Importing from China to Australia
Australia is China’s tenth-largest export customer. In fact, over a quarter of Australia’s manufactured imports come from China. A freight forwarder can help your business exploit this boom by making importing commercial goods from China to Australia more accessible.
A Comprehensive Guide Shipping from China to Australia
This guide equips you with all the information you need while shipping goods from China to Australia.
- Suppose you plan to ship products from China to Australia. In that case, you will need the services of an experienced freight forwarding company like NewSmartShip, which guarantees that your cargo will be received promptly and safely.
- Make sure you are aware of your storage and shipping needs. The nature and quantity of your items will determine the mode of transport and storage requirements. Only hire a freight forwarder to provide your cargo with the storage and shipping it needs.
- NewSmartShip has many ways for you to choose from when shipping complimentary from China to Australia, such as by express: DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, by air to the airport, by sea to seaport, by the particular way air or sea DDP/DDU shipping.
- Most goods imported into Australia from China attract an import duty tariff and a 10% goods and services tax.
- If the value of your goods is over 1000 AUD, you are expected to fill out and submit an import declaration form. Before the goods finish customs clearance, offering the Certificate of Origin Form from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement can help you qualify for some tax exemptions.
How to import goods from China to Australia?
1. Source suppliers and their prices from platforms
The initial step is to locate suppliers of high-demand items in Australia. You can accomplish this through the following channels:
- Alibaba
- Made-in-China.com
- Hongkong Fair
- Canton Fair
Identifying multiple suppliers can increase your chances of obtaining a competitive price. Analyzing a more comprehensive price range can gauge the potential profit margin. NewSmartShip can help you avoid scams and potentially costly pricing mistakes.
2. Find a reliable freight forwarder
A reliable freight forwarder can ensure smooth and efficient shipping operations for your importing business.
3. Place your order
Place your order with a reliable supplier who offers the best quality items at the lowest price to expand your profit margin. Depending on your platform, make sure your order is confirmed. Also, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the sale before paying.
4. Secure packing & documentation
Pack your items securely and have all the necessary documents prepared to ensure a stress-free shipment.
5. Track your delivery
Live online tracking can keep you informed of the precise location of your shipment throughout the shipping process
6. Receive parcel
Ensure that you are available to receive your goods once the cargo arrives.
What does NewSmartShip can provide?
NewSmartShip is a freight forwarder that provides shipping cargo from China to Australia and offers a range of services, including:
- Sourcing Product: We assist buyers in sourcing products from reliable suppliers in China.
- Pickup and Delivery: We handle the entire pickup and delivery process from the supplier’s factory or warehouse to your location.
- Packaging and Labeling: We ensure that your items are adequately packaged and labelled in compliance with Australian import regulations.
- 30-60 Days Free Warehouse: To prevent stock shortages before shipping, we offer 1-2 months of free warehouse storage for your orders at no extra cost.
- Warehousing and Distribution: Besides our warehouse facilities, we provide distribution services for items to be picked up or delivered to multiple locations.
Trade Incoterms
Incoterms are pre-established agreements between buyers and sellers in a trade transaction. They protect both parties from financial liabilities.
1. EX Works
In an EX Works agreement, the seller delivers the items to a designated location, and the Buyer assumes responsibility for onward shipment to their final destination.
2. FOB (Free On Board)
In a FOB agreement, the seller transports the items to the vessel, and the buyer assumes responsibility until the final destination.
3. DDP (Delivery Duty Paid)
DDP places 100% responsibility on the seller for all logistical arrangements and costs. The seller organizes, transports, and ships the items to the buyer’s destination port.
4. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
DDU means that the buyer only bears the financial cost of paying the import duty tax. The seller covers all other costs associated with transportation and delivery.
5. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
Under CIF terms, the seller bears the cost of transportation, insurance, and freight. The buyer is not responsible for these costs.
Import Customs and Duty Procedures in Australia
The customs duty procedures in Australia are relatively straightforward. Here is a guide for you through the process:
- If the value of your goods exceeds AUD 1000, complete and submit an import declaration form through the Internet or the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
- Pay Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Customs conducts an Electronic Offshore Declaration and Integrated Cargo System (EOI) check to verify your identity.
- Submit a Self Assessment Clearance (SAC) declaration for goods of low value.
- If you don’t have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Customs Client Identification (CCID), submit an EOI using a B319 form to register as a client on the ICS platform.
- Submit any required documents, such as invoices and lading bills.
- The Customs and Border Protection Authorities will inspect your cargo to ensure it does not fall under the Prohibited and Restricted list.
- Pay applicable duty tax and charges.
- Take delivery of your cargo.
Sea Freight from China to Australia
Sea freight is a popular and cost-effective option for shipping goods from China to Australia. It provides reliable transit times, accommodates large and small shipments, and offers the advantage of cost savings, especially for bulk or heavy cargo.
LCL sea shipping from China to Australia
LCL sea shipping from China to Australia provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for businesses with smaller shipments. Consolidating multiple shipments into a shared container offers efficiency and reduces costs.
FCL sea shipping from China to Australia
FCL (Full Container Load) shipping is ideal for shippers with large quantities of goods; the entire container is dedicated to a single shipper, providing complete control, reduced handling, and lower risk of damage.
The main seaports in China that serve as departure points for cargo shipments to Australia include:
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Xiamen
- Shanghai
- Ningbo
- Qingdao
The major ports in Australia that receive cargo from China are:
- Brisbane
- Fremantle
- Sydney
These ports are strategically located and equipped with efficient handling and distribution systems to facilitate smooth arrival and clearance of imported cargo.
Sea freight cost from China to Australia
- The cost of sea freight for a 20-foot container can reach up to $900, while a 40-foot container can amount to $1,850.
- Estimates for sea freight Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping from China to Australia range between $18 and $38 per cubic meter, with a minimum order requirement of one cubic meter.
- For packages with a relatively low weight, the cost per kilogram ranges from $2.50 to $7, with a minimum order quantity of 1 kilogram.
Air freight from China to Australia
Air freight shipping presents an alternative for importing goods from China to Australia. It is characterized by faster transit times and enhanced security, albeit at a higher cost than sea freight. To calculate air freight expenses, you have to consider the weight and volume of your shipment, along with additional charges like fuel surcharges and handling fees.
China has several major airports that serve as departure points for airfreight shipments, including:
- Guangzhou
- Hong Kong
- Shenzhen
- Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Xiamen
The main airports in Australia are:
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Sydney
When considering airfreight as an option, it is essential to assess the urgency of your shipment and balance it against the higher costs involved. For smaller or time-sensitive shipments, airfreight can provide a faster delivery option. However, sea freight may offer a more economical solution for larger quantities or more cost-sensitive shipments.
The Cost of Air Freight Shipping from China to Australia
In the current market, air freight prices generally hover around USD 5.00 per kg. However, pricing can differ among carriers, necessitating comparing rates and identifying the most economical option.
Note:
- After confirming air freight transportation from China to Australia, you must furnish the freight forwarder with cargo details, including weight and dimensions.
- Compliance with airline regulations is essential when packaging air freight cargo.
- Ensure the fragile label is prominently affixed to the outer packaging for delicate products.
Express Shipping from China to Australia
Express shipping is a convenient door-to-door service that significantly reduces delivery times between China and Australia. You can engage any of the following service companies to handle your express shipment:
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
- TNT
How long does shipping from China to Australia take?
The transit times when shipping goods from China to Australia can significantly differ depending on the selected shipping method:
- Sea Freight: Sea freight from China to Australia can take approximately 16-30 days. Factors such as customs clearance and port operations can influence the duration of the shipment.
- Air Freight: Air freight is substantially faster for those needing quicker delivery, with an average transit time of 3-7 days.
- Express Freight: Courier services provide a compromise between speed and cost, offering delivery from China to Australia in about 3-5 days.
DDP/DDU shipping from China to Australia
DDP/DDU is a popular shipping method from China to Australia. In this method, the consignee receives the shipment directly at their doorstep, free from additional charges.
To ensure a smooth delivery process, the consignee must be available at the designated address to receive the shipment. The shipping company provides a secure delivery and takes responsibility for any potential damages or losses during transit.
DDP/DDU shipping from China to Australia can be accomplished with DDP door-to-door service through various modes of transportation, such as sea freight and air freight. This shipping method suits Amazon FBA warehouses, businesses, and private addresses.
DDP/DDU Shipping time from China to Australia
- DDP air freight shipping to Australia usually has an estimated transit time of 10-15 days.
- DDP sea shipping to Australia generally has a longer transit time, usually about 35 days.
FAQ
Does Taobao ship to Australia?
Taobao does not directly ship to international destinations like Australia. However, you can still purchase items from Taobao and deliver them to Australia using third-party services like NewSmartShip.
NewSmartShip is a package and mail forwarding company that offers shipping solution for shopping on Chinese platforms such as Taobao. It provides a China-based warehouse address, you can send your purchases there. NewSmartShip offers a package consolidation service to save on your shipping costs, which service will help you combine multiple parcels into one shipment or divide a large shipment into smaller packages based on your preference, helping you save up to 70% on shipping costs. Suppose you have difficulty communicating with Taobao sellers. NewSmartShip can also offer you a commission-free purchasing service with agents who can buy items on your behalf without additional fees. If your order amount is much, NewSmartShip can offer deeply discounted shipping rates for your big order.
While Taobao does not directly ship to Australia, a service like NewSmartShip makes it possible to shop from Taobao and deliver your goods to Australia safely.
How do I ship from China to an Amazon FBA Warehouse in Australia?
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA warehouses in Australia follows these steps: Source products from suppliers on platforms such as Alibaba and order samples for quality inspection. When the goods are prepared, you need to understand Amazon’s FBA packaging and labelling requirements.
Next, you consider how to ship packages to Amazon warehouses. You need to hire a freight forwarder with experience in Amazon FBA shipping. You can choose to use air or sea freight services and prepare corresponding shipping information, including invoices and packing lists. In addition, you can consider purchasing cargo shipping insurance to protect a smooth shipping process and safely enter the Australian market. When the goods arrive at the destination airport or port, the freight forwarder will arrange customs clearance for you.
After customs clearance, the freight forwarder will deliver the goods to the Amazon FBA warehouse. Finally, the Amazon staff will check them against your inventory list and put your products on the shelf for sale.
How much 40 foot container shipping from China to Australia?
In 2024, shipping a 40-foot container from China to Australia will generally range between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on the shipping route, carrier, container type, fuel prices and additional surcharges. Ocean freight costs for a 20-foot container are approximately $850 to $900. Customers must also consider further costs such as duties, taxes, and handling fees at the port.
How long does DHL Express take from China to Australia?
DHL Express shipping from China to Australia typically takes 3-4 days, including delivery to the final address. DHL’s speed is attributed to its specialization in international air courier services, allowing frequent flight schedules and efficient handling. Additionally, DHL provides detailed online tracking for shipments. If you need faster DHL service, you can use Hong Kong DHL Express, as Hong Kong’s airport is a significant international air courier hub.
How long does EMS take from China to Australia?
EMS (Express Mail Service) from China to Australia generally takes 7-10 business days. This service offers fast shipping with tracking, delivery confirmation, and a reliable urgent shipment. Its advantage is that it is cheap and the safest way of all express delivery.
