Clearance of Goods

More detail below on:

Imports Via Air or Sea
Imports Via Mail

Imports Via Air or Sea

Shipping companies, airlines, or freight forwarders will usually provide arrival papers (such as the Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, or Arrival Advice) around the time the shipment is due to arrive.
 
You will be required to arrange any necessary permits from other agencies (such as agriculture clearances or firearms permits). If you are a first time importer, Customs will assist you with the clearance procedures.
 
You will need to provide Customs with:

• permits issued from other agencies, if applicable
• evidence of your identity (such as your passport or drivers licence)
• the arrival documentation from the shipping company, airline, or freight forwarder
• evidence of overseas freight and insurance costs
• for purchases via e-mail, internet, or mail order etc– evidence of the value from the supplier (such as an invoice)
• for heirlooms – documentary evidence of a bequest.

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Imports Via Mail

Where it is clear the importation is for a private individual and the parcel contains sufficient information, an assessment will be made by Customs and sent to the recipient.

If further information is required in order for an assessment to be made, or permits from other agencies are required (such as firearms permits), a notice will be sent to the recipient.

If you are importing goods and the mail processing company uses a  track and trace system, goods are sometimes stated as being held by Customs.  This means that the goods are waiting for Customs clearance, not that Customs is in possession of your item. Please contact the mail processing company for any further queries regarding this item.

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