Most people do not regularly send freight and are probably unaware of some of the pitfalls.
Freight is now governed by strict guidelines both in Australia, and in the country of destination.
It is essential that you deal with an approved, regulated agent who understands the obligations required by the Department of Transport and Regional Services.
The most common problems people experience include not properly describing their contents, undervaluing their goods, or packing items in that are illegal or dangerous. Usually they just hope they will not get caught. Any of these problems can end of with confiscated items, or heavy fines.
Whilst it is a chore to itemise everything, it will certainly make life easier further down the track. Descriptions such as 'personal effects', 'excess luggage'' or 'no commercial value' are unsatisfactory. It is far easier to put things in subsections ie: used clothing, used shoes, CD's and documents.
Each country allows a level of duty and tax free exemption on personal effects. Therefore you should make sure you put a realistic value on your items, that is not knowingly below value, and at the same time ensure it is not too high, thereby attracting undue duty and tax. Between $50-$250 is the normal range of personal effects.
If you have a value greater than $2,000, you will need an export permit from the Australian Government, and the items will be treated as commercial goods, which may attract duty and taxes.
Another common mistake people make to their own detriment, is to not complete the paperwork fully. Usually they don't want to provide information, thinking if they leave it blank it will avoid the problem: it does not or putting things in that are illegal or dangerous. You cannot try and beat the system. X-Ray checks, sniffer dog checks and the experience of the freight handlers will pick up the indiscretion, and you will end up having the whole shipment being confiscated, without compensation.
Finally, common sense should be the basis of everything you do. Make sure the information is correct, make sure the paperwork is completed in full, make sure the address and postcode it is going to is correct, make sure your writing is in capital letters and in English, and don't think you have found a smart way to smuggle items for you or anyone else that might ask you to send things for them as a favour.
Copyright British Balls 2005
British Balls is a title of What Media Group