Can I import and what duty will I pay to import a recreational boat from USA to Australia?

Question

I am about to purchase a used boat (6.5m - 7.5m) but they seem to be less expensive in USA than here in Australia. To help me make my mind regarding the vendor to which I will turn I need to know whether this kind of import is permitted and what taxes/duties are payable. I am not importing as a broker. This is for private use.

Answer 1

Did you actually think about the currency conversion rate. If you have $10 US and spend it in the US you will get $10 worth of goods. But as the Aus dollar is only around 75 cents if you are in Aus using Aus currency so your aussie 10 dollars will only buy about 7.50 worth of goods and you would need around13.00 AUD to buy the same $10 worth of stuff.

Of course if you bring your same US dollars here and convert them you will get the required 13.00 less the conversion fee.

So ultimately it as they say "it all comes out int he wash". I suggest that you check out the prices of Aus boats and convert the Aus price down into USD and whcih will give you a better comparison. Try the currency converter below.
http://www.xe.com/ucc/full.php

If theAmerican boat is still cheaper give customs a call and check out thier charges and the GST implications etc and add (if Aus dollars quoted-convert to US) the amount of the price of the boat and also any insurance costs.. then see how it adds up.

Answer 2

Billions of pounds worth of products are purchased on ebay from around the world but very little import duty or vat is paid.This is tax avoidance but tax avoidance is the norm in the UK.

Answer 3

Contact the Australian customs department. They will inform you what to do and any importers taxes/declarations you may need to submit.

www.customs.gov.au