Licensing

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service issues licences to clients to carry out a number of functions in the Import/Export Industry.  These licences are for Customs Brokers, Depots and Warehouses, including Duty Free Operators.  In 2003 the Licensing function was centralised in Canberra and now falls within the Trade and Compliance Division. 

The Licensing section is responsible for processing and assessing applications for Customs Broker, Depot and Warehouse licences.  The area also processes applications for variations to existing licences.

From 1 July 2010, responsibility for the administration of excise equivalent goods (EEGs) that are warehoused moved from Customs and Border Protection to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). EEGs are imported alcohol, tobacco and fuel that, if produced or manufactured in Australia, would be subject to excise duty.

With the exception of duty free shops, catering bonds and providores, you should apply to the ATO for a warehouse licence if you:
• intend to store EEGs in a warehouse; or
• are an operator of one or more warehouses and at least one of your warehouses stores EEGs.
Further information is available on www.ato.gov.au/excise or contact the ATO on 1300 137 290 (option 4) between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information regarding Licence applications please follow the links provided.

For information concerning the activities conducted by Customs licensed entities, eg import declarations, tariff classifications, cargo movements, etc., please contact the Customs and Border Protection Help Desk on 1300 363 263.