Payment Options

Customs invoices can be paid in several different ways.

• Integrated Cargo System (ICS) EFT facility
• Internet payment facility
• BPay (not available for ICS invoices)
• Over the phone (not available for ICS invoices)
• In person
• Through the mail (cheque) (not available for ICS invoices)

Please note that invoices paid by 6pm AEST via the internet payment facility, BPay or over the phone will be processed by 9am AEST the next business day and goods should be available for release by 10am AEST. Also note that there can be a significant time delay between when a client pays an account via these methods and when the Customs ICS invoice is shown as paid. This delay could be as long as 84 hours if the client pays the account after 6pm on Thursday. This will not be updated in Customs financial system and ICS until 9am AEST on Monday morning. Given that payment in ICS is required prior to the release of goods; users need to be aware of the timing of internet, BPay and phone payments.

 Integrated Cargo System (ICS) EFT Facility

This facility is only available for ICS generated invoices and involves Customs debiting monies direct from Clients bank accounts. The client must provide Customs Cargo Support with their registration and bank account details (see Direct Debit Request Form).  The Client then gives permission for a specific invoice to be paid, using this facility, through ICS. At midday each weekday Customs generates a bank file which lists all invoices that have been identified for payment. Westpac collects the monies from the client accounts on the same day.

 Internet Payment Facility

The Customs Internet Payment facility is hosted by Westpac and is accessible from the Customs Internet site.

Twice each weekday, Customs sends an electronic file containing all of the outstanding invoices in Customs financial system (including ICS) to Westpac.

Customs Internet Payment facility offers clients a secure and convenient way to pay their invoices. Clients can pay single non-ICS invoices or may choose to register as a regular user, which allows them to view their account information online and structure payments according to their needs. A receipt number will be displayed at the end of the each online transaction and can be printed as a record of payment.

Please note that Customs invoices are passed to the Westpac site only twice each week day, therefore failure to locate an invoice for payment via the internet payment facility may be the result of a timing difference between the input of the invoice and the file transfer to Westpac.

 BPay - This option is not available to ICS Clients

Clients can contact their participating Financial Institution, either by internet or telephone, to make this payment directly from their cheque, savings or credit/debit card account.

When prompted they simply enter the Biller code and Customer Reference Number (CRN) as shown on the lower part of their invoice.

 Payment over the Phone - This option is not available to ICS Clients

Clients can pay their Customs invoices over the phone by credit/debit card. Customs accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Clients simply call 1800 008 174 anytime, 24 hours per day, select option 3 and enter their Customer Reference Number (CRN), which is printed in the payment options section at the bottom of the invoice.

Please note that this is an automated telephone system.

 Pay in Person at a Customs Office

Clients can pay their Customs invoices at a Customs office. They will be issued with a receipt at the time of payment. 

 Pay by Cheque through the Mail

Clients can still post a cheque to Customs. To do this they simply enclose the remittance advice at the bottom of their invoice (or details of the relevant Customs Import Declaration) with their cheque and mail to the address shown on the invoice.

They will receive a receipt by return mail.