So as it states, Ive bought stuff from overseas many times before but more through Ebay which for me has been seamless. The only times i have had issues is with private Imports under $1000 from places like South Africa. Sort of understood fumigation costs etc and paid to avoid storage fees. But here is my problem, Ive bought a second hand gearbox through Ebay Uk. It cost $175 pounds, I paid $183 pounds for delivery at a total cost of $785 AU. Ive searched and searched what I should do this time and all I could come up with Is if its a motor part ensure their is no Oil in it and specified to the seller to make certain of this which he agreed. This was bought through Ebay, but delivery organised through the seller and we decided on sea freight. Also i was told after the purchase that would have to pick it up from the dock which I agreed to. 
What i received today was a bill from ECU Worldwide for $697 AU. With a hole heap of reasons for charging. My question is does anyone know about this? I mean this is an old gearbox not sold in Aus, it weighs less than 100kg and is worth really $300 Au. 
How do you all import stuff of any weight and value. I mean this is under the $1000 mark and from a supposed safe country. I will take a pic of this invoice and post. It also states it arrives on the 6/11/16 so i think I have time to sort stuff out myself before storage charges come in, which I have had before. Please help

Yes, thats how international sea freight works.  You get told its $300 per cubic metre and think happy days.  So you pay your $300 up front and the ball starts rolling.  First you have to use specially treated wood pallet (add $200) or have whatever its on treated (add $300).  Then the parts need cleaning and clearing UK (add $120).  Next it arrives here and you pay container unpacking fee $300, duty/GST $60, Quarantine $200 customs agent fee $150 then movement between dock etc $100 and voila, your 150 quid gearbox owes you 1500 on your doorstep.  The only way to do it is combine it with a big purchase as most of the charges relate to anything up to a 20' container.  That way you average the cost over multiple items.  I bought in 3 Type 5 boxes and an essex top end, shipping all up was $900, I can split that over the 4 items to $225 each.  I should have consolidated them with another crate I brought over, but we live and learn

Thanks John. My problem is I never learn, but always try to find a better way. So what your saying makes sense. Just by lots of stuff, my misses will be so happy with me. Keith

Hi all, just got my final bill for getting this in the country. $ 300 Aus dollar gearbox from eBay UK for 155 pound has now cost $2600. After many dramas getting through quarantine and extra dramas for weeks and lots of time spent. It with delivery was only $800 AU so I didn't think it would have been such an issue. Well lesson learnt. Still happy with the gearbox and a few extras were thrown in by seller I bought off other people and got sent to him.

Damn! There's a good lesson in there for all of us. Sorry about your financial loss, but thanks for the warning.