Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations – Luxembourg

In 2008-2009 Luxembourg ranked as Australia's 107th largest merchandise trading partner. The total trade valued at $ 28,8 million. The major exports from Australia to Luxembourg is worth A$ 1,7 million for the year, including alcoholic beverages, power generating machinery, measuring and analyzing instruments. Key imports, worth A$ 27 million, were rubber tires, rails of iron/steel, manufactures of base metals, and plastic articles.

In Luxembourg Cost Insurance Freight price paid for the goods are base for import duties. Value Added Tax is 15 per cent. Currently it is the lowest in the EU.

Product certification, labeling
Livestock, animal products, food, plants and plant products are subject to controls and detailed regulations. Imports of such goods must be accompanied by sanitary health certificates issued by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA) and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). The establishment number must be quoted on the certificate.

Labels should be in either German or French. Foodstuffs are subject to special labeling regulations. According to them, labels must show the name of the manufacturer, country of origin, composition and content (in metric).

Documentary requirements
3 originals of commercial invoice are required. It must contain the following details:
• name/firm;
• the date and place of shipment;
• an exact description of goods;
• address of seller and buyer;
• markings of the packages and their numerical order;
• mode of transport;
• number.

The number of bill of lading copies issued depends on the requirements of the importer. The consignee must have the original bill of lading to take possession of the goods. Bills of lading should bear the name of the party to be notified.

Under EU regulations, certificates of origin may be required for stipulated goods. This information should be checked with importer.