

    1. Customs Clearance: Engage a licensed customs broker for smooth customs clearance, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

    2. Benefit from Trade Agreements: Explore Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs) for potential tariff advantages on eligible goods.

    3. Logistics and Shipping: Master international shipping logistics, including transportation methods (air, sea, land), packaging requirements, and Incoterms (sales terms).

    4. Taxation and GST: Understand Goods and Services Tax (GST) implications for imports, alon\g with other relevant taxes based on your business structure.

    5. Permits and Licensing: Check if your goods require specific permits or licenses from authorities such as the Department of Agriculture or Therapeutic Goods Administration.

    6. Market Research: Conduct thorough market research in your target export markets or sourcing countries. Analyze demand, competition, pricing, and regulatory landscapes.

    7. Risk Management Strategies: Implement strategies to mitigate risks like currency fluctuations, political instability, logistics delays, or regulatory changes.

    8. Legal and Contractual Considerations: Understand international contracts, Incoterms, payment terms, and legal obligations when dealing with suppliers or buyers.

    9. Network and Support: Connect with industry associations, chambers of commerce, or trade promotion organizations for valuable networking, market insights, and export/import support.


    Starting as an importer or exporter requires careful planning, compliance with regulations, and understanding the complexities of international trade. Staying informed and seeking professional advice when needed will help you navigate these challenges effectively. 


  • 9. SHOULD I USE A CUSTOMS BROKER?

    9.SHOULD I USE A CUSTOMS BROKER? 

    Using a Customs Broker can significantly streamline your import process and ensure compliance with local regulations. At CFFC, our experienced Customs Brokers specialize in navigating complex customs procedures to minimize delays, lower customs duties and taxes costs, and guarantee swift clearance at ports. Whether you're importing goods by air, sea, or rail, our dedicated team ensures a smooth and efficient customs clearance process tailored to your specific needs.


    Key Benefits of Using a Customs Broker:

    • Expert Guidance: Navigate complex customs regulations effortlessly.

    • Cost Savings: Minimize customs duties and taxes costs.

    • Compliance: Ensure adherence to local import regulations.

    • Efficiency: Streamline the import process to reduce delays.

    • Peace of Mind: Trust our experienced team for reliable customs clearance solutions.


    Partner with CFFC for expert customs brokerage services that simplify your import operations and optimize your logistics chain. Contact us today to learn more about how our Customs Brokers can support your business.


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  • 10. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LCL AND FCL?

    LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) are terms used in shipping logistics to describe different modes of transporting goods via sea freight:


    1. LCL (Less than Container Load):

    • Definition: LCL refers to shipments that do not fill an entire shipping container. Instead, multiple shipments from different shippers are consolidated into one container.
    • Usage: It is suitable for smaller shipments that don't require a full container's worth of space. Shippers pay only for the space their goods occupy within the container.

    2. FCL (Full Container Load):

    • Definition: FCL refers to shipments that occupy an entire shipping container, whether it's a 20-foot (20 ft) or 40-foot (40 ft) container.
    • Usage: Ideal for larger shipments from a single shipper that require the entire capacity of a container. Shippers pay for the entire container regardless of whether it's fully loaded or not.

    Key Differences:

    • Volume: LCL is for smaller volumes, while FCL is for larger volumes.
    • Cost: LCL costs are based on the volume of goods shipped, while FCL costs are fixed for the container.
    • Security: FCL shipments are less prone to damage or tampering since they're not mixed with other shipments.

    Choosing between LCL and FCL depends on factors like shipment size, cost considerations, and the need for container exclusivity.

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