Thread: Customs lifts importation restrictions on e-collars

Hi Top Dog, Could you please tell me where you recieved this info.I just emailed Customs and post there reply.

Thankyou for your enquiry,

The importation into Australia of certain types of dog collars, such as electronic shock collars, as well as collars which have protrusions or prongs, are restricted under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

WHAT COLLARS ARE RESTRICTED?



It is prohibited to import dog collars which are designed to impart an electric shock to a dog, or collars which have protrusions that are designed to puncture or bruise an animal’s skin, without written permission from the Minister for Home Affairs.



Electronic dog collars are also referred to as remote training collars or anti-bark collars. They are often packaged in systems known as pet containment systems or invisible fences.



Intending buyers should be aware that importing these items without approval can attract penalties including fines or imprisonment.





BACKGROUND TO RESTRICTIONS



The border control on certain dog collars was introduced in response to concerns by community and animal welfare groups that such items are unnecessarily cruel for the training of dogs.



The government’s advisory body, the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW), which is made up of representatives of animal welfare authorities such as RSPCA, industry bodies and government agencies, opposes the importation and use of these types of dog collars.



A position statement published by NCCAW can be viewed at http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-...s/elec-collars.



NCCAW convenes periodically to review the appropriateness of the controls and to make recommendations to the government.



BUYING COLLARS IN AUSTRALIA?



There are domestic laws which apply to the manufacture, sale and use of these collars within Australia. Each State and Territory is responsible for its own legislation and you will find that these can vary from State to State.



If you are seeking to purchase a collar from an Australian provider, it is recommended that you firstly consult your local authority to confirm what laws apply.





SEEKING PERMISSION TO IMPORT



If you are seeking to import an electronic dog collar or a protrusion/prong dog collar, the regulations require that you obtain the prior, written permission from the Minister for Home Affairs.



In considering a permit application, the Minister will take into account the current policy position of the NCCAW. It is notable that due to concerns for animal welfare the Minister has not previously permitted the importation of this type of collar.



Permit requests are normally addressed to community.protection@customs.gov.au or to:



National Manager

Trade Policy & Regulation Branch

regards

Senior Customs Officer - Customs Information and Support Centre | CE&CS
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service


5 Constitution Avenue

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Hi Dan

I came across this in another forum:

Amendments to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 - Repeal of the import control on electric dog collars.


On 1 December 2008 the import control on dog collars incorporating apparatus designed to cause an electric shock (including collars which emit a static pulse and are part of underground fence systems) was repealed. Consequently, a permit to import this type of collar is no longer required.


The change relates only to the importation of these goods. Some State and Territory authorities have their own requirements relating to the possession and use of this type of dog collar. It is the importer’s responsibility to make whatever enquiries are necessary to determine what, if any, requirements may apply in this regard.


The importation of dog collars that incorporate protrusions designed to bruise or puncture an animal’s skin is still restricted under a permit-based arrangement.


Further enquiries concerning these arrangements can be made by contacting Customs and Border Protection by email to community.protection@customs.gov.au, by telephone (02) 6275 6952 or by fax to (02) 6229 3840.

Here is the original pdf file the government released on it, contains the same text as above.

http://www.sibehuskies.com/customs-e-collar.pdf

Thanks Mark,
I will contact them again.I believe that some more research needs to be done before I place a order for some collars from the U.S.A.
Would love to hear from other people if they have purchased without a permit.

I was sent a letter from Customs in December 08 stating exactly what Mark posted. However I think there is still some confusion within Customs itself because I was given a really hard time by Customs officers when I came back from the US in April. I didn't have any ecollars but they didn't believe me and went through all of my stuff to make sure.

Cheers

Chris

Originally Posted by dan09

Thanks Mark,
I will contact them again.I believe that some more research needs to be done before I place a order for some collars from the U.S.A.
Would love to hear from other people if they have purchased without a permit.

I havent purchased Remote collars from overseas, but have imported a few prong/pinch collars from overseas without a hassle. Of course the company sending them sends them in pieces inside a bubble bag, which is then inside a box. My parcels have been opened by customs to have a peek inside with a notice sticker on it to say that they have opened it. But i have always brought mine with other products as well.
Always had it sent to a business name related to working dogs, which i have registered, so maybe that helped...


Guy from Dogtrainers is very good at sending stuff like that here.

There are a few people importing them just for themselves.

If you plan on reselling the E collars - that is when things can go pear shaped.

I am pretty sure that they must have a C Tick to comply with the legislation involving electronic devices. It is illegal to sell any radio signal based product without this C Tick.

I sell all the bark collars / e collars - any brand that you can get in Australia. (dogtra, DT Systems, Innotek, SportDOG, Big Leash)
I am just an agent, so i am covered by the importers C Tick.

I dont care if you guys import them - if i could get them in cheaper myself without going through import fees and obtaining a licence i would.. They are miles cheaper from the states. All I am saying is - do your homework first.

Warranty is another issue you need to weigh up too - DT Systems and Big Leash warranty are very quick and get done in Australia. Dogtra, Innotek & SportDOG take a while for their warranty.. Weeks sometimes, and some into months.

Anyway - this isnt great for my first post - just sounds like im plugging my own business. Im here to learn - dont think there will be squat that i could teach you guys unless it is something relevant to hunting or working with cattle.

Cheers
Wayne