New rates to import to Australia!

I just bought and had shipped (7 July) 2K worth of camera and Lenses and had no custons duty.

The most I have ever had with any purchase, most under 1K was a small hold up while they opened the parcel for inspection.

Never been charged.

I've taken advantage of this also. I'm saving a little under $500 even if I am charged duty and GST. I've heard from a few other people that have done the same that it's a matter of luck whether you get stung for the extra taxes. (I've got my fingers crossed!)

I find it strange that it is cheaper to self import goods as opposed to buying them locally. You would think the local retailers would be able to get the goods a lot cheaper than the average consumer. It makes me wonder what their markups are and the justification for them.

Canon are the worst by far. When you compare their prices at B&H, Digital rev etc they are way under Australias retail price(+ 30-50%) which makes me think its Canon Australia playing the pricing game here. Now that import price has gone to $1,000 for any item GST free I suspect Canon will lower their prices although a good L lens is mostly more than the 1,000 limit except for the 70-200f4. Sigma whos lens mostly come in under the $1,000 mark are not that much less overseas than cheap online Australian prices. Also CR Kennedy (the importers of Sigma) have agreed to match all grey import prices here in Australia in conjunction with their local distributers!. You can see it on their web site under their warranty section.

Rgds

Clipper