Page 55 - Ultimate Australia

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges

For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs &
Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked
questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with
you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when
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shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-
door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges
would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service
(like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in
the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs &
Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile
skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Australian Customs Regulations

Please keep in mind that Australian Customs Regulations apply when you enter Australia and
that all regulations are subject to change without notice. In general, travelers are allowed to
bring $A900 (approximately $818 U.S.) worth of goods into Australia free of duty and sales
tax, not including alcohol or tobacco, when the goods accompany the passenger. The limit is
$A450 (approximately $409 U.S.) for travelers under 18 years of age. The maximum amount of
alcohol allowed per person is 2.25 liters. The maximum amount of tobacco allowed per person
is 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars. Food items of any kind—even ones that are allowed into
the country—must be declared. For more information, you may want to contact the Australian
Customs Service.

Security: In addition to their customs restrictions, the Australian government has security
measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the
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perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste and similar substances should not exceed 100ml (3.3
ounces) each and will have to be carried in a re-sealable clear plastic bag, no larger than 20cm
x 20cm, and be inspected separately. There is a limit of one bag per person. Any sharp items
(i.e. nail scissors) should be in your checked luggage.

Telephone from the United States: 011-612-9313-3010 or on the web: www.customs.gov.au.

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