Importing to Australia

[stu_tha_poo]

Hi

I live in Australia and am looking at buying several kilt outfits + accessories online from Scotweb for my wedding.

My question relates to people's experience from importing kilt outfits + accessories to Australia. The outfits will cost roughly $4000-$5000 which means that they will be over the $1000 exemption for imported goods. Has anyone had to pay Customs duites on any imported gear? If so, was it much?

Also, I'm looking at getting sgian dubhs. Are there any restrictions on importing these?

Thanks for any advice.

[Danwell]

Renting isn't an option? Have you priced the Aussie stores to buy from? Some will offer decent discounts if you're buying a few outfits.

If you've already sussed this out and Scotweb are going to give you some good prices, then ask them whether or not you're still able to get the discounts if you're breaking up the order into smaller packages.

Customs will figure it out if you get five packages from the same place sent your address, but if each groomsman or usher or whoever gets their own outfit delivered to them directly, you might be able to bring each under the threshold.

Otherwise........factor in another 6 or 700 dollars.

[Downunder Kilt]

I would suggest that you take Danwell's advice. If you can get each persons outfit sent to their address, you won't get hit. If you get it all sent to you, its a good chance that customs will class it a a commercial import, hold it up until it is sorted out and if you can't satisfy their requirements, hit you will a bill. You don't want to go through the hassell if you can avoid it. It will cost you a ton of time and 10 - 20%. If as usual Scotweb send it Fedex and they do the clearance for you, you will be up for more. See if you can organise with Scotweb the single entry route


As for sgian dubh's, once again if it's a single import, ie one, no problems. I have purchased several from overseas and they came straight in. The only time you are likely to get hit trouble is if they are double edged blades (a dagger) which usually is not the case with a bog standard sgian dubh.

[Riverkilt]

I believe there are excellent kiltmakers in Australia. Why not go direct and "local?"

[NorCalPiper]

I am going to chime in here and let you know that I have had 3...YES 3 different items get caught up in Australian customs issues. What ever you do, make sure that you iterate that Australian customs are SOB's and will not budge an inch, or let things slide. I asked a friend about this and she told me it was because of all the drug and illegal item smuggling that goes to and fro Australia (I just never would think in a million years that Australia is a hub for smugglers!). Just a heads up........

[Redshank]

All I can say is that I have never had any problems shipping to Australia

[rtc872]

If you have your heart set on scotweb then you can ignore me out right. However, have you looked at st kilda retail Australia? Ignore their prices because the exchange rate is real good and they did me a deal for my wedding. I ordered three kilts from the lochcarron range of tartan and got 8 yard premium kilts that are listed as $700 odd for $550. On top of that because it is for my wedding, when the day comes along we can get free hire for the rest of the kit if the others don't want to buy.

The kilts are top quality, Karen (the kiltmaker) makes kilts for most of the bands in Aus and NZ so you can trust her quality.

Give Doug a call and I have no doubts that he could help you out somehow.

I will be putting pics and a review of my kilt from them next week so check that out too.

[rtc872]

I am going to chime in here and let you know that I have had 3...YES 3 different items get caught up in Australian customs issues. What ever you do, make sure that you iterate that Australian customs are SOB's and will not budge an inch, or let things slide. I asked a friend about this and she told me it was because of all the drug and illegal item smuggling that goes to and fro Australia (I just never would think in a million years that Australia is a hub for smugglers!). Just a heads up........

It isn't a hub for smugglers. It is because we have no land borders for people to walk over so they have to use mail or people flying in which is hard to do. And because that is the main way that they get smuggled in customs are more vigilant. On top of that they are charged with ensuring that unwanted pests and diseases are not accidentally introduced to Australia which once again as an island is very well protected from.

Australian Customs are fighting an uphill battle against people whom don't give a hoot about how fortunate Australia is to not have so many problems that other countries have.

An example of Customs failing was when a horse wasn't properly quarantined a few years back and we had our first ever breakout of equine flu which basically brought all horse movement to a stand still for 6 months or so.

So please show a little respect. If you couldn't get through customs then it is no ones fault but your own.

[Downunder Kilt]

If you have your heart set on scotweb then you can ignore me out right. However, have you looked at st kilda retail Australia? Ignore their prices because the exchange rate is real good and they did me a deal for my wedding. I ordered three kilts from the lochcarron range of tartan and got 8 yard premium kilts that are listed as $700 odd for $550. On top of that because it is for my wedding, when the day comes along we can get free hire for the rest of the kit if the others don't want to buy.

The kilts are top quality, Karen (the kiltmaker) makes kilts for most of the bands in Aus and NZ so you can trust her quality.

Give Doug a call and I have no doubts that he could help you out somehow.

I will be putting a pics and a review of my kilt from them next week so check that out too.

I would second this suggestion, I have had a kilt made by Karen and she does a first class job. As rtc872 says they do deals and I am sure that if you are going to spend 4 - 5K they would talk turkey. If you live in Brisbane you can visit them personally, otherwise they are very easy to communicate with, over the phone or email.

[artificer]

From personal experience, I can say that I've had stuff post from the US through Australian Customs and arrive to the customer in 6 days. Not 6 business days, six ACTUAL days.

Of course, with any govt endeavor, your mileage may vary.