Valuation rulings
A valuation ruling provides legal certainty for determining the Customs value for your goods.
What’s a valuation ruling?
A valuation ruling is a binding decision by the chief executive of Customs on either the valuation method that will apply when you import specific goods or a specific aspect of one of the valuation methods. The ruling will be based on the facts and circumstances you present and Customs may request further information from you to reach a decision.
A valuation ruling can only be used by the person or entity that applied for it, and for the specific goods mentioned in that ruling. A ruling is valid for up to three years, unless any of the circumstances set out in section 343(1) apply.
How to get a valuation ruling
Before applying read: Guide to applying for a customs valuation ruling on imported goods (PDF 686 KB).
To apply, complete: C7C - Application for a Customs ruling (valuation of imported goods) (DOC 258 KB).
Make your application well before the goods are imported. We will consider post-importation applications on a case-by-case basis.
Ruling costs
The costs for valuation rulings is made up of the following:
- initial application fee of $300 (including GST); plus
- an invoice issued on completion of the ruling which covers both:
- the time spent by Customs processing the ruling at an hourly rate of $116.48 (including GST) in excess of 2.5 hours spent by Customs in considering the application
- any reasonable expense incurred during the processing of the ruling.
Timeframes
The maximum timeframe for Customs to make a valuation ruling is 150 days.
If you don't agree with a ruling
If you disagree with the ruling, you may appeal to the Customs Appeal Authority.
Further information
You can read Customs operational policy for valuation rulings.