Exporting to the U.S.A.
Australia has a free Trade Agreement with the USA, so most commodities are allowed to be exported to the USA duty free. There are a few items that are not covered by this agreement; notably some agricultural commodities.
But, almost all manufactured articles can be exported to the USA duty free.
The USA has high risk controls on all imports to the USA, so it is imperative that you follow all documentation requirements for entry into the USA. If these documents are not in order, it is very likely that they wont be loaded in the first place, but if they were, they certainly would NOT be allowed entry into the USA.
ALL of the costs for compliance (and return if so deemed by US Customs) are for the account of the exporter.
US cargo checks are such that even urgent medical devices are held for a minimum of 24 hours from arrival, before they can be delivered to hospitals and patients.
Los Angeles is the main gateway for cargo into the USA, however there are oncarrying flights to most US cities. Several other ports on both the east and west coasts are serviced for FCL (full container load) cargoes, but all LCL (less than a container load) is consolidated into cvontainers in Australia and shipped to Los Angeles for either onforwarding by the consolidator, or collection by the consignee or his agent.
There are daily flights from Australia to the USA. Cargo can be sent on direct flights at premium rates, or held for consolidation usually on Wednesdays and Sundays.
LCL cargo is consolidated on a weekly basis, whilst there are a few more options for FCL cargoes depending on the destination in the USA. (Honolulu being an exception for seafreight).
If you are not a regular established exporter to the USA, then you should thoroughly check all requirements to ensure compliance before proceeding.
