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Collection models for GST on low value imported goods

Public inquiry

This inquiry is now completed. The Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a four month inquiry into models for collecting GST on low value imported goods.

The Commission held hearings for the purposes of the inquiry and produced a final report by 31 October 2017.

Interested parties were invited to provide written submissions on matters relevant to the inquiry by 30 August 2017.

A discussion paper was released to inform the basis of the hearings and submissions.

  • Discussion paper 28 Jul 2017
  • Public hearings 22-24 Aug 2017
  • Final report 9 Nov 2017

The discussion paper highlighted the key issues in the inquiry and outlined preliminary views drawing on existing research and evidence, to assist those who participated in the inquiry through the hearings and/or public submissions.

Submissions were due by 30 August 2017.

Read the discussion paper

Public hearings provided participants with the opportunity to elaborate on their submissions, respond to submissions of others, and to discuss issues with the Commissioner.

Hearings were held in Sydney on 22 August and Melbourne on 24 August 2017.

Read hearing transcripts

The final inquiry report was handed to the Australian Government on 31 October 2017, then tabled in Parliament and publicly released on 9 November 2017.

Read the inquiry report

Legislation has been passed that will collect GST on low value imported goods from 1 July 2018. The legislation uses a vendor collection model ('vendor model'), whereby vendors (including suppliers and online marketplaces) will collect the GST on low value imported goods at the time of sale.

The inquiry was required to consider and make recommendations in relation to the effectiveness of the vendor model and whether other models for collecting GST on low value imported goods might be suitable.

Government response

There has not been a government response to this inquiry yet.