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Clearance via Internet


The ECN, On-line Declarations website is designed for regular importers who have sufficient knowledge of Customs requirements to clear their own imports with Customs. Clearance via the internet is generally more economical for lower-frequency importers than installing EDI software. The entries that can be submitted via this site are a legal declaration under the Customs and Excise Act 1996. Among other offences under the Act, it is an offence to make an erroneous entry or declaration. A penalty may be applied, or prosecution action taken if an erroneous entry or declaration is made.

Registration

Before you can use the ECN On-line Declarations website:

(1) You must have a Customs Client Code for the importer or the company in whose name the entries will be lodged, and an additional client code for your company only if you are acting as the broker/agent for the importer.

(2) Each person who is going to lodge clearances via the website must be individually approved with Customs as a registered user of the entry processing system. To become a registered user:

  • complete an Application for Registration as a User of a Customs Computerised Entry Processing System form
  • personally deliver the completed form to your local Customs office
  • provide proof of identity as specified on the application form.
Every person applying for registration goes through an assessment process. If your application for registration is approved - you will be advised of your registration by mail and supplied with a Customs declarant code and a unique user identifier (UUI) that is to be inserted all on clearance documents.
 
Refer to 'Customs Requirements' (hyperlink) and 'Entry Processing Registration' for conditions of use.

3) You or your employer must be set up with ECN to handle your electronic transmissions. The Electronic Commerce Network (ECN) is a company contracted by Customs to manage the On-line Declarations website and to carry electronic declarations and responses between the website and the Customs processing system. After you have obtained a Customs client code and registered user code, you must set up with ECN.

Charges

There is no charge to register with Customs or ECN. However, once you start using the site, ECN will charge your company for the clearances you submit.