Boat Importation Spreadsheet and Facts

[dennisail]

Here is the spreadsheet I have been working on based on costs mentioned in all the importation threads. This applies for Australia, but could easily be modified for any country. I was not going to share any files until they were more accurate. But I will never achieve 100% accuracy and I thought by sharing it anyway others could add contributions and corrections more easily.

There is also a file that explains a few issues in more detail. I have written some of it and it also contains quotes from some cruisers forum members and authorities. I am sorry to have lost the names of the people I have quoted. If you recognize your quote I can add your name or delete the quote.

These files are a really a condensed version of all the threads on importation from these forums which would normally require days to read.

Enjoy.

[Mr B]

Thanks for that, Trying to get info out of customs, Beyond a joke,

[TrevC]

They're not there to help you.

Furthermore, they're quite happy to let you overpay if you decide to (like paying duty when you're not obligated to due to AUSFTA)

[Mr B]

The free trade agreement says we dont have to pay the 5% duty.
Can only wait and see how they go on that one,
Is it better to come in from Bundaberg or Brisbane, Q port,

[TrevC]

So long as you have any sort or proof to show your vessel is US-built, you'll be fine with it. The customs people processing papers know the rules.

I would do Brisbane, simply because the customs and Q guys there probably see more boats and could be faster. Quarantine will have a (very) brief glance around, steal your food, then charge a huge fee. Standard procedure. We could've packed 12 Mexicans in the cockpit lockers and customs/Q would've had no idea.

The Brisbane customs guys were very friendly (and took less than 10 mins total).

Warning: Quarantine charges a huge call-out fee if you show up on a weekend. It was at least $400 more expensive than usual. $600+ total for a guy to come pick up a garbage bag. It's definitely not about protecting our borders, it's about raising revenue.

[dennisail]

Many boats will not be made in the USA. The notes mention the 5% duty column is not needed if the boat is US made. What countries other than the USA are included in the FTA?

[TrevC]

Just the USA:

Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) - Austrade

[dennisail]

OK thanks. I thought maybe there were other countries. Will update to only list USA.

[Mr B]

I have a bill of sale from the US coast guard register, The seller is a one owner from new,
So I can prove where it was built and its life history on paper,
I will stay out there till a week day, hahahahaha
Thats good info to know,
Plus I have an ABN, So I wonder how they will take the knowledge that the more they tax me, the more the tax office give it back to me as a tax deduction. As cash.

[Mr B]

There are other countrys with a FTA, customs do list them, but it is only a few.

[TrevC]

Originally Posted by Mr B

I have a bill of sale from the US coast guard register, The seller is a one owner from new,
So I can prove where it was built and its life history on paper,
I will stay out there till a week day, hahahahaha
Thats good info to know,
Plus I have an ABN, So I wonder how they will take the knowledge that the more they tax me, the more the tax office give it back to me as a tax deduction. As cash.

Well, it takes about 2 minutes for anyone to acquire an ABN. Are you using the boat for purposes relating to the business?

Our accountant advised against using our ABN for anything related to the boat purchase. Sorry, I can't recall more specifics. Essentially it ended up not being worth the hassle, and could flag you for an audit.

[downunder]

Chile also has a FTA with Aus.

OK if you are in the market for an Awoplast Chris White vessel.

[VirtualVagabond]

Originally Posted by Mr B

I have a bill of sale from the US coast guard register, The seller is a one owner from new,
So I can prove where it was built and its life history on paper,
I will stay out there till a week day, hahahahaha
Thats good info to know,
Plus I have an ABN, So I wonder how they will take the knowledge that the more they tax me, the more the tax office give it back to me as a tax deduction. As cash.

US Coastguard, one owner etc etc is all irrelevant if the boat wasn't actually built in USA.
Unless of course that documentation does in fact prove a USA build.

[VirtualVagabond]

Some input on the following situation would be helpful.

In the 1980s an American boat building company (Mikelson) imported some hulls from Taiwan, and did the total build/fitout in their factory in USA.

1) Would that be a USA built boat from the FTA perspective?

2) If the hull was numbered in Taiwan, would it make a difference?

[TrevC]

You need something like a "Manufacturers Statement of Origin" for the boat.

You also require a "Pre-charged equipment license" from the department of Environment if there's any fridge or other system with refrigerant on board.