Shipping from China to Australia | Sea & Air Freight Rates
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 labeled 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 the Buyer and the Seller in a trade transaction. They serve to protect both parties from financial liabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to register as a client on the ICS platform using a B319 Form.
- 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 shipping 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 it take from China to Australia？
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 (Door-to-door 、D2D) 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
How long does freight take to ship from China to Australia?
The transit time for cargo shipped from China to Australia can vary depending on the mode of transport and the specific route. Sea freight can take 10 to 20 days, while air freight can take 2 to 5 days.
How can I track my shipment?
Once your shipment has been booked, you will receive a tracking number and link to track its status online.
Are there any restrictions on what can be shipped from China to Australia?
Certain goods cannot be shipped from China to Australia. These include hazardous materials, weapons, illegal drugs, and some types of agricultural products or textiles.
