Customs Requirements
Conditions for entry into Australia
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Contact prior to entry
Contact should be made with Australian Customs at least 48 hours prior to entry. Customs and Quarantine clearance will be available on entry to the port. When entering Sydney Harbour contact should be made with NSW Maritime Authority to confirm berth and pilotage/guiding arrangements. Superyachts@maritime.nsw.gov.au
Customs regulations
Customs will require the following information:
- the name of the craft
- the intended port
- the last port of call
- the number of people on board
- details of any illness or disease recently encountered
- if there are any animals on board
- manifest of any commercial cargo being conveyed to Australia
- the estimated time of arrival
- the Master must present a clearance for the vessel from the last overseas port of call.
Arrival procedures
Vessels visiting Australia will be boarded by both Australian Customs and Quarantine Officers, to ensure the vessel complies with the legislated requirements, in relation to Visa/Travel Authorities, Customs and Quarantine controls, and possession of valid Safety Certificates. Customs does not levy any charge for clearance, however the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service operates on a full cost recovery basis. Vessels should display the 'Q' Flag until such time as arrival formalities have been completed.
First port of arrival
There are a limited number of ports to which foreign registered vessels may go on arrival in Australia. Masters must not enter any other port as the first port in Australia except in an emergency. The East Coast prescribed ports are:
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New South Wales
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Queensland
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Victoria
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Cruising permits
When a vessel arrives in Australia, there are a number of options available. If it is intended that the vessel will leave Australia within 12 months, a cruising permit generally will be granted. A cruising permit will be issued to the Master provided Customs is satisfied that the craft is transiting Australia. Cruising permits are issued for a period of six months or the length of the Master's visa, whichever expires first. Extension of the permit for a total period of up to 12 months will be considered on application.
Status of Vessels whilst in Australian Waters
Vessels imported on a temporary basis for commercial purposes
Commercial purposes include sale, lease, hire, charter or other activities undertaken for profit whilst in Australia. These vessels are subject to the lodgement of formal customs entries and the payment of customs duty and sales tax. There is no provision for the payment of refunds or drawbacks of customs duty and taxes upon export.
It is strongly recommended that intending importers of these vessels contact the Australian Customs Service to obtain specific information regarding duty and sales tax rates, and methods of valuation.
Vessels imported for sale
Vessels imported for sale or other commercial purposes and vessels imported by Australian residents or Australian companies are subject to the normal rates of customs duty and sales tax. Similarly there are no provisions for the payment of refunds or drawbacks if the vessel is exported at some future point in time.
Importation of fuel in bunkers on the vessel
Vessels imported for commercial purposes are liable to pay the relevant duty and sales tax on any fuel on board at the time of arrival, and are eligible to claim a drawback for any of this fuel still on board at the time of departure. Any vessel entering Australia on a cruising permit or under temporary importation arrangements will not be required to pay any duties or sales tax on fuel on board.
Importation of ships stores
As long as the necessary applications are made to Customs prior to these items arriving in Australia, they will be exempted from taxes and duties on condition that they are re-exported (with the vessel).
Use of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel rebates are currently applicable for the residential component of any diesel fuel used in maintaining the vessel as a residential premises for residents only (includes crew and non-paying passengers), but not paying passengers or similar.
Importation of alcohol on the vessel
On arrival, every person on board the vessel is accorded a passenger concession of one litre per adult, with the balance being subject to normal duty and sales tax provisions, unless they can be sealed on board, or otherwise secured until departure.
Importation of vehicles, vessels, helicopters carried on vessels
Such items may not be used in Australia until permission is obtained from the relevant authority. It is recommended that owners of vehicles (motor cars and motor cycles etc) obtain a carnet for the relevant vehicles. Carnets are issued by various automobile associations and permit the use of vehicles in various countries without the requirement for duty payment. Owners of vehicles which arrive without carnets will be required to contact the Federal Office of Road Safety in Canberra, to seek a permit prior to their use in Australia.
Owners of small vessels (jet skis, RIBs etc) carried on board visiting vessels should contact the NSW Maritime Authority to seek permission to operate these in New South Wales waterways.
Owners of helicopters will be required to contact Airservices Australia to seek permission prior to their use in Australia.
Telephone: 13 17 57
Currency restrictions
Cash transactions (in any currency) in excess of AUS $10,000 on and off foreign registered vessels are subject to reporting provisions. There is no requirement to declare the amount of cash held on board. Customs Officers will supply any details you require in regard to currency matters on the vessel's arrival in Australia.
For further information please inspect these other sites:
Australian Customs Services
International Currency Converter
Airservices Australia