Aust Winner 澳洲长风论坛

[xiaoping]

Customs has highlighted the recent conviction of a major Queensland furniture retailer for evading the payment of Customs duty as a reminder to all importers to submit accurate invoices.

The Queensland Supreme Court last week fined Samsara Furniture and Homewares Pty Ltd and its sole director, Ms Giovanna Aryafara, nearly $250,000 for offences under the Customs Act 1901.

Customs Queensland Regional Director Jenny Eutick said the investigation began when officers conducted a compliance audit of the company, which has outlets in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in July 2003.

Ms Eutick said Customs identified numerous irregularities after checking invoices for the period from late 1999 until July 2003.

"The values shown on a series of false invoices for furniture and homewares that were used for Customs clearance represented only 60 per cent of the true value, resulting in the underpayment of Customs duty," Ms Eutick said.

Samsara was convicted of evading payment of duty and fined $198,000. The company was also convicted of making false statements and fined $20,000.

Ms Aryafara was convicted of making false statements and fined $20,000, while Customs was awarded court costs of $30,000.

Ms Eutick said the case highlighted the need for all importers to be aware of their requirements to submit accurate invoices for Customs clearance.

"Customs conducts regular compliance audits of importers to ensure that these laws are being complied with," Ms Eutick said.


Source: Customs Media Release