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Shipping containers are essential to the smooth movement of international freight. They’re the backbone of global import and export logistics—but when containers aren’t returned on time, it disrupts the supply chain and incurs additional costs.
That’s where container detention charges come in.
Detention charges are penalties imposed by shipping lines when containers are not returned within a designated “free time” period. These charges help ensure that containers are returned promptly and remain available for others in the global supply chain.
When importers or exporters delay the return of containers:
To prevent this, carriers impose detention fees for late container returns.
Most shipping lines allow a free time period of 7 to 10 calendar days, depending on the container type. This includes weekends and public holidays.
However, free time limits may vary by carrier, shipment type, or contract—so it’s crucial to confirm these terms in advance.
Important: Free time begins the day your container discharges off the vessel, not when you collect it.
This is a common misunderstanding. Even if customs or quarantine processing is pending and you can’t collect the container yet, the free time is still counting down from when the shipping line releases it
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) operates a scheme that provides for the deferral of GST on imported goods. The Deferred GST Scheme allows eligible importers to defer payment of GST until the first Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodged after the goods are imported.
✅ Eligibility for the Deferred GST Scheme
To be eligible, importers must:
📞 How to Apply
Importers can apply to participate in the Deferred GST Scheme online at the Deferred GST scheme | Australian Taxation Office . For assistance with the application process, it's advisable to consult with a licensed customs broker.
When importing goods into Australia, it's essential to understand the applicable duties and taxes to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected costs.
Most imported goods are subject to a standard 5% customs duty, calculated on the Free On Board (FOB) value. However, specific products may attract different duty rates. Additionally, certain goods may qualify for Tariff Concession Orders (TCOs), which can reduce or eliminate the duty payable if there are no equivalent locally produced goods.
A 10% GST is levied on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the imported goods, plus any applicable customs duty. This means GST is calculated on the total landed cost, including the cost of goods, shipping, insurance, and duty.
For goods valued under AUD $1,000, except those arriving by post, a SAC declaration is typically required. In most cases, your freight forwarder or customs broker will submit this declaration on your behalf for a fee.
Goods with a customs value exceeding AUD $1,000 must be cleared by submitting a completed import declaration and paying the applicable customs duty, GST, and any other taxes or charges.
The owner of the imported goods is required to make an import declaration. This can include the importer, someone who holds themselves out to be the owner, someone with a beneficial interest in the goods, or someone who has control of the goods.
You may choose to have a licensed customs broker handle the customs and border protection processes on your behalf. Brokers provide their services on a fee-for-service basis and are familiar with the complex duty rates and restrictions applicable to imported cargo.
The Tariff Concession System allows for the duty-free entry of imported goods that are not produced or manufactured in Australia. If you believe your goods qualify, you can apply for a Tariff Concession Order (TCO). This order, if granted, removes the duty payable on the imported goods.
To apply for a TCO, you must lodge an application on the approved form and provide all required information. Failure to meet all the requirements may result in delays or rejection of the application. The form is available from Customs offices.
Customs must screen the application to ensure its validity. If acceptable, details will be publicly notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Tariff Concessions Gazette within 28 days of receipt. Customs is then required to make decisions on each application within 150 days from the date of gazette. Timely submission of all information is crucial, as late replies cannot be considered in the final decision.
If a concession is granted, it comes into effect on the date the application was first received by Customs. This means all goods covered by the concession and entered for home consumption on or after that date will be eligible for the concession.
Free trade plays a vital role in shaping Australia’s economic landscape, helping businesses of all sizes access new markets, lower costs, and remain competitive globally.
A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an international treaty between two or more countries that aims to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade and investment. These agreements can cover a wide range of areas including:
While pure free trade—completely free of government intervention—is rarely achieved, FTAs help bring countries closer by creating predictable and cooperative trade environments.
Australia has FTAs or preferential trade arrangements with the following countries and groups:
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