Exhibits are to be delivered to Melbourne Showgrounds between 9.00am and 4.30pm Monday 15 June and Tuesday 30 June– please coordinate with your courier accordingly.
Exhibits must be sent IWCO Terms Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) – i.e., international exhibitors must pay all costs associated with transporting their entries, including paying for shipping costs, export and import duties, insurance, and other expenses incurred during shipping.
All customs clearance charges remain the responsibility of the exhibitor and must be paid before you send your Australian International Spirits Awards samples. The Australian International Spirits Awards will not pay outstanding customs clearance fees. All goods must be addressed to the Australian International Spirits Awards and include the phone number of the sender who can help with any customs queries that may arise.
Notification of your exhibits being received in good order by Melbourne Royal will be via email from spirits@melbourneroyal.com.au. Exhibitors will be advised if exhibits have not been received or have arrived damaged.
Late deliveries will not be accepted and cannot be refunded.
Sending your Spirits to Australia Instructions
• Affix a commercial invoice including:
– Full goods description (e.g. distilled spirits)
– Quantity and container size
– Declared customs value (must be realistic, even for samples)
– Applicable Incoterms (e.g. DDP)
• Bill of lading or air waybill, plus any packing list
• Tariff classification (HS code, typically under HS 2208) for each line item
Note:
• Alcohol imports into Australia are always subject to customs duty (excise‑equivalent), GST and import charges, regardless of declared value.
• All customs duties, GST and excise‑equivalent charges are to be paid by the shipper, in accordance with Australian customs law. Failure to correctly declare value or duties may result in delays or additional charges
INCO Terms (Delivery Duty Paid) Definition:
Officially means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer, cleared for import, on the arriving means of transport, ready for unloading, at the named place of destination or at the agreed point within that place, if any such point is agreed. The seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to the named place of destination or to the agreed point within that place. In this Incoterms® (DDP) rule, therefore, delivery and arrival at destination are the same.
The shipper is responsible for all shipping costs, import clearance, duties, GST, and taxes to the final destination. Alcohol shipments using DDP are closely assessed by Australian Border Force.
Importer details:
Oskar Long – Melbourne Royal
Email: spirits@melbourneroyal.com.au
Mobile: 0468 584 196
ABN: 66 006 728 785
Carrier guidance:
FedEx: https://www.fedex.com/en-au/new-customer/how-to-prepare-customs-documents.html
Why duty applies to judging samples
All spirits imported into Australia are subject to customs duty (excise‑equivalent),
GST, and import charges under Australian law, even when sent as judging samples,
gifts, or items not for sale. This applies regardless of quantity or declared value.
To avoid customs delays, additional charges, or return of shipments, all judging
entries must be correctly declared and sent with duties and taxes prepaid by the sender.
Judging Samples & Australian Customs – FAQ
Why do I have to pay duty if my spirits aren’t for sale?
Under Australian law, all imported spirits are treated as excise‑equivalent goods.
The law does not distinguish between commercial, judging, promotional, or free‑of‑charge shipments, if spirits enter Australia, duty applies.
Does this apply to small bottles or sample sizes?
Yes. Duty applies regardless of bottle size, alcohol content, quantity, or shipment value
Can I declare my samples as “no commercial value” or USD$1?
Samples may be supplied free of charge, but the customs value must still be realistic.
Undervaluation can result in delays, reassessment of charges, or penalties by Australian
Border Force.
Is there a competition or judging exemption?
No. Australia does not provide duty exemptions for alcohol imported for competitions,
tastings, judging panels, or promotional purposes.
Who pays the customs duty, GST, and fees?
The shipper is responsible. All judging samples must be sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
so that duties and taxes are paid before arrival in Australia.
What happens if duties aren’t prepaid or paperwork is incorrect?
Shipments may be held by customs, delayed for reassessment, returned to the sender,
or subject to additional charges.
Can the judging organisation pay the duty instead?
No. The judging organisation cannot accept customs charges on arrival or act as the
payer of duties for judging entries.
Exhibits are to be delivered to Melbourne Showgrounds between 9.00am and 4.30pm Monday 15 June and Tuesday 30 June– please coordinate with your courier accordingly.
Exhibits must be sent IWCO Terms Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) – i.e., international exhibitors must pay all costs associated with transporting their entries, including paying for shipping costs, export and import duties, insurance, and other expenses incurred during shipping.
All customs clearance charges remain the responsibility of the exhibitor and must be paid before you send your Australian International Spirits Awards samples. The Australian International Spirits Awards will not pay outstanding customs clearance fees. All goods must be addressed to the Australian International Spirits Awards and include the phone number of the sender who can help with any customs queries that may arise.