Import From China Business
A practical guide for starting a small business
2010-
Real Experiences!
Faruk K. -
“Thank you for the information on branding my own products from China.”
Kele P. -
"Thank you so much for providing this wonderful, informative website."
Mark R. -
"I have always been interested in the import/export business but there is a lot of confusing information. Your site is practical and very helpful. Thanks."
What’s New!
China Imports
February 2012
Costume Jewelry
December 2011
Bamboo Towels
November
2011
Bamboo Flooring
November 2011
China Economy
November 2011
Ivory
October 2011
Wigs
October
2011
Drop Ship
September 2011
Photography Equipment
September 2011
Medical Supplies
September
2011
Ginseng
August 2011
Acupuncture
August 2011
Chinese Tea
August 2011
Chinese Herbs
August
2011
Trade Leads
August 2011
China Adoption
July 2011
Background to Import Australia
Import Australia was limited by the Australian government for many years. However, it has significantly opened its Import Export policy in the past 25 years due to shifting from a form of protectionism to welcoming imports. To entice Australian imports, the artificially high tariffs of the past have gradually decreased over the years. This has contributed to the establishment and growth of many Australian Industries. Be sure to explore Australian Fashion, and Shoes Australia as an import opportunities.
Whether you are an Australian importing goods or you are a foreigner exporting goods to Australia, you need to keep the Australian geography, physical terrains, and infrastructure in mind. Depending on the type of goods, these factors influence how and where the imported products will be shipped, warehoused and distributed. Shipping to Australia has many options due to Australia’s many natural ports along its vast coastline.
For foreigners exporting goods to Australia, knowledge of the Australian Business Culture is also a vital part of success. Australia Travel Tips are essential to your Business Travel to Australia because Australia is both a beautiful and complex country to a foreigner.
Import Australia
Photo Credits: Rainbow Lorikeets -
Import Australia Rules and Regulations
Import Restrictions and Prohibitions
Australia has a natural beauty that the whole world appreciates. To keep the wildlife natural and disease free, the Australian government has strict controls on what plants, animals and food can be imported. Almost all eggs, meat and earth are prohibited. The importation of used vehicles is strictly prohibited unless the automobile was used by the owner overseas. Other restricted items include: firearms, weapons, and narcotics.
Dual Tariff System
The Australian import system has two tariff rates: delineating general and preferential duty rates. Preferential rates are usually lower than delineating general rates. Preferential rates are given to developing countries, some Pacific island countries, New Zealand and Canada. The rest of the world will pay the higher delineating general rates which are typically about 5% higher.
Import Licenses
Import licenses are being phased out except for a number of heavy machinery categories. Be sure to check before proceeding in the import to Australia process.
Import Australia Process
Import Procedures
This is a quick overview. As an Australian buyer importing from China or any other country, you need to obtain a quote for your products and the cost of shipping to a port of entry in Australia. Once the terms and payments are agreed upon by you and your foreign supplier, the goods are shipped to Australia.
Here are the documents that you will need to gain customs clearance for your imported products:
- Packing list
- Bill of lading -
this is required for shipments sent via an ocean carrier.
For shipments by air, waybills and "to order" bills of lading may be necessary. For goods sent by mail, postal documentation is required. - Commercial invoice -
the invoice needs to state that the goods are destined for resale in Australia or the items are to be exported. For goods to be exported again, their purpose for importation and the port of exportation must be clearly stated. - Customs entry forms and documentation -
these forms typically require: - Name and description of the goods, country of origin, number of packages, classification code, weight, customs value.
- Total landed value including product cost, shipping, insurance, export duties.
- Date of arrival, port of entry location.
- Importing person (owner or agent), name and code of foreign supplier.
Customs Clearance
Within seven days of entry into Australia, the goods must be registered for one of these purposes:
- For home consumption
- Warehousing
- Transshipment
- Removal to another location
Imported goods can be stored in a warehouse duty free until they are entered into the Australian commerce. It is a way of deferring the payment of duties. The goods can be repacked and sorted on a limited basis while they are being warehoused.
Following customs clearance, the local agent can pick up and distribute the goods.
The above is a general process for importing goods into Australia. Whether you plan to import from China or from any other country, the procedure remains the same.
Michele I. -
“My name is Michelle. I have moved to Shanghai with my husband and 21 month old daughter. I have a desire to start an importing business to Australia from China. I have found you website very helpful.”
Real Experiences!
