How to claim TRS before you depart Brisbane Airport

Whether you’re a travel shopaholic or just love a bargain, you need to know about Australia’s Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS).

The TRS puts extra cash back in your pocket before you depart on certain purchases from your time Down Under that were over $300.00.

International travellers (including Australians) can claim a GST (Goods and Services Tax) and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) refund for certain goods bought in Australia when they are taken out of the country.

Streamline the process for your shopping adventures or become the ultimate Brisbane host and assist your visitors in claiming the TRS – they’ll thank you later.

 

 

Check your eligibility and efficiently make your claim with these quick easy steps.

 

1. Eligibility and conditions

To get your hands on this refund, there are a few requirements you must meet. Firstly, you must spend a minimum of AUD$300.00 or more (including GST) in a single store within 60 days of departure. Secondly, you must have paid for the goods yourself and be able to present the original tax invoice or receipt. You cannot make a claim within 30 minutes before your scheduled departure or after you leave Australia. Additionally, you cannot get a cash refund. Once you clear these simple steps the Australian Border Force officers will verify your claim.

 

2. Claim process

Typically in a rush before departure? Not to worry, streamline the process by completing your claim online before your flight. Your claim will still need to be verified at the airport; however, it will save you extra time. Remember that this must be done at least 30 minutes before departure at least! There are two options for completing your claim online, either through the TRS Mobile App or the TRS Web Portal.

 

3. TRS mobile app

Make your claims on the go after purchase by downloading the TRS Mobile App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. To lodge your claim, you will need to complete four easy steps. After downloading, register by making an account. You will then need to fill in personal and travel information. Collect your tax invoice, and enter the purchase details, including amount spent, store, and items. Lastly, hit submit and keep your QR code handy!

 

 

4. TRS web portal

Following similar steps to the TRS Mobile App, you can complete your claim through the TRS Web Portal, simply search My TRS Claim to begin. If you haven’t already registered an account, do so and begin entering your purchase details. Once the correct documentation and details are uploaded, click submit.

 

5. Keep evidence handy

When verifying your claim, ensure all the necessary evidence is on hand. There are three documents you must have handy - your original tax invoice for the goods you’re claiming, passport details (including departure date) and your flight details, including your flight number and departure time.

 

6. At the airport

When arriving at the airport, we recommend you leave at least 90 minutes before departure to verify your claim. If the item you intend to claim is in your carry-on luggage, visit the TRS office located on Level 3 after security and passport control. If the item you intend to claim is in your checked in luggage, visit the Australian Border Force Client Services Office on Level 1 before you check in. Didn’t get a chance to make your claim online? Simply head to the respective offices and you can still complete your claim in person.

 

 

7. Exclusions

There are select items that do not qualify for the refund scheme. These include alcohol (beer, brandy, fortified wines, spirits) and all goods that are prohibited on aircrafts for safety reasons. Note, that all liquids, aerosols, and gel restrictions still apply to items you’re claiming the TRS. Additionally, operating air crew members are not eligible to make a claim.

Here are a few examples of things that can't be claimed:

• Alcohol (except wine with alcohol content of less than 22%)
• Goods that have been partially or wholly consumed. Common consumable products that are presented partially consumed include:
• Cosmetic products
• Vitamins
• Food and drinks
• Fragrances
• Goods that are purchased on contract plans that have not been paid in full, e.g phones 
• Services such as; accommodation, transportation, warranties, shipping, theme parks
• Gift cards (goods purchased using a gift card are eligible)  
• Overseas purchases
• GST free goods such as; medications (aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen), baby food/formula, sunscreen, medical appliances and prescription lenses.

 

8. Claiming on oversized goods

Picked up a new set of golf clubs or other oversized purchases? Before checking in, head to the Australian Border Force Client Services Office on Level 1 where a friendly staff member will assist you with your claim before you head up to Level 4 to check-in your luggage. 

 

Simply follow the easy steps and plan your claim accordingly.

 

CREDITS

• Feature image: Shopping in Brisbane
• Find out more about claiming the Tourist Refund Scheme at Brisbane Airport
• Find a TRS claim location at Brisbane Airport's International Terminal