Clearing custom with Red One MX camera to Australia

[Lau Ho Ming]

Hi,

This is my first time bringing my Red camera oversea.
Do you know what should I do if I want to bring my Red MX to Australia for a shoot?
Will it clear the custom?
I heard that I need to pay for the tax to do so.
And how about V-mount batteries?
I'm planning to travel with around 8-10 V-mount battery but I heard that I will have trouble taking it on the airplane.

Anyone have experience about that?
Thanks!

 

[ericyoung]

Don't know about clearing customs, but you can't pack ANY LiIon batteries in luggage put in the hold, and for carry on luggage you won't be able to take that many V-mounts IF they individually exceed a certain capacity.
If you need that many it may work out easier to bring only 2 or 3, and rent the rest in Australia from a rental house.

You should enquire or search the website of the airline you are flying with for specific restrictions, but in general the rules are covered here:
http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html
http://safetravel.dot.gov/larger_batt.html

https://www.paguk.com/content/air-transportation-li-ion-batteries-0
http://www.idxtek.com/lithium-ion-transportation

 

[Scott Brown]

You'll need a Carnet but these can be expensive as you'll need to post a bond. Another option is to use the duplicate list system i.e. you make out a full list of all your kit with serial numbers, country of origin, value etc and have this stamped on your way overseas by customs and then at each point of entry/departure thereafter. Some countries ask for documentation to verify the reason of your filming trip etc. and you may need to pay a deposit with customs, refundable when you depart.

Carnet is definitely the quickest and least stressful way to go though BUT get the paperwork stamped everywhere you go!!

Best wishes

Scott

 

[Mark Pavy]

I wouldn't be too worried about the camera itself, customs will only take a second look if it looks like your importing goods for sale, ie it's in a box and looks new. I'd also pack a lens with the camera so the guys at the x-ray machines can comprehend it's a camera body and not something that may raise attention. The batteries on the other hand your going to have problems with. Eric's right, you can't check Lithium, so you'll have to take them on as carryon and there are restrictions on size and quantity as outlined in the above links. The other option you could look at is shipping the batteries fedex to an Australian address or just renting them. You should also be aware that some airlines are starting to clamp down on carryon weight restrictions, particularly on the roller type bags, whereas they pay less attention to backpacks.

 

[ericyoung]

Yes, Mark makes a good point, you'll probably want to use your carry on allowance for the camera and lenses, not huge numbers of batteries.

Always carry on the minimum you need to start shooting, as anything in the hold can potentially get delayed or go missing.

 

[neale-anderson]

I wouldn't be too worried about the camera itself, customs will only take a second look if it looks like your importing goods for sale, ie it's in a box and looks new. I'd also pack a lens with the camera so the guys at the x-ray machines can comprehend it's a camera body and not something that may raise attention. The batteries on the other hand your going to have problems with. Eric's right, you can't check Lithium, so you'll have to take them on as carryon and there are restrictions on size and quantity as outlined in the above links. The other option you could look at is shipping the batteries fedex to an Australian address or just renting them. You should also be aware that some airlines are starting to clamp down on carryon weight restrictions, particularly on the roller type bags, whereas they pay less attention to backpacks.

There was a thread recently and it was clear Australia was the toughest of all for entering,so I would get a carnet as well