I have imported stuff from China and used DHL and FED-EX as the carriers.
DHL is a bit more expensive for some items and will charge the 10% on almost all goods no matter what the price.
The Australian Gov charges taxes on anything over $1000 AUD imported into the country which includes the freight in some cases.
If you buy something through eBay and the sender declares a lower value for import reasons, the Dept of Customs will deem that the item is too cheap will send a letter or ring you asking for the eBay transaction details and will work out your taxes from that price.
There is no fooling them.
Fed_Ex handle all the customs paper work when it comes into the country otherwise you will have to find your own person to handle all the import paper work which is a real PITA.
You pay 10% customs duties and 10% GST on your purchase which includes the freight as it is a service. Hence "goods AND services tax".
It would probably be a good idea to ring the carriers and tell them what you are importing and get some info from them on what you actually want to bring in and also weight and sizes to give them an idea. They may be able to tell you a cheaper method.
The only lasers I know of that are banned are the laser pointers 1Mw or greater so the class IV lasers we use are OK to bring in and don't incurr any extra hidden duties.
And as Zax15UK says, get the quote from the seller to your front door. WAY less painful than trying to deal with the Gov beaurocracy.
Rich.
I am not completely useless.......I can always serve as a BAD example.