How to Import from China to Australia-The Ultimate Guide

China’s incredible rise to the world’s topmost economy is credited to its incredibly successful manufacturing industry.

Find out how to import from China to Australia in this guide.

Learn how to find the right suppliers and products to help you build a profitable importation business.

 Importing from China to Australia

Why you Should Import from China

China is undoubtedly a world hub for commerce—you can easily import any type of products you need to start a business in Australia.

While in Australia may be expensive and just not feasible for your kind of product.

This is why you need to start importing from China.

Importing from China is effective and earns you the following benefits:

· Quality Products at Competitive Prices

Contrary to popular myths, Chinese products are of excellent quality.

Suppliers here produce high-quality products with required market standards.

Manufacturers in China specialize in producing high-quality goods at low prices.

Their products often come at a fraction of the regular cost but maintain quality and accuracy.

· Variety

In China, you can find very many products in a wide range of variety.

No matter if you want to import electronics, shoes, building materials, or food, the country offers all these in many different options.

· High-profit Margins

The low cost of goods in China makes it a good sourcing option for businesses.

You can import the goods and resell them for a good profit.

· Flexible Import Policies

It is very easy to import from China to Australia due to the flexible import policies.

Dealing with Chinese authorities and suppliers is very easy.

Unlike most strict countries, you don’t need any special effort to do any business with China.

Requirements to Import from China to Australia

There are no special licenses required if you want to import from China to Australia.

However, you must have proper knowledge about rules applicable to importation that include quality and health standards.

Additionally, you are required to meet proper labeling and packaging requirements.

If you are importing animals, plants, and certain controlled substances, you must have special permits.

You should also have the proper documentation for importing goods from China to Australia.

Top Products you can Import from China to Australia

When importing from China, the basic guideline is to import a suitable product for your demography.

The product must be of good quality, follow government safety standards, and meet customers’ demands.

Here are the popular products that you can import from China to Australia:

· Import Clothes from China to Australia

Clothes are a basic need that serves everyone all over the world.

And with the increase in the Australian population each year, the demand for clothes increases exponentially.

China provides quality clothes exported to all parts of the world, including Australia.

The clothes are produced in bulk and are affordable.

Furthermore, there are few laws in Australia regarding the importation of clothes from China.

You can utilize this by importing clothes in bulk and selling them at a profit.

You can import clothing from China by sea or air for clothes in demand such as wedding dresses.

The only clothes you should avoid are those containing AZO and formaldehyde because the Australian government forbids them from entering the country.

Import Toys from China to Australia

Toys in China

Parents invest a lot in ensuring their children have a fun and joyful life.

They purchase all manner of games, puzzles, toy cars, and toy guns to impress their kids.

With China being the largest manufacturer of toys, your business can profit by importing toys from China.

Nevertheless, you should ensure you follow Australian regulations regarding the certification and safety of imported toys.

Import Food from China to Australia

 Food from China

When it comes to food importation, many traders fear the Australian government’s regulations on safety standards.

China offers quality foods, given its high advancement in organic and greenhouse farming.

If you adhere to all these health standards, importing food from China will earn you huge profits.

The Australian population is increasing, and the demand for food rises.

This way, prompt delivery of food will surely make you profits.

Food is highly perishable.

You should ensure your means of transport is fast, efficient, and convenient enough to reduce spoilage scenarios.

Import Furniture from China to Australia

 Furniture from China

The cost of furniture is relatively cheaper in China compared to buying locally.

The 21^st century is one that interior design dominates, with furniture at the center of every design.

Boardrooms, offices, sitting rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms all require furniture.

There is an increase in real estate in Australia, meaning many offices and residential premises arise.

This will increase the demand for furniture.

You can generate huge profits when you import furniture from China to Australia.

Furthermore, there are cheap furniture suppliers from China just waiting for your call.

When looking to import furniture from China to Australia, ensure compliance with Australian rules and regulations.

· Import Building Materials from China to Australia

There is a high demand for building materials in Australia.

Besides, Austria lacks an adequate supply of certain unique building materials such as bricks and copper wires, and what is available is relatively costly.

Building materials

China has these products at a lower price and in bulk.

Importing building materials from China will earn you high business profits.

If importing for personal use, you can enjoy a range of options to choose from at affordable prices.

You can research the available gap, make your order from China and have the products shipped through the sea or air.

Import Machinery from China to Australia

There is a wide gap between the available machinery and the demand for machinery in Australia.

Special construction machinery is in high demand since the available ones are expensive when leased.

Importing Machinery from China will increase your profits and help fill the gap already available.

Of importance is to ensure that your machinery imports are free from any form of contamination.

The machinery should also have the required compliance certificates according to Australian customs requirements.

Additionally, use safe shipping methods to ensure the safe delivery of the machinery from China to Australia.

· Import Automobile Parts from China to Australia

Automobile parts

Automobile parts are available in a large variety in China, and manufacturers produce them at a low cost.

In Australia, there is a very limited supply vis-à-vis a high demand for spare parts.

You can tap this business opportunity by importing high-quality car parts from China and resell them in Australia.

Import Electronics from China to Australia

China not only manufactures a variety of high-quality electronics at very competitive prices.

You can import radios, phones, and televisions, among other electronics from China at lower prices and make profits after selling in Australia.

Just ensure that you ship the electronics via air or any other safe mode to avoid damage during shipping.

· Import Steel from China to Australia

Steel has varied uses in modern industrialization.

The rapid growth in Australia assures you an opportunity to make profits from the sale of steel.

China has a variety of steel, ranging from galvanized steel, alloy steel, and carbon steel.

Also, the cost of steel is cheaper in China compared to Australia.

Importing steel from China will earn you profits, save on costs, and offer you larger quantities in the same place.

· Import Glass from China to Australia

Shipping glass

Glass tends to break easily and thus requires special attention during transportation.

The majority of modern homes use glass for windows, doors, or even in-room partitioning.

Importing glass from China to Australia is necessary because of China’s cheap costs and high demand in Australia.

Top Product markets in China

Keeping in mind the products you can import from China, it is also essential to know where you can get these products in China.

China has well-established markets defined by specific products.

You only need to look in the right direction if you already know the product you want.

These are the top product markets in China:

· General Goods

Yiwu is the leading general goods market in china.

You can find all kinds of small commodities, including toys, small electronics, electronic accessories, stationery, etc., at the Yiwu wholesale market.

· Clothing Markets in China

Most Chinese clothing wholesalers are based in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Xixiang, and Shanghai.

These areas are the leading textile and apparel bases dominating the clothing business in China.

You can find thousands of different clothing types in these markets like wedding dresses, male trousers, children’s clothing, etc.

· Electronics Markets in China

Yiwu, Guangdong, Shenzhen, and Qingdao are the largest markets for Chinese electronics and electronic accessories.

Yiwu leads with almost 70% of electronic exports from China originate from there.

 The Furniture Market in China

China is the largest exporter of furniture. You can find quality furniture at a relatively lower price.

If you are looking to buy furniture in China, visit these provinces, Shanghai, Shandong, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

They house some of the largest wholesale furniture markets in China, such as Yiwu, louvre, and Binwang.

The truth is, you will find virtually everything you need in Foshan furniture market.

Louvre furniture mall

· Shoe Market in China

China ranks second in shoe exportation.

You can find quality and cheaply priced shoes in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.

The specific China shoe markets to explore are Buyun Tiandi, Haizhu Huanan Shoe trade city, and the Guanghong Kid’s wear city.

These are the top offline markets in China.

If you are unable to get here, you can still source products from China’s online marketplaces such as; Alibaba, Aliexpress, made-in-China, Taobao, global sources, etc.

Restricted and Prohibited Products for Import from China to Australia are

Before importing any particular product, it is crucial to understand Australia’s regulations regarding the product.

Unless you obtain permission to import and fulfill the requirements, you cannot import the following products to Australia:

• Ceramicware
• Toys coated with toxic materials.
• Galactomannan
• Lighters
• Tobacco
• Cosmetics with more than 25mg/kg of lead
• Counterfeit credit or debit cards
• Dog collars
• Mosquito bats
• Incandescent lamps
• Paintbrushes and pencils

Essentially, you cannot import products containing an excess amount of lead to Australia.

If you want to import the products named earlier, you must apply for a related legal authority certificate.

Your product must undergo certification to ensure it is safe for importation.

Requirements for Importing HAZMAT from China to Australia

HAZMAT goods cause pollution to the environment and can be dangerous to human life if not handled properly.

The Australian Border Patrol has strict rules when it comes to the importation of HAZMAT products.

HAZMAT

Products that fall under the HAZMAT regulations include:

• Asbestos
• Hazardous wastes
• Ozone-depleting substances
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Terphenyls, and Polyphenols
• Pesticides and hazardous chemicals
• Explosive plastics

To import HAZMAT goods, you must either;

• Ensure that the good contains a minimal concentration of chemicals as described by the related authority
• Obtain a certification showing adherence to health and safety rules in handling any of the named product
• Hold a valid license permitting you to import any of the HAZMAT products

The Australian Border Force website provides the necessary regulations.

You can only import the HAZMAT products in compliance with the rules.

Failure to which, you risk losing your imports, being fined, or both.

How to find Product Suppliers for Importing from China?

When it comes to finding the right product supplier, it is vital to be extra vigilant.

Avoid rushing, and always request samples before settling on a supplier from China.

You can use the following methods to find the right supplier for your business.

· E-commerce Websites

China has reputable e-commerce websites that join sellers to showcase their products for easy discovery and purchase by customers.

Such online markets offer sellers’ legality and reputation, saving you the time to research and verify manufacturers.

Nevertheless, you should conduct further research since some of the sellers do not oversee manufacturing the products they claim to sell.

Examples of e-commerce markets in China include Alibaba, Aliexpress, Made in China, Dhgate, and many more.

You can learn more about this here – Top China wholesale websites.

· Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Sourcing products from trade fairs in China can be advantageous.

Firstly you get to meet and know your supplier physically.

This way, you improve on the business relationship as well as trust.

Attending these shows and fairs also allows you to view products, suppliers’ production systems.

Furthermore, you can get to agree on terms of sale in person.

Meeting in person can help you gauge a lot about your prospective supplier.

You can learn about their products, the technology used production capacity, and even the incentives they offer.

Top trade shows and exhibitions you can purpose to attend in China are; Canton fair, Hong Kong electronics fair, Yiwu commodities fair, and global sources consumer fair.

· Search Engines

This method can be challenging, especially if you do not know the exact supplier’s name.

However, it has proven beneficial for many businesses.

You can begin by searching for random suppliers based on a specific product.

After which, you can specify and end up with a list of suppliers to choose from.

The majority of manufacturers use the Chinese language to identify their businesses.

Therefore, doing a random google search is challenging and might not provide you the needed supplier.

You can alternate search terms till you find the right supplier.

· Social Networking Sites

The rise in technology has seen the increased use of social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the advertisement.

Most of these social networks offer sections for reviews where customers can rank the services they received from various suppliers.

You can choose a supplier based on the previous positive reviews given by users who had tried the products.

Nevertheless, it would help if you understood that essential negative reviews might be hidden from you.

If searching for products and suppliers on these sites, proceed with caution.

Always find alternative ways of ascertaining the supplier’s reputation.

Find more information about verifying supplier credibility in the next section.

How to Verify Suppliers for Importing from China to Australia

After finding potential Chinese suppliers, you have to verify their credibility before initiating any transaction.

Sometimes your potential supplier may look perfect, and you are lured to start a transaction.

However, if you are in a rush, you might end up losing everything.

To avoid the risk of scams, you can use these methods to verify your suppliers.

· Check Business Licenses

Take charge of the transaction.

Ask the supplier to provide a unique registration number that you can verify with the Chinese local authority’s website.

If the supplier refuses or takes long to give the verification, call off the transaction.

· Ask for Reference

You can gauge the credibility of the supplier by asking for previous customer’s feedback.

This way, you can call and verify with the previous customers.

You can even visit the supplier website to check for reviews and ratings from previous customers.

Additionally, you can ask for a reference from the banks.

The bank will provide you the needed details regarding the credit history of the supplier.

· Get a Sample

A trustworthy supplier will not shy away from sending you samples of what they produce.

In cases where you have to pay for samples, insist on transferring the amounts to a recognized bank account.

· Physical Visits to the Company

The surest way to prove a supplier’s credibility is to conduct physical visits and audit the whole production process.

Lastly, even after striking a bargain and agreeing on mutual shipping, continue to conduct regular quality checks.

When to use a Sourcing Agent for Importing from China to Australia

Finding a perfect supplier and product is a resume to your business and can guarantee you quality products and return customers.

However, this is not easy, especially if you’re busy with other tasks or a first-time importer with minimal knowledge and experience.

In this case, a sourcing agent can come in handy.

What does a Sourcing Agent do?

Sourcing agents provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the local Chinese market.

They are based in China and can help you locate the right suppliers/manufacturers for your products.

The agent can also do a physical assessment to determine the credibility of the supplier.

China sourcing agents speak the native language and bargain on your behalf to reduce the costs of goods and get you quality goods.

Why you Should Hire a Sourcing Agent

Hiring a reputable sourcing agent assures you many benefits that include:

• Easy discovery of reputable and new suppliers
• Sourcing agents help you do internal audits on the supplier
• They do efficient shipping and handling of logistics
• Faster and efficient customs clearance
• Help to make the process of importing from China easier hence allowing you to focus on other things along your supply chain

How to Find the Right Sourcing Agent

Trusting someone or a company to act as your eyes, mouth, and ears is challenging and always requires keen selection.

You can hire a sourcing agent based on the reputation and testimonials given by already served importers.

Furthermore, you can use recommendations from friends already in the business.

When busy and you fear incurring extra charges or delays in the shipment, a sourcing agent can ease the shipping process.

However, you must take caution when choosing one because one simple mistake can jeopardize the entire venture.

Disadvantages of Working with a Sourcing Agent for Importing from China to Australia

Despite the numerous benefits of using a sourcing agent, there are a few challenges associated with them.

• The agent doesn’t have to tell you who your supplier is.

Building a reputation with suppliers becomes difficult because the sourcing agent’s work is to tell you the price and give you a brief description of the product, period.

• Sometimes they slow shipping.

Usually, when shipping, your supplier will have to liaise directly with the shipping company on transportation dates.

But when dealing with a sourcing agent, your supplier will operate through the agent, often leading to delays.

• Expensive at times. The price you receive from the sourcing agents at times is biased and exploitative.

Since you have no links with the supplier, sourcing agents can overprice the product, eventually cutting your profits.

Quality Control when Sourcing from China

Ensuring quality control is very important when importing from China to Australia.

There is no simple solution to this problem; therefore, addressing it the right way is vital.

What is Quality Control?

Aspects of quality control

Quality control is the process of testing and evaluating products to ensure that they conform to set requirements before importation.

The process checks raw materials used in production, finished products, existing inventory, or even production processes.

As an importer, China quality control services are vital before sourcing finished goods to import to Australia.

Benefits of Quality Control

It is vital to keep quality in check when importing from China to Australia.

Besides, quality control offers many benefits, such as:

• Quality control prevents you from importing defective products.

This is through quantification and sorting out of defects before shipping goods.

By doing this, you help reduce the number of faulty products reaching your customers.

• When you perform quality checks before and during production, you can easily curb defect sources and immediately call for rectification.

This helps to reduce the rate of defects in the final output.

• Pre-production inspections also help to prevent errors in the production process.

It catches any mistakes before they turn into severe defects.

• Quality inspections help you save time and resources on products that may be rejected after production.
• You can also reduce the cost of inspection at shipping ports by conducting quality control.
• When you supply quality products, customers become satisfied with your company and brand hence increasing your goodwill.
• Good quality control can also help increase sales.

When your customers know that your products are of top quality, they may spread the word to other consumers.

As a result, this boosts your sales as new customers will come running to have a grab of the product.

Who does Quality Control?

There are three options as to who can conduct quality control.

Firstly, many Chinese manufacturers have their in-house quality control measures that you can work with.

That is if they prove functional enough to ensure quality production of your goods.

To determine if you should trust your supplier to ensure the quality of products, you’ll need to conduct a factory audit in China.

Go through the supplier’s quality control measures. See how many workers they have.

A good factory should always have more regular workers than contractual workers.

A factory that employs many contractual workers than regular workers is questionable.

These are always after meeting deadlines and increasing profits.

They hardly have the interest of the customer at heart.

The next option is to delegate someone from your supply chain to do quality control.

Also, the person you choose should have the right knowledge and skills in every aspect of quality control.

Remember that quality control is not just the manufacturing process.

Instead, it is a multistage process that starts sourcing raw materials when the final product is produced and inspected.

So, find a person who can handle this process meticulously to ensure that you’re importing the right quality products.

If you don’t have enough resources to send someone from your company to China, get a reputable third-party company to do it.

Quality control companies in China have minimum requirements to gauge the quality of the manufacturing process.

Additionally, the third-party teams have your interest at heart.

Labeling Requirements for Importing from China to Australia

 Packaging goods for shipping

Packaging and labeling of products you import from China to Australia must adhere to the set regulations.

These regulations are defined by the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905 and the Commerce (Imports) Regulations 1940 (CI Regulations).

According to these regulations:

• All products must have a mark of origin. You must indicate where your goods were manufactured.

That is if manufactured in China, your label should indicate ‘made in China’ on the package.

• Labeling should contain the name and address of the seller registered in Australia.
• Unit of measurement. All products imported to Australia should use the metric system in quantifying weight.
• Certain products cannot be imported without a trade description label.

The label must also be incorrect English; otherwise, customs may seize the products.

Check with the Australian border control for goods that should include trade descriptions.

• For food products, you must label the net weight, ingredients, name of the distributor, date of manufacture, and the expiry date.
• AS/NSZ requirements on specific products must be adhered to.

Documents you need to Import from China to Australia

International trade relies heavily on documentation.

Lack of it leads to delays in delivery and extra costs to the importer.

Therefore, it is vital to keep records at each level of your international trade.

Essential documents you need for importation from China to Australia include;

 Import documents

1. Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin proves that the goods you’re importing were obtained and manufactured in China.

The certificate of origin is also beneficial in reducing tariffs between countries that share mutual trade relations.

This document contains details such as;

• Details about the importer
• Details about the exporter
• Description of the product imported
• Quantity of the product
• Method and route of transportation

2. Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice provides details about the value of goods you import from China to Australia.

This value, known as a declared value, is used to determine the amount of duties to pay for the goods.

Details entailed in the customs invoice include:

• Quantity of the consignment
• Value of the consignment
• HS code
• Description of the products
• Packing list

3. Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is a unique import document issued by the freight forwarder to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipping.

The purpose of this document is to track the shipment and ensure safe delivery.

It contains the following information;

• Descriptions of goods
• Volume and weight
• Place of receipt and port of loading
• Incoterm
• Type of product
• Description of goods
• Transporter and consignee details

4. Import License

An import license for importing from China to Australia is issued by bodies regulating the importation of the specific types of goods.

The license provides details on the financial and commercial aspects of the product you’re importing.

Besides, the import license also provides details on:

• Country of origin
• Importer
• Exporter
• Weight and quantity of goods
• Payment method
• Incoterms
• Description of goods

5. Proof of Import

Customs clearance processes follow immense document verification.

At the final stage, after satisfying all custom regulations, you get proof of import.

This shows your products have met customs rules and regulations and can be traded within the country.

Best Incoterms for Importing from China to Australia

Incoterms are trade agreements used in international shipping.

They refer to terminologies used in international shipping to determine which party is liable for the cargo at specific times during transit.

These terms’ primary purpose is to determine each party’s role and how costs and risks are transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Incoterms 2010

Commonly used incoterms in importing from China to Australia are:

· Free On Board (FOB)

This is the most commonly used incoterm when shipping from China to Australia.

Also, the rules here state that your supplier arranges for the inland delivery of the goods to the port.

They also supervise the loading of the goods onto the shipping vessel.

Once the goods leave the shipping rail, the seller’s obligations are done.

As the buyer/importer, you are responsible for the goods during transit.

To facilitate easy delivery, you can hire a freight forwarder.

The freight forwarder will oversee the shipping process, undertake customs clearance, inspections, and arrange for the delivery of goods to your doorstep.

Additionally, under FOB shipping terms, the seller pays for the costs up to the vessel’s loading.

Following fees are charged to you.

· Costs and Freight (CFR)

Under CFR shipping, the seller is responsible for the goods until they reach the destination port.

The seller pays all the costs charged on transportation.

In most cases, a seller will have to employ a freight forwarder to the booking.

They will supervise transportation, customs clearance, and inspection both at the origin and destination ports.

· Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

Depending on the quantity and value of goods imported, a seller will pay for all the costs.

These costs include transportation costs, customs clearance, tariffs, and import duties charged on the shipment under the DDP incoterms.

· Costs Insurance and Freight (CIF)

When you feel your goods are fragile, and you wish to insure them, you can opt for CIF shipping terms with the seller.

So on top of the seller paying for transportation costs, they also insure your goods against any risks.

· Ex Works (EXW)

In EXW shipping, the buyer arranges to pick the seller’s goods at a specific place.

After selecting the goods, the buyer arranges for transportation both inland and international.

The buyer is liable for all the costs incurred immediately after receiving the goods from the seller.

In most cases, you can use a freight forwarder’s services to pick the goods, arrange for shipping, and do the necessary paperwork.

Incoterms affect the costs of importation by increasing or reducing them.

Before you proceed with shipping, ask your supplier which incoterms they use and compare the prices of each before making a decision.

Arrange for Shipping from China to Australia

Shipping from China

At this point, you’ve done the most of ensuring the successful importation of goods from China to Australia.

With the right product, supplier, and incoterms on hand, it is now time to arrange for shipping.

You need to select the right solution to speed up the delivery and have your goods ready for market.

Luckily, numerous transportation avenues exist for importing goods from China to Australia.

This offers you the opportunity to choose one that meets your business needs.

Sea freight from China to Australia

 COSCO shipping lane

Sea transport is the most common means of transporting goods from China.

It is practical and ensures the delivery of goods at the convenience of the shipper.

With a good shipping company, you can have comfort, customs clearance, and speed up delivering goods.

Sea freight from China to Australia is applicable to import bulky, huge, and irregular sized goods.

Given the nature of the vessels used in sea transport, you can import any type of goods.

When it comes to delivery, sea transport is slow, and sometimes your goods can take months before reaching you.

Therefore, sea transport is not convenient for the importation of perishable products or when working with tight deadlines.

However, if you can wait, sea transport is cost-effective.

The good part is that there are several ports that you can ship from China to Australia.

Popular seaports that you can use to ship goods from China are:

• Shanghai seaport
• Shenzhen seaport
• Ningbo seaport
• Qingdao seaport
• Tianjin seaport
• Xiamen seaport

Popular seaports that you can use to receive your goods from China in Australia are:

• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Melbourne

You need to choose the seaport based on where you’re sourcing your goods from in China.

As for the destination port, use the port that is closest to your final destination or warehouse.

Several carriers are available for sea freight from China.

They include CMA/CGM, ANL, APL, Hapag/Loyd, Contship, Marfet, MISC, and NYK Line.

Airfreight from China to Australia

Australia Post

Air transport is probable when importing small volumes, highly perishable products, or when behind schedule.

It is faster given the time schedules in place.

Most of the planes take up to 24-hours to deliver your products.

Additionally, with air freight from China, you can import fragile goods given their good handling and prompt delivery.

Again, China also has many airports that make it easier to ship products from China to Australia.

You can any of the following airports depending on accessibility and convenience.

• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Hong Kong International Airport
• Xian Xianyang International Airport
• Kunming Changshui International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
• Changsha Huanghua International Airport
• Qingdao Liuting International Airport
• Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

To Australia, use any of the following airports as your destination port.

Again, this should depend on location and convenience.

• Sydney Airport in New South Wales
• Melbourne Airport in Victoria
• Brisbane Airport in Queensland
• Perth Airport in Western Australia
• Adelaide Airport in Adelaide, South Australia
• Gold Coast Airport in Gold Coast, Queensland
• Cairns Airport in Cairns, Queensland
• Canberra Airport in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
• Hobart International Airport in Hobart
• Darwin International Airport in Darwin, Northern Territory
• Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, Victoria
• Parafield Airport in Adelaide, South Australia
• Jandakot Airport in Perth, Western Australia
• Bankstown Airport in Sydney, New South Wales
• Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, Queensland

For the carriers, there are plenty of options to consider when shipping from China to Australia.

Options include Air China, China Airlines, Cathay airline, Sichuan airline, China Southern, Garuda, and capital airline.

Express shipping from China to Australia

Express shipping is applicable for small quantity goods and is the fastest method of transport.

When your customers require delivery of goods, and you’ve run out of stock, you can opt for express shipping.

It takes up to 4 days for express delivery and is the most expensive shipping method from China to Australia.

Also, express delivery is best convenient for tiny packages and high-value items like jewelry, dinnerware, etc.

Several companies offer express shipping from China to Australia.

They include EMS, DHL, UPS and FedEx, Australian express, China express, and TNT.

The advantage of courier services is that they can deliver goods to wherever place you want.

No matter if it’s to your doorstep or your customer’s doorstep, express couriers can promptly deliver your goods from China to Australia.

 Express shipping

LCL and FCL shipping from China to Australia

Ocean shipping is convenient for all importers and provides two distinct shipping methods:

Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).

FCL shipping is where you, as an importer, hire the whole container and have your goods shipped in it.

You can use the FCL method when importing a large volume of goods or highly sensitive products.

On the other hand, LCL shipping is applicable when importing a small number of goods that cannot fill a standard container.

You can join with other importers and have your goods shipped in one container as long as they are heading in the same direction.

Pros of using FCL Shipping from China to Australia

FCL shipping has the following benefits:

• Choosing the FCL means that once the importer packs your goods, they will not be opened until they reach you.

This way, your goods are safe and free from theft.

• There shorter processing time with FCL shipping.

With no consolidation needed to further break the products, the container is cleared as a whole, taking less time.

• In the FCL, you can maximize the container space to carry as much good as possible.
• You can easily track FCL shipments. It is crucial to track, and budget for your shipments depending on the destinations reached and the distance already covered.

You can use the container number to track the progress of your shipment.

Benefits of shipping LCL from China to Australia

By shipping LCL, you get to enjoy the following benefits:

• LCL shipments can arrive faster than FCL.

An example is where your supplier waits until they produce the full container load before shipping.

In the LCL case, the shipping company chooses available products heading toward the same direction.

It uses a single container to transport them.

• When you are ordering a sample to prove if the product is of the right quality, LCL becomes cost-effective.

Before deciding whether to use LCL or FCL, you should consider factors such as cost applicable, time of delivery, and quantity of transport.

It is paramount to request quotes from your supplier to make informed decisions.

Comparing FCL and LCL, the former is more popular because;

• The cost of shipping per unit is expensive in LCL compared to the FCL.
• FCL is sealed and only opened after delivery to you. In contrast, LCL containers are opened at the port when parking and when consolidating goods.
• The bill of lading for FCL is issued by the official shipping line, while the freight forwarder issues for LCL.

Importing using FCL is beneficial and not expensive, as most people may think.

Dropshipping for Importing from China to Australia

The existence and wide adoption of the internet have revolutionized the nature of business operations.

You don’t have to own a warehouse or keep track of your inventories to sell.

Dropshipping from China involves ordering goods from suppliers and having them deliver to customers.

For importing from China to Australia, Dropshipping can be very convenient.

It is a fulfillment where your local customers order goods from your online store.

You then place an order from your supplier in China, who delivers the goods to the customers.

 Drop shipping

When to Consider Drop Shipping for Importing from China to Australia

Mostly, you can consider Dropshipping from China to Australia in these two circumstances:

a) Suppose the cost of setting up a physical warehouse is expensive for you, and you lack the expertise to manage one.

In that case, you can opt for dropshipping as it will save you a great deal while earning you profits.

b) During holidays, the demand for products in Australia is high.

You can seize this opportunity to drop ship products and get a commission.

Benefits of Drop Shipping from China to Australia

You should consider Dropshipping for your import from China to Australia business for the following reasons:

· It is Less Risky

Investing heavily in inventories is expensive because not all goods will be bought in a given period.

With drop shipping, you only buy once a customer places an order.

There is no need to invest in heavy inventory.

· Easy to Set Up

Everybody can venture into dropshipping.

You only need to know what it entails, then set up your online store and start fulfilling customer requirements.

With drop shipping, there is no traditional inventory stocking, warehousing, and recruitments.

All you need is a computer in the comfort of your home.

· Sell a Variety of Goods

Dropshipping allows you to sell a variety of goods from China.

As long as you have reliable suppliers and dropshipping agents in China, you can provide endless options for goods and sell as much as you want in a day.

You don’t have to worry about inventories, packing, or delivery.

All you need to do is market your products, communicate with your supplier, and let them deliver the right quality of products to your customers.

Limitations of Drop Shipping

On the other hand, dropshipping can cost you a lot since you are the one to ensure you get a reputable supplier.

If they increase their price, you also grow.

If they delay supply, you are the one to blame.

Another disadvantage of dropshipping is low-profit margins.

When just starting up, your pricing risks facing competition from other already established businesses.

Dropshipping is also complex and at times scheduling customers’ orders is difficult.

Here, you are dealing with different suppliers, and sometimes a customer places more than one order.

Fulfilling such orders becomes difficult.

With proper knowledge regarding dropshipping, you can make a kill on it.

Furthermore, doing research and gaining customer reputation assures you good profits.

How to Import from China to Amazon Australia

The Australian market is booming and offers more significant opportunities, given the gap between demand and supply.

You can import from China to Amazon FBA and help meet this growing demand.

There are two ways to do this, ship directly from China to Amazon Australia or ship via a middleman.

Shipping Directly to Amazon Australia

In this option, you source your goods from a supplier and have them shipped directly to your Amazon FBA warehouse in Australia.

There are no middleman transactions here.

The only people that get to handle your goods are the supplier and perhaps your shipping agent if you opt to use one.

Advantages of Shipping through Amazon Australia

• saves you the middleman costs
• ensures faster delivery of goods as everything is done straightforwardly
• it provides the safe delivery of goods as fewer people handle the goods from the point of origin to the destination

Disadvantages of Shipping through Amazon Australia

These are not disadvantages, but relatively few challenges that you pass through when using the direct option.

• You have to pay for freight costs before delivery of your goods to Amazon
• Products you import must always comply with Amazon’s rules for packaging and labeling
• Shipping from China to amazon requires that you deliver the goods to different warehouses.

This can hike the transport and handling costs and can also be time-consuming.

Shipping via a Middleman to Amazon

Besides directly shipping to Amazon, you can ship your products via an intermediary and verify the quality before transferring to amazon.

This option also includes shipping the goods to you; verify that they are up to standard before transporting them to Amazon warehouses.

Advantages of Shipping through a Middleman

• You can inspect the quality of your products and ensure that they meet your specifications and amazons quality standards
• It significantly reduces the chances of Amazon rejecting your products due to quality issues
• The products are shipped in a consolidated manner hence lowering your shipping costs

Disadvantages of Shipping through a Middleman

• Delivery from China takes longer when shipping via the third party
• There is an additional import cost as you have to pay the middleman services

When deciding on which option to take, consider your experience in the business, budget, and deadlines.

Product Packaging when Importing from China to Australia

Packaging is an important aspect when importing from China to Australia.

Australian laws require proper packaging that causes no harm to the environment.

You should use renewable packaging materials and of the right size and shape.

Proper packaging is critical.

Remember, you want to receive the right goods of the right quality.

Many people handle the products during importation.

The packaging must be proper to avoid spillage and breakage.

Fundamentally, when importing from China to Australia, your packaging should be;

• Reusable and biodegradable to minimize waste from disposing of the packaging materials.
• Cheap to avoid additional expense when shipping.
• Lidded to ensure security during shipping to avoid instances of theft.
• Simple enough for anybody to open and handle the product.

You can liaise with your suppliers and seek to know the packaging method used before endeavoring to import.

Suitable packaging materials to use include;

• Pallet collars.
• Bracing systems
• Crates
• Reels
• Dunnage

It is your role to inform your supplier of the APZ rules regarding importation to Australia.

Improper packaging is expensive to your business and can lead to confiscation of goods or even denial of entry to Australia.

Determine the cost of importing from China to Australia

Before you decide to import goods from China to Australia, you need to work out the costs first.

This includes the price of goods, freight charges, as well as import taxes and duties.

Determine how much it will cost you to import the products from China finally.

Having this information beforehand is essential as it helps you determine the best way to price your items.

The Cost of Goods in China

China has many suppliers offering similar goods at different prices.

You should check to ensure the supplier you wish to use has the right goods that match a competitive price.

One thing for sure, the costs of goods are much lower in China compared to Australia.

Also, be wary of MOQ’s as these may significantly influence the price at which you buy products from Chinese suppliers.

How to Calculate the Landed Cost of Imports from China

The landed cost of imports comprises the cost of purchasing goods, inspections, logistics, customs duties, and other surcharges.

It is the sum of every dollar you spend to facilitate importing products from China to Australia.

To get the landed cost of your imports from China to Australia, you need to find the sum of all expenses you incur along the process.

As I have said, these are expenses on the product, shipping, duties, and other overhead costs.

The resulting sum is your total landed cost.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Importing from China to Australia

Several factors may affect the cost of importing goods from China to Australia.

The time of the season influences the cost of importation from China to Australia.

At the beginning of the year in January, many importers struggle to get products out of China before the New Year celebrations commence.

This tends to hike the cost of products as well as the shipping costs.

Additionally, the type, weight, and nature of the goods also affect the cost of importing.

The majority of carriers charge freight based on the weight and the fragility of the goods.

Irregularly shaped goods also attract more charges when it comes to importation.

The other attribute is the method of shipment used.

Besides, the costs vary from ocean, sea, and express transport.

Exchange rates, political stability, and foreign policies can also affect the cost of importing from China to Australia.

What is the Cheapest way to Import from China to Australia?

Sea transportation offers the most convenient method of importing from China to Australia.

If you import many products, you can opt to choose the Full Container Load (FCP).

You hire a full container and use it individually to import your goods for a specific period.

Alternatively, if your imports are less than a container, there is no need to hire a full container.

You can use the Less than Container Load (LCL).

All the containers are charged based on the weight of the product and the cubic meters.

The cost of importation under FCL depends on the month of importation, with January attracting higher costs of up to $2,770.

On the other hand, LCL’s cost depends on the weight and size of the shipment.

Prices range from $150-$250 per cubic meter.

Remember, the cheapest method depends on your needs and budget at the time.

The type of goods you’re shipping, delivery deadlines, and volume of goods should influence your shipping method choice.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Importing from China to Australia

Every business strives to make maximum profits.

For international importation, one way of maximizing your profits is by reducing the cost of importation.

One way to do this is by reducing the customs value.

To do so, you can lower the order value to have your taxable imports reduced.

Another way is by working directly with factories to eliminate middleman transactions, which tend to be costly.

Also, you get better prices when you buy directly from manufacturers.

It is good to always quote from different suppliers, whether product suppliers or service providers.

Take time to understand the quotes so you what you’re paying for and what the quote includes to avoid being hit with surprise fees.

When shipping, choose the best and most convenient shipping method.

If sourcing from multiple suppliers, consolidate the goods and ship as one consignment to lower costs.

Also, normalize booking shipping in advance.

For instance, sea freight is the cheapest and the slowest; booking in advance can help you save money and avoid the stress of last-minute booking and delays.

Remember, importing during peak seasons is not advisable.

Suppliers and carriers tend to be busy during these times hence increasing delivery times and shipping costs.

Strive to ship offseason anytime you can to avoid spend massive amounts.

You can also find a reliable import agent.

Get one that has the right connections with suppliers and carriers.

These will help you get better deals for your import from China business.

How Long it takes to Receive Goods you Import from China to Australia

The shipping times from China to Australia often depend on two main factors, the shipping distance and the freight means.

Typically, ocean shipping is slower, with estimated delivery times ranging from 14-30 days.

Air freight takes about 3 to 7 days.

Express shipping is the fastest as it takes 1-4 days to deliver items from an origin in China to your destination in Australia.

Ports.com is an excellent resource to help you calculate the possible waiting time for goods you import from China to Australia.

Insurance when Importing from China to Australia

When importing from China to Australia, it is essential to protect yourself if your goods get lost or damaged in the process.

You can get insurance via your freight forwarder, an independent insurance broker, or go directly to the company.

When importing from China, insurance cost doesn’t go beyond 0.5% of the total value of the goods you’re importing.

There are several types of insurance policies you can consider when importing to Australia.

These include marine, bond, foreign exchange, and product liability insurance covers.

Talk to your agent to guide you through the best policy for you.

How to Track Imports from China to Australia

You have ordered your goods, and you need to determine their location to plan your business schedules.

Lucky for you, you can monitor your products’ movement right after loading at the shipyard until they reach you.

Start by identifying your shipping courier, the date of shipping, and the shipping route used.

Your shipping company will provide you with a USPS or tracking number that you can use to locate the shipment at any particular time.

You enter the USPS number on the carrier’s website to track your shipment’s progress during transit.

Quality and Safety Standards for Importing from China to Australia

When shipping from China to Australia, you must ensure that your products and shipping practices conform to Australian standards.

Australian customs monitor quality and safety standards closely.

Any slight breach may lead to confiscation of the products, denial of entry, or even alienation of your business permit. T

herefore, you have to do it right. There are no chances when it comes to quality and safety standards.

Rules and regulations that govern China’s importation to Australia are referred to as Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZ) standards.

Different products have varying levels of strictness when it comes to AS/NZS laws.

As an importer, before deciding on a product to import, you should ensure you understand the safety rules and quality standards associated with it.

The products safety and quality issues :

• Labeling
• Method to use in testing
• The construction and design of the products

It is mandatory to have all imported products undergo lab testing to verify that they adhere to set standards.

You can confirm the applicable safety regulations on the Australian product safety website before embarking on importation.

Customs Clearance and Import Duties for Importing from China to Australia

You need to pay import duties and clear with Australian customs before your goods can be allowed into the country.

Understanding the customs clearance process can help you avoid surprises and headaches later.

How Australia Customs Clearance Works

The customs clearance process in Australia is quite simple and straightforward.

Customs officials will verify your documentation to make sure that everything is in order.

They will then calculate the number of duties you ought to pay.

You will be presented with the dutiable amount you’ll have to pay using a convenient payment system.

After collecting the duty payment, customs will issue clearance, after which you collect your goods and ship them to the final destination.

The process can be quite tedious and confusing for someone with little knowledge and experience on the matter.

In this case, you can hire a professional customs broker or use your freight forwarder’s brokerage services.

If you use Bansar’s freight forwarding services, you can also use our brokerage services too.

Australia Import Duty Rate

Applicable duty rates for Australian imports vary, mostly depending on the type and quantity of products.

Generally, if your goods are worth more than AUD 1000, you will have to pay import tariff and GST (Goods and services tax). Good below 1000 AUD are duty-free in Australia.

For goods above AUD 1000, customs will also charge you a specific amount to cater for the cost of processing your goods for clearance.

This hardly exceeds AUD 200.

The import duty rate is usually calculated as a percentage of the commercial value of the goods.

The applicable duty range ranges from 0% – 10%.

Most goods are, however, charged 5%.

Customs also charges GST based on the following elements:

• the declared value of the goods
• Import duty charged
• Insurance costs
• Freight cost

GST will be charged at 10% of the total sum of all the above costs.

Please note; the charges will vary depending on many factors such as the type of products you’re importing, excise taxes, FTAs, etc.

A harmonized system (HS) code will determine the applicable tariff for your kind of goods.

It is critical to calculating your applicable duty charge.

Also, the Australian government provides concessions for certain types of goods.

This can help reduce the amount of duty you pay to customs.

Find out if your goods are eligible for the concession program on the Australian border force website.

Rules for Customs Clearance in Australia

It is vital to understand applicable rules when importing from China.

This can save you from incurring losses or delays in your shipment.

• ensure you have the right paperwork
• your goods should be allowed for importation into the country
• get the correct HS Code for your product
• check if any anti-dumping duties apply to your type of product
• have a certificate of origin before processing clearance

Exceptions on Import Duty in Australia

Since 2015 when China and Australia entered a Free Trade Agreement with China, some goods were exempted from paying customs duty.

The agreement eliminates trade barriers and investments barrier between the states.

All goods that have no perfect substitutes in Australia pay 0% customs duty when imported from China.

Also, goods with a declared of below AUD 1000 are exempted from duty in Australia.

Payment Methods when Importing from China to Australia

Several payment options are available when importing from China to Australia.

Your choice should depend on your supplier and your convenience.

You can make payments using the following means:

• Cash
• Payoneer
• PayPal
• Telegraphic transfer
• direct bank transfer
• Letter of credit

Your supplier should provide you the payment details.

You can either pay before delivery or in agreed percentages before and after delivery.

Best Times to Import from China to Australia

Shipping time from China to Australia is affected by seasonal factors.

There is a peak season in both China and Australia that is often characterized by increased product prices, shipping fees, and delays.

You need to aware of the peak seasons and make arrangements as early as possible to avoid inconveniences.

Peak seasons for importing from China are:

Chinese New Year

It occurs during late January and early February.

Many factories and warehouses in China close during these periods causing shipping delays and price hikes.

Holiday Shopping Season

The holiday shopping seasons occur in two phases.

There is the October to December phase for sipping by air and July to October for sea shipments.

During this season, product prices and shipping costs tend to rise steadily in preparation for the holidays.

Golden Week

The golden week is a week-long festival in China that significantly impacts the export/import business.

At this time, shipments tend to delay a lot, and prices go up tremendously, albeit only for a week.

Dragon Boat Festival

This is another short festival in China that causes delays and price spikes for imports.

It occurs in June where specific dates follow the Chinese lunar calendar.

Let BanSar Help you to Import from China to Australia.

At BanSar, we provide shipping to Australia through the ocean or air.

Our rates are competitive and affordable to meet your needs.

We also pick your product from local suppliers in China, process them, and deliver them directly to your doorstep.

Further, our skilled team takes care of all the customs paperwork both in China and Australia.

We hope that this allows faster delivery and saves you the customs clearance strain.

Allow us gladly to serve your needs by promptly and conveniently delivering your products to Australia at affordable rates.

Contact us now for a reliable freight forwarding solutions.