Customs Brokerage
Navigating Australian customs regulations requires precision, experience, and up-to-date knowledge of border compliance rules. MoveHaul's licensed customs brokers manage every aspect of import and export clearance — so your goods clear the border without delays or unexpected costs.
Discuss Your Customs NeedsImport and Export Clearance
Our customs brokerage team holds current licences issued by the Australian Border Force and maintains full compliance with the Customs Act 1901. We lodge import declarations, export documentation, and manage all communications with government agencies on your behalf.
Every shipment is assessed for the correct tariff classification under the Harmonised System, ensuring you pay the accurate duty rate — not more. We identify applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concessions, tariff concession orders (TCOs), and by-law provisions that can significantly reduce your landed costs.
Our brokers also manage goods subject to permits and licences from agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- Full import and export customs declaration lodgement
- Tariff classification and duty rate optimisation
- Free Trade Agreement concession applications
- Biosecurity and quarantine clearance coordination
- Duty drawback and refund claim preparation
- Anti-dumping and countervailing duty advice
Compliance and Audit Support
Australian Border Force conducts regular compliance audits on importers and customs brokers. MoveHaul helps you stay audit-ready with proper record-keeping, accurate valuations, and consistent classification practices across all your import lines.
We conduct voluntary compliance reviews of your import history to identify and correct any discrepancies before they attract regulatory attention. If an ABF audit notice is issued, our team works alongside your business to prepare documentation, respond to information requests, and resolve any findings efficiently.
For businesses with complex import programmes, we offer ongoing tariff advisory services that review new product lines, changes in country of origin, and evolving trade agreement provisions. Paired with our air freight and ocean shipping services, this creates a fully integrated supply chain with consistent compliance oversight.
Customs Brokerage FAQs
What is a customs broker and do I need one?
A customs broker is a licensed professional authorised to prepare and lodge customs declarations with the Australian Border Force on behalf of importers and exporters. While it is technically possible to self-lodge customs entries, the complexity of tariff classification, valuation rules, and regulatory requirements makes professional brokerage essential for most businesses. Incorrect declarations can result in penalties, shipment delays, and seizure of goods. A licensed broker ensures accuracy and compliance with all applicable laws.
How does tariff classification affect what I pay?
Every imported product is assigned a tariff classification code under the Harmonised System, which determines the rate of customs duty applied. Incorrect classification can mean overpaying duty or, worse, underpaying and facing penalties upon audit. For example, the difference between classifying a product as a finished article versus a component can change the duty rate from 5% to zero. MoveHaul's brokers have deep expertise in classification and routinely identify opportunities to reduce duty through correct coding, FTA concessions, and tariff concession orders.
What are Free Trade Agreement concessions?
Australia has free trade agreements with numerous countries and trading blocs, including China (ChAFTA), Japan (JAEPA), South Korea (KAFTA), ASEAN nations (AANZFTA), the United Kingdom (A-UKFTA), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements reduce or eliminate customs duty on qualifying goods, provided the correct certificate of origin is obtained and rules of origin requirements are met. MoveHaul assesses every shipment for FTA eligibility and manages the documentation needed to claim preferential rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Australia?
Standard import clearance, where all documentation is in order and no inspections are required, is typically completed within 24 to 48 hours of cargo arrival. Shipments selected for physical examination by ABF or biosecurity inspection by DAFF may take an additional two to five business days. MoveHaul lodges pre-arrival declarations wherever possible, so clearance is often completed before the vessel or aircraft arrives, minimising delays and storage charges at the port or airport.
Can MoveHaul help with biosecurity and quarantine requirements?
Yes. Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world, and many imported goods — including timber packaging, food products, plant-based materials, and animal products — require biosecurity assessment or treatment before release. MoveHaul coordinates fumigation, heat treatment, and inspection bookings with DAFF-approved facilities. We also advise on packaging requirements before shipment to reduce the likelihood of quarantine holds at the Australian border. This service integrates directly with our warehousing capabilities for goods requiring treatment before distribution.
Clear Customs With Confidence
Our licensed brokers handle the complexity so you can focus on your business. Talk to us about your import or export requirements.
Get Customs Brokerage Support