Wondering how to import from China to Australia? Importing from China has undoubtedly been a significant source of income to many Australian businesses. Generally, Australia lags behind many western countries in manufacturing and makes the Australian market a perfect target for imported goods. Different products made in China, such as shoes, electronics, cars, jewelry, and even underwear made from China are used worldwide.
Manufacturing in Australia can be costly, especially for startup and small scale businesses. Packaging, getting specialized machinery, designing, and production can be expensive, especially if you don’t fully understand the Australian market. The more practical alternative is importing from China to Australia. Importing products from China to Australia can be an efficient way to expand your business to your customers. It is far better to import goods, try out the market before making a more substantial commitment. As one of the leading global manufacturer of low-cost goods, China is an excellent country of choice if you want to source new products. Although importation is the better and cheaper alternative to locally manufacturing your goods, it can be a trap for the inexperienced. It’s essential to be aware of the regulations, barriers, price ranges, and more that come with importing from China.
This short comprehensive guide will show you an exact way to import from China, answers your questions on importations, teach you what every Australian importer should know and help you avoid the unnecessary mistakes when importing from China to Australia. The chapters below explain the best import guidelines every Australian should follow to drive profitability.
What to import from China to Australia
On your journey to becoming a successful importer, more than half the battle is in sourcing for the right product to import. There are several thousands of manufacturers in China and researching into all of them will be time-consuming, and without the right direction can be futile.
Sourcing for the right product can be tricky, especially if you are just starting out. Sourcing goods should depend on the price, quality, brand, and what your potential customers frequently demand. I have compiled a list of some market-tested products you can import from China to Australia.
Import Furniture from China to Australia
Furniture is one of the major and necessary equipments used in homes and offices, so it’s not surprising they are in the top 10 desired e-commerce products in Australia. Generally, prices are substantially lower when importing furniture from China than purchasing it locally. China has been one of the highest exporters of furniture globally. There are very few regulations that restrict import on furniture that contains organic material such as timber, plant products, and wood. However, you may need to obtain approval from the Australian border force to import these goods.
The manufacturers load the furniture in containers that come through ships. The type of shipping freight you use for your furniture depends on you. The furniture can come on either through the air freight or through the sea freight depending on the size. Although using sea freight is more economical.
Importing building materials from China to Australia
imports and exports from china to australia
The growth of China into a manufacturing powerhouse has been astronomical. Building materials are generally in high demand. In every area of your house, at least one item is imported from China. This is how profitable importing building materials can be. Building materials in Australia are expensive, and certain unique materials are not available. These high-quality building materials such as copper wires, special wood, brick, shovels, and special heavy-duty equipment are manufactured in various shapes, sizes color and materials depending on the manufacturer. Most of the materials come into Australia through cargo ships.
Importing tiles from China to Australia
China has had a significant resurgence in their tiling industry with over 3000 companies in China manufacturing tiles used in the kitchen, bedroom, and walls. The quality marble tiles, antique tiles, and rustic tiles are gaining popularity in Australian homes. Most of these manufacturing companies produce over 25,000 square meters of tiles every day so the volume you can import is not a problem. These tiles are given special packages to avoid breakage, and the freight forwarder provides extra care during transport.
Importing Kitchen Cabinets from China to Australia
Kitchen cabinets are mainly valued for their practical use such as storing kitchen utensils; they are also appreciated for their beauty and aesthetic values. The Australian market favors functional kitchen cabinets that are versatile and can provide storage for all your kitchen tools. China manufactures some of the most beautiful and storage cabinets made from various materials such as hardwood and softwood, Steel, and plastic. The kitchen cabinets are usually shipped in parts which are easy to assemble. Wood is the most used material in most Australian homes and gives every kitchen a functional look.
You will need to import the kitchen cabinets in bulk before and bring them in a container via the sea. Some unique artifact cabinets are expensive and will require extra care; that’s why it is important to use air freights.
Importing Windows from China to Australia
Probably about half of the windows, if not more, available in high rent houses in Australia come from China. These windows come in various custom designs, quality, and they also vary in the price range. Window importing from China gives you an added advantage over local prices and relatively higher quality. The windows manufactured by China include sliding windows, single hung windows, and folding windows. Most of these imported windows come through the sea on any shipping freight depending on the Australian importer.
Importing Steel from China to Australia
Steel has various uses in various fields. China manufacturers produce carbon steel, alloy steel, Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel, and tool Steel in metric tons per day.
Steel varies in price range, quality, and design. The quality Steel is used in pipelines, transformers, power generators, and a lot of machinery. Imported Steel is always in high demand in Australia and less expensive than the Steel produced locally.
The Steel come to Australia through cargo ships.
Importing Glass from China to Australia
Importing Glass from China to AustraliaGlassware is a very delicate material. They can be used in windows, buildings, watches, showrooms and swimming pools. The imported glass is usually acid-proof and alkali-proof. They are available in different sizes, shapes, and colors depending on the importer. Since they are easy to break the freight forwarder pays special attention and gives them extra care. The glass can come by air freight or sea freight depending on the volume.
Importing Machinery from China to Australia
Importing Machinery from China to AustraliaRenting and purchasing heavy machinery in Australia is undoubtedly very expensive. This machinery is manufactured in China and can be introduced right to your border and save avoidable expenses.
The size of the machinery you import will determine the type of freight you will use.
Special machinery is put in specific packages to avoid breakage during transportation. The special machinery is transported through out-of-gauge ships.
Importing Caravan from China to Australia
Importing Caravan from China to AustraliaMany Australians use caravans during traveling, especially the holiday period, everyone knows how critical it is to have a good night rest when traveling and camping out, resting under a tent or sleeping in the open may be uncomfortable. Caravans are not readily available in Australia. It is essential to import quality caravans because sleep should last about 8 hours per day. These caravans can be attached at the back of Australian vehicles and serve as your shelter during traveling nights. China manufacturers produce caravans made of various materials such as fiberglass, galvanized steel. The way the caravan will be shipped will depend on its size, while smaller units are shipped in containers; larger caravans are shipped on flat racks.
These caravans, like most vehicles, have regulations you have to adhere to when you are importing caravans. You can get information on the regulations by checking with Australia border control and Australian Custom and Quarantine.
Importing of tires from China to Australia
Importing of tires from China to Australia All moving vehicles require tires. These tires flatten, wear and tear with time, and it is crucial always to have a replacement. The Australian quarantine has few regulations on all imported tires to ensure Australians are safe from biohazard risks.
Many manufacturers in China produce these quality tires. They should be brought in by sea freight and should be imported in bulk.
Importing boats from China to Australia
Boats manufactured in China are tough, with various custom designs and very durable for navigating the Australian rivers. It is effortless to live with, easy to clean and maintain, and it looks brilliant for many years. The boats vary in price range, quality, and design. There are few regulations placed on boat importation by the Australian Quarantine and Customs.
The size of the boat you import will determine the type of freight you will use.
Importing clothing from China to Australia
Importing clothing from China to AustraliaWith China’s rapidly developing technological prowess, it is easy to forget they are large producers of clothing materials. China is one of the world’s best manufacturers of clothing materials around the world. Their quality clothes are produced in bulk at a low price and exported to every part of the world, including Australia. Everyone wears clothes.
The clothes are usually brought in by sea freight and do not need special care because they are not fragile. Few regulations are placed on clothing to Australia; however, clothes that contain formaldehyde and AZO dyes are banned from entering the country.
Some special clothing materials such as wedding dresses can be shipped by air freight.
Importing electronics from China to Australia
Importing electronics from China to AustraliaElectronics manufactured China such as refrigerators, radios, televisions, and phones can be found everywhere in the world. Many electronics are coupled and built in China, including Apple phones.
Electronics are fragile and are usually brought through air freight to avoid manhandling.
Importing solar panels from China to Australia
Solar panels are the most reliable source of clean energy, and China manufactures it at a meager price. The increase in the use of Solar Energy as a source of power in Australia has been on an astonishing rise. These solar panels should be fireproof, waterproof, and mold proof. The panels are imported in bulk on individual containers on ships through the sea freight although urgent orders can be brought through air freight.
Importing toys from China to Australia
China is one of the biggest toy exporters in the world. Different types of gadgets such as infant toys, games, puzzles, toy guns, and a lot more can be imported in bulk using sea freight. Since infants and young children mostly use toys, Australia has strict regulations and high requirements for these toys. One of the biggest problems in importing toys from China is safety and certificates.
The size and volume of toys you choose to import will determine the container you use to ship them. Special toys can be brought in using air freights.
How to find reliable manufacturing companies for importing from China to Australia
China is undoubtedly the manufacturing powerhouse of the world and the ideal place you should look to import goods from due to their low cost, great choice manufacturers, and complete infrastructure. If you are looking to expand your business as an entrepreneur in Australia, you will realize finding a reliable manufacturing company to manufacture your products can be a complicated process.
In this new chapter, I will take you through the comprehensive process we go through at Famisourcing to find reliable product manufacturers and build a supply chain for our clients.
Where do I begin my search for a manufacturer from?
There are usually many misconceptions about finding a perfect manufacturer in China. Many new importers always conclude the best manufacturers are the companies offering the best price; you will have to go to China to find a manufacturer or manufacturing companies are better than trading companies. Although these ideas are well-founded, it is not usually the case. I have outlined the steps every Austrian importer to know when looking for a manufacturer for your product.
Online Free Wholesale Marketplace
To streamline your search, Google’s first few pages may not provide you with the best manufacturers for your product. Extensive research on online marketplaces such as Alibaba, Dhgate, Globalsources.com, and madeinchina.com will provide you with a broader scope of the products you want to import as well as the manufacturers supplying them. You can find their business licenses, business address, and business categories.
Although this method seems straightforward, there are usually a lot of resellers that have no hand in manufacturing certain products are also on these platforms. So, when you’re looking for your specific product manufacturers, they should not be considered in your list of potential suppliers.
The manufacturers you should look out for are verified on Alibaba with certified factory audits and verified their production line.
Social Networks – LinkedIn and Facebook Groups
More product manufacturers realize that building a company profile increases their access to foreign buyers. Therefore, searching for specific keywords like “industry + manufacturer,” China sourcing, China trade group, on these two social networks also helps you find a manufacturer in China. Good reviews on a manufacturer’s page are also a point to look out for when looking for manufacturers.
Google’s Search Engine
Google is the world’s most powerful search engine. Many Chinese companies do not understand English as much as we Australians do, and due to the difference in culture, the keywords we use are not often similar.
Changing your keywords in different forms is necessary to improve your search. Using keywords like:
“Keyword + manufacturer + China”
“Keyword’ + wholesale + manufacturer + China
“Keyword’ + factory + China”
“Keyword’ + factory + wholesale + China
Chinese or Global Industry Trade Fair
Global Trade Fair
Trade shows are still some of the most efficient ways to find a reliable manufacturer in today’s world.
Nowadays, Chinese suppliers go to famous industry exhibitions around the world to display their various products in the show. You can spend a few days meeting a large number of manufacturers and having face-to-face communication with them.
Sourcing Companies / Sourcing agents
Best Chinese Guangzhou Sourcing management agentFinding a reliable sourcing company to help you import your products is invaluable. Certified sourcing companies like Famisourcing, find the best manufacturer for your products, provides you with business hacks and also saves money and time. A qualified sourcing agent can help you with the whole importing process, such as product sourcing, supplier evaluation, pre-shipment inspection, container loading inspection and shipment arrangement.
How to ship products from China to Australia
China is an Australian businessman’s heaven. However, the low prices and savings you made on purchasing your products from the manufacturer can be lost when you consider the amount of shipping.
Although air freight is expensive; shipping with an experienced sea freight expert is a more economical and safe way to deliver your imported goods to Australia.
The manufacturing company plays its part and manufactures your products but to ship your products you need a freight forwarder that will understand the Australian requirements. The Australian government prioritizes its citizen’s safety, so there are a few regulations and customs requirements your product must meet as an importer.
Necessary Documents you need to import your products
Documents you need to import your products to Australia
The Certificate of Origin
When performing any international trade in Australia, The certificate of origin is a necessary official document delivered by the Australian government that shows the goods were traded and manufactured at a particular location in the country.
The import License
The import License shows the data of the commercial and financial details of the goods to be imported, the importer, exporter, country of origin, manufacturer of the product, the price and the payment method. It is issued by the authority in charge of the specific product you want to import.
The Bill of Lading (BL) or Airway Bill
The bill of lading identifies your products and information about your cargo. It contains data showing the shipper, consignee, place of delivery, containers number, and description of the goods. It is also an essential document that serves the same purpose as the airway bill when you use air freight as your delivery method.
Commercial Invoice
Import export Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is provided to the customs and verifies the imported products are in your declaration. It shows the identity of the importer and exporter, the invoice number, HS code, net and gross weight and quantity, and Total freight price.
Packing List
The packing list is necessary for all products. They are presented to the Australian customs and showing:
Measurements and total Net Weight and Gross Weight of cargo
A detailed list of how goods are packaged and number of packages
Any relevant shipping marks or seal numbers used
Proof of import
After going through customs, they give you proof of import. It is assigned after all your necessary documents have been verified. The evidence of import is the official document you receive in the last stage to prove the nationalization of your imported products.
Some products have a few restrictions to avoid a bio-security hazard. The Australian custom and quarantine require some documents for some exclusive products.
MSDS documents in case the product is hazardous
A certified medical prescription if you are importing medicine.
Documents that meet the legal requirements for acceptance of our exclusive products.
Import Tax/ Duty from China to Australia & Custom Clearance
The Australian custom subject most imported goods to a 10% import tax. There are many regulations and duty rates for different imported products every importer should know about before carrying out any international trade to Australia.
Customs Clearance with a value above a $1000
If your imported goods have a customs value above $1000, you will be required to provide the import declaration form and complete your customs clearance by paying duty, goods and services tax and all other payments that may apply.
Who can make an Import Declaration
According to the Australian customs law, the owner of the imported products is required to draw an import declaration. The import declaration is tendered to complete the customs clearance.
Who can act on your behalf?
Although many importers deal directly with the customers, you can hire a customs broker to deal with the Customs on your behalf for a fee.
Should I use a Customs Broker
I recommended employing a certified Custom broker that is familiar with all the custom’s restrictions and how to handle them. On the long run, a customs broker can be an invaluable asset to save money and time for priority goods.
Compliance Certifications you need to Know for different products
Australia regulates various products, including Children’s toys, outdoor furniture, cars, drugs, food, and chemicals in consumer products.
When importing goods from China to Australia, you have to ensure all your products are compliant with the product safety standards, and compliance procedures.
Importing non-compliant products into Australia is frowned on. The product may not only be recalled, but the importer will have to pay a hefty fine.
Which of your products are regulated in Australia?
Some products are regulated mainly because they can pose safety threats to Australia.
Products that have at least one safety regulation include:
Children toys
Food and groceries
Furniture
Bicycles
Health and Cosmetics
Tobacco and smoking accessories
Weapons
When importing your products, you have to make sure your products comply with all the Australian safety and compliance regulations.
What is the AS/NZ standard?
The Australian and New Zealand standard for products are imported into Australian and New Zealand. AS/NZ standard are also known as product safety regulations. They are industrial safety, testing, and performance requirements. The AZ/NZ standard is similar to the EN/ ASTM standards for European Countries and America.
Which AS/NZ apply to my products
All the necessary safety standards your product needs to comply to will be on Australia Product Safety Website.
Some products have more strict regulations than others, while clothes have few laws, baby toys weapons are more strictly regulated.
Labeling requirement for goods import from China to Australia
Most goods should have proper labeling to give details about the product. Although not all products require labeling, products that do not have the appropriate labeling may be confiscated.
The regulations that ensure proper labeling of all imported products are the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905 and the Commerce (Imports) Regulations 1940 (CI Regulations).
Trade Descriptions
According to the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905, certain goods can’t be imported to Australia without proper labeling to show its trade description in English. Not all products require labels, but I recommend checking with the Australian Border control for goods that need trade descriptions to avoid seizing.
Country of origin labeling
Your product label is required to show it’s country of origin. False labeling can attract a fine and can cause your products to be seized. You can get instructions on how to properly label your product’s country of origin on The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) page.
Risks and problems when importing from China to Australia
For every business, there is always risk and challenges, and when importing from China to Australia, your business can run into a loss from low-quality goods, supplier scams, and your payment methods. As an Australian importer, knowing how to follow precautions and avoid unnecessary risks is very critical to expanding your business.
In this chapter, I have summarized the many risks you can face, and fortunately, how you can avoid problems when you are doing business with manufacturers or trading companies in China.
Supplier Scams
Many Australian companies have been victims of supplier scams. These manufacturers offer deals too good to be true.
Solution: Carrying out extensive research on your manufacturers can go a long way in acquiring an invaluable manufacturer. In chapter 2, I stated the best ways to find a reliable manufacturer and avoid scams, but it boils down to proper research and networking.
Language barrier
Language has always been a barrier in international trade, although some Chinese manufacturers understand English, the difference in culture and manner of speech may cause misinterpretations during communicating and can result in the manufacture of products that fail to meet your requirements.
Solution: There are many English- mandarin translators/sourcing agent you can hire that has experience in dealing with international traders. They will relay your message to your manufacturer and guide them as to how you want your goods produced.
Suppliers don’t know much about Australian product standard
Every country has different business laws and regulations concerning its international trade. Your manufacturer may not know about your country’s product standard and end up manufacturing products that do not meet these requirements and cause you to lose your investment.
Solution: Proper description of your products requirements to the manufacturer cannot be overstated. Manufacturers will take an extra step to keep their investors pleased by complying to your specifications. Or find a have rich exporting experience agents in China to solve this problem
Quality issue
Many manufacturers may be reluctant to refund your payment if the quality of their products does not meet your standard. The Australian importers are usually at a loss and may end up wasting the majority of their investment.
Solution: Always have a pre shipment inspection service before you pay the balance, especially if you are starting with a manufacturer is something I highly recommend.
Most manufacturers will not want to lose buyers so they will want to fix quality issues for future orders so will comply with maintaining high quality.
High price & cost
Finding a supplier that can manufacture your products for the right price is not an easy task. Price does not ensure the quality of the products. Extensive research to find a manufacturer that will produce your desired quality at a reasonable price cannot be overstated. During importation, shipping through air or sea freights can also be very expensive.
Solution: There are lots of ways to lower cost, working directly with the real factory, some reliable trading companies claim to be factories, and choose the best shipping method for your products and country, consolidate orders between multiple suppliers and ship in one container, etc.
Time consuming (talks with many suppliers, fly to China personally)
The business culture of the Chinese and Australia are very different. Relationships and partnerships in China are taken very seriously. If traveling to China personally is in your budget, having one on one interaction with your supplier will build a business relationship that can be very profitable to the importer.
Solution: Finding a professional with years of experience dealing in international trade can save you time and a lot of money in the long run. Csprite provides this service and sources your manufacturers for you.
Your product being copied
Many manufacturers can recreate their products for your other customers in their bid to maximize profit. Although you can try to trademark your product and carry out legal ownership, your products can be recreated.
Solution: Using only trusted manufacturers can prevent your trademarked products from flooding the Australian market.
China is a gold mine for many Australian importers, but like many businesses, you need the right information about how to get the best of international trade. Csprite educates our potential customers on the basic how-to and teaches them about know what problem they will face.
The best way to navigate the challenges is through hiring a China sourcing agent.
Csprite transparent agency offers services that save you time and money. Famisourcing is a supply chain management company to foreign investors who are looking to buy products in China.
Sourcing for your products,
physical verification of your manufacturer,
follow up on your product order,
shipping and delivery and meeting customs requirements should not be a trouble.
Csprite is a company already familiar with the Australian market, and our goal is to provide you with the essential guide to expand your business through international trade.
Contact Csprite today for consultations and any other questions you may have on importing to Australia.
If you have any questions or share experience on importing from China, comment below, we will reply to you soon.