What a Customs Offence Charge Means

Customs offences are dealt with under the Customs Act 1901. The main offences you may be charge with under the legislation are:

1. Smuggling

Under section 233(1)(a) of the Act, the smuggling of goods is prohibited. Depending on the Court determination, the maximum penalty is not exceeding 200 penalty units, an equivalent of $44,000.

2.Importing/ exporting prohibited goods

Section 233(1)(b) and (c) of the Act deals with the prohibition of importing/ exporting goods. In breaching the importing/ exporting regulations, the Court will consider the nature of the goods and prescribe penalties accordingly. Generally, the penalty will not exceed 200 penalty units, an equivalent of $44,000.

3. Evasion of duty

Section 234(1) of the Act prohibits the evasion of payable duty. Penalties for this offence depend on whether the duty can be determined. Again, the general penalty will not exceed 200 penalty units, an equivalent of $44,000. If you are found to have intentionally misled an officer, you may also be liable to a maximum fine of 100 penalty units, an equivalent of $22,200.