Importing into Australia

If you are importing products into Australia for the first time, or you want a clearer way to understand costs, timeframes, paperwork, customs, and quarantine, this hub pulls it all together. Use this page like a map. Start at the top, then jump to the section you need, and open the deeper guides when you want the full detail.

If you want the full step by step walkthrough first, start here: How to import goods into Australia.

Quick navigation

• How importing works
• Do you need a freight forwarder
• Costs, duty, and GST
• Shipping options
• Customs and biosecurity
• Documents you will need
• Typical timeframes
• Common mistakes
• First shipment checklist
• Next step if you want help

How importing works

Importing is not just booking transport. You are coordinating terms of sale, supplier documents, export steps, shipping, customs clearance, biosecurity, and delivery to your door. The cleanest way to avoid surprise costs is to understand who is responsible for what, and when risk and cost transfer between buyer and seller.

Go deeper: How to import goods into Australia

Do you need a freight forwarder

Sometimes you can move small orders by courier, and that is fine. Where most importers get stuck is when shipments grow, suppliers ship under the wrong terms, documentation is incomplete, or quarantine risk appears. A freight forwarder is most valuable when you need a plan, coordination, and clear landed cost visibility across multiple parties.

• Courier can suit small, time sensitive parcels with simpler clearance needs
• Air freight suits higher value or urgent stock, with faster transit
• Sea freight suits larger volumes where cost per unit matters most

Go deeper: Freight forwarder vs courier | Freight forwarder vs customs broker

Costs, duty, and GST

Most surprises come from confusing product cost with landed cost. Landed cost includes international freight, origin and destination charges, customs duty, GST, and any biosecurity fees. Getting this right early protects cash flow, pricing, and margins.

• Customs value is based on the transaction value, with specific inclusions and rules
• Duty depends on the correct HS code and duty rate
• GST is generally applied to the taxable importation value, not just your product price

Go deeper: Import duty and GST explained | What does a freight forwarder cost

Shipping options

Picking the right shipping method is a decision about time, cost, risk, and how you want your stock to flow into the business. If you are restocking frequently, the best option is often the one that keeps you in rhythm, not just the cheapest quote.

• Sea freight LCL is shared container space for smaller volumes
• Sea freight FCL is a full container when you have the volume to justify it
• Air freight is faster, usually higher cost, best for urgency or higher value goods

Go deeper: What is LCL shipping | What is FCL shipping | Sea freight vs air freight

Customs and biosecurity

In Australia, clearance is not only about customs. Biosecurity requirements can apply based on product type, materials, and packaging. Timber, natural fibres, food, cosmetics, and packaging can trigger inspections, treatment, or additional documentation.

Go deeper: Customs clearance steps | Biosecurity and quarantine for imports

Documents you will need

Your shipment is only as smooth as the paperwork. Your supplier documents need to match what customs expects, and small errors can cause delays or extra fees.

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Certificates when required, for example fumigation, treatment, or product compliance
• Correct consignee details and importer details

Go deeper: What documents does a freight forwarder prepare

Typical timeframes

Timeframes depend on supplier readiness, port pair, space availability, and clearance complexity. A helpful way to plan is to separate the timeline into production time, international transit time, and local clearance plus delivery time.

Go deeper: How long does sea freight to Australia take

Common mistakes

• Letting a supplier control shipping under terms that hide destination costs
• Using the wrong HS code, then being hit with unexpected duty
• Missing details on invoices or packing lists, causing clearance delays
• Ignoring packaging risks that trigger biosecurity inspections
• Quoting retail pricing without knowing landed cost

Go deeper: Top importing mistakes and how to avoid them

First shipment checklist

1. Confirm your product details and compliance requirements
2. Confirm the incoterm and what is included in supplier pricing
3. Request draft invoice and packing list before goods are ready
4. Confirm packaging materials and whether treatment is needed
5. Choose shipping method based on timeline and cash flow
6. Plan for duty, GST, and destination charges in your budget
7. Clear customs and biosecurity, then organise delivery
8. Review landed cost and document what you learned for next time

Next step if you want help

If you want a forwarder who keeps things clear and helps you avoid the surprise fees and delays that crush small business momentum, we can help you map the cleanest path for your next shipment.

Request a quote or start a conversation

Related guides

• How to import goods into Australia
• How to import from China to Australia
• Sea freight vs air freight
Note: This page is general information only and does not take into account your specific goods, supplier terms, or regulatory requirements. If you want advice for your exact shipment, contact the team and we will help you confirm the best path.