Sending Artworks of Value into Australia

After a recent incident with a participating artist's consignment I would like to advise other artists sending artwork of value into Australia they may be charged a government goods and services tax equalling 10% of the value of their artwork if they do not clearly state that the contents of their parcel are on loan for the duration of the Personal Histories exhibition and have not been purchased.  

If any artists have concerns about this I would advise you to apply for a Carnet from Australian Customs before dispatching your parcel.  You can do this by forwarding an enquiry to the National Temporary Imports and Securities section of Australian Customs via email (ntis@customs.gov.au).

Australian Customs and Excise have a specific clause covering artworks of value entering Australia which are on loan for exhibition purposes and which are to be returned within a 12 month period.  These works do not attract the 10% goods and services tax if it is acknowledged they are to be returned to the artist at the end of the exhibition period.  However, artworks of value which are purchased or remain in the country will attract this 10% fee, either if they are purchased or if the works are not returned within 12 months.  You are more likely to be charged this fee if your artwork is of higher value and you are using a courier to forward your artworks as the courier company will be responsible for clearing your parcel through customs.

Sending Items via Postal Service/Courier

As it is each artist's responsibility to forward their own works for this exhibition, in order for them to arrive safely and make the process as trouble free as possible for everyone,  I would like to remind artists submitting works to be mindful of the materials chosen for the construction of your works.  

I reiterate my post from 5 October 2013 "A Word to the Wise":

When thinking about the structure and materials for your book, please bear in mind possible strictures with postal carriers or custom importation bodies for materials such as plant/organic materials, bones, metals, dubious imagery etc.

Here is a link to the Australian Customs webpage for guidance if you have any doubts.

This is shaping up to be a terrific exhibition and I look forward to each and every book and photograph, from every corner of the globe, arriving safe and sound.

Happy Bookmaking.

A Word to the Wise

I am probably preaching to the converted here and I know it's very early to start talking about delivery of works but I just want to point out

 - long before people start compiling their artworks -

when thinking about the structure and materials for your book please bear in mind possible strictures with postal carriers or customs importation for materials such as plant/organic materials, bones, metals etc. etc.

I would hate to think of anyone's books languishing in customs or artists suffering the frustration of artworks being refused delivery. 

If anyone has any customs or postal carrier experiences/knowledge to share it would be fabulous to hear from you so others may be aware to avoid any related pitfalls.