Category: Australia

Customs & Taxes When Importing from China: US, EU, UK, Australia & Canada

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 84 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Understanding import duties, port charges, VAT, and other taxes is crucial when importing products from China, especially in a time when trade tensions are at an all-time high. However, each country or market has its own import duty rates and customs value calculation methods.

In this article, we explain what every Importer must know about import duties, customs valuation methods, and other taxes when importing products to the following countries and regions.

  • United States
  • European Union
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom

Continue reading Customs & Taxes When Importing from China: US, EU, UK, Australia & Canada

List of Freight Forwarders in Australia: Our Top 10 Picks

Posted on by Vincent Cheng — 1 Comment

Australia Shipping Companies

Planning to import products to Australia? In this guide, we list Australian freight forwarders offering a wide range of ocean freight (LCL and FCL), air freight, and domestic (rail and truck) freight services. Each freight forwarder profile includes their company history, services, location, certificates, and other relevant information.

Listed Companies

  • JAS Australia
  • Across the Ocean Shipping
  • Platinum Freight Management
  • CT Freight
  • BCR Australia
  • Magellan Logistics
  • Cargoclear International
  • JTM Cargo Management
  • Yusen Logistics Australia
  • CTS Australia

Continue reading List of Freight Forwarders in Australia: Our Top 10 Picks

List of Sourcing Companies in Australia: Top 9 Agencies

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 1 Comment

australian sourcing companies

Sometimes it actually makes sense to start looking for a sourcing agency closer to home, rather than trying to find the right partner in China, Vietnam, or India. In this article, we list some of Australia’s leading sourcing companies.

You will also learn how you can benefit from working with an Australian sourcing company, rather than one that’s based overseas.

Listed Companies

  • Hornet Group
  • Australian Sourcing Group
  • Strategic Sourcing Australia
  • China Direct Sourcing
  • Quantum Business
  • Agile Sourcing
  • Fidèle Sourcing
  • Sourci
  • Sourcing For Australia

Continue reading List of Sourcing Companies in Australia: Top 9 Agencies

Importing from China to Australia: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 54 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Planning to import products from China to Australia? In this guide, we cover the basics that all Australian importers must know about product safety standards, labeling requirements, shipping options, and, the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

In addition, you’ll also learn how to calculate import duties, import processing charges, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) when importing from China.

Overview

  • Product Regulations & Safety Standards
  • Shipping from China to Australia
  • Goods and services tax (GST)
  • Import Duties
  • China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)
  • Import Processing Charge
  • Customs Value (CVAL)
  • Import Licenses and Permits
  • Total Import Tax Cost Calculation

Continue reading Importing from China to Australia: A Complete Guide

Australia Product Safety Standards: What Importers Must Know

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 3 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

About to import products from China to Australia or New Zealand? Ensuring compliance with mandatory safety standards should not come as an afterthought, but be the core focus when importing any consumer product to Australia.

Importing non-compliant products to Australia is an offense, which may not only result in a forced recall, but fines counted in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In other words, you only got one chance to get it right. Keep reading, to learn what every Australian importer must know about product safety:

  • Which products are regulated in Australia?
  • What is an AS/NZS standard?
  • How do I know which AS/NZS safety standards apply to my product?
  • How do I verify that a product conforms to a certain AS/NZS standard?
  • Do I need to get my products lab tested?
  • Who is responsible for ensuring compliance?
  • Non-compliances fines and penalties

Which products are regulated in Australia?

Several product categories, ranging from bicycle helmets and sunglasses to children’s toys, are regulated by a set of mandatory product safety standards. While there are also voluntary standards, we focus on the mandatory standards in this article. The following product categories are regulated, by at least one safety standard, in Australia and New Zealand:

  • Animals & agriculture
  • Baby & nursery
  • Bicycles
  • Boats & marine
  • Clothing & accessories
  • Fire & flammables
  • Food & groceries
  • Furniture, homewares & window furnishings
  • Gas & electrical appliances
  • Hardware & building materials
  • Health & cosmetics
  • Household chemicals
  • Novelties
  • Spas, pools & swimming
  • Sports & recreation
  • Tobacco & smoking accessories
  • Toys
  • Vehicles & accessories
  • Weapons

The Australian government lists all categories, to which mandatory safety standards apply, on Product Safety Australia. On this portal, you’ll find all mandatory product safety regulations and applicable AS/NZS standards. Continue reading Australia Product Safety Standards: What Importers Must Know

Import Duties in Australia When Buying From Asia: An Essential Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 1 Comment

Understanding the Australian import duty and tariff system, with many its exemptions and country of origin classes, can be rather complicated. In this article, we explain what Australian importers must know about import duty rates, HS codes, and tariffs:

  • Country of origin classifications
  • How to confirm the applicable HS code and duty rate for your product
  • Chapters and sections
  • How to (legally) reduce the import duty rate
  • When to pay import duties
  • How to calculate the customs value and import duty
  • Other import taxes in Australia

Continue reading Import Duties in Australia When Buying From Asia: An Essential Guide

Australia Import Processing Charge When Importing From Asia: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment

About to import products from China, Vietnam or elsewhere, to Australia? If the total importation value is above AU$1,000, you’ll need to submit an import declaration and pay an import processing charge of at least 50 Australian Dollars.

In this guide, we explain what Australian importers must know about the Import Processing Charge:

  • Import Processing Charge Overview
  • Reduced rates for warehoused goods
  • When and how to pay the Import Processing Charge
  • Exemptions, small volumes, and sample orders
  • Import Processing Charge for online purchases and private importers

What is the Import Processing Charge when importing from China, Vietnam or India?

The importing processing charge depends on the customs value (CVAL) and whether you submit the import declaration manually or online. However, unlike import duties which may differ depending on the country of origin, the import processing charge is always the same.

As such, you’ll pay as much for a shipment coming in from China, as one from Vietnam or any other foreign country. Continue reading Australia Import Processing Charge When Importing From Asia: A Complete Guide

Australia GST When Importing From Asia: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 1 Comment

Importing from China, Vietnam or India to Australia? Most likely, you’ll need to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on top of the taxable importation value.

In this article, I explain what every Australian importer must know about GST, including:

  • GST rates on imported goods
  • GST calculation examples
  • How to (legally) reduce the payable GST
  • How to correctly declare GST
  • GST credits when importing goods
  • GST exemptions and thresholds on imported goods
  • GST for private importers
  • GST registration for overseas companies

What is the GST rate when importing from China, Vietnam or other countries in Asia?

The GST rate for imported goods in Australia is 10%. Unlike for import duties (which may differ depending on the manufacturing country), the GST rate is the same regardless of the country of origin.

As such, you’ll pay a 10% GST on top of the customs value (CVAL) regardless of whether the products are manufactured in or imported from China, Vietnam, India or another country. Continue reading Australia GST When Importing From Asia: A Complete Guide

Product Labeling Regulations in the US, EU and Australia

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 42 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

About to import products from China or elsewhere in Asia? Then you need to ensure that the products are properly labeled.

In this article, we explain what every importer must know about labeling requirements in the EU, US and Australia.

We also explain why you cannot rely on your manufacturer to ensure compliance on your behalf. In fact, most of them don’t even know how products must be labeled in your market.

Keep reading, to ensure that your products are not seized by the customs authorities!

What is ‘Product Labeling Requirements’?

Most countries have legal requirements for how a product shall be labeled. A label can, for example, inform the customer about the following:

  • The manufacturing country
  • If the product meets certain legal safety requirements (i.e., compliance marks)
  • Size, material and other general product information
  • Warning labels and user instructions

Some labeling requirements apply to all, or a wide range of, product categories.

For example, all products in the US must be labelled with the country of origin (i.e., Made in China). In the European Union, many products must be CE marked.

Other labeling requirements apply to specific products. Examples include toys, electronics and textiles – each with their own set of unique labeling requirements.

Notice that labeling requirements are usually just one of many requirements that importers must fulfil to ensure compliance with certain regulations.

In addition, you may need to keep track of the following:

Technical Compliance: This means that the product is manufactured according to certain technical standards, or substance restrictions. The product is therefore able to pass the necessary tests.

Documents Requirements: The Importer is required to create and store a set of documents. Such documents may include circuit diagrams, component lists, design drawings and risk assessments.

It is important to underline that this article does not include information above the two points above. Continue reading Product Labeling Regulations in the US, EU and Australia