With Australian borders now open to the world, there are more opportunities to establish or deepen relationships with overseas suppliers. For many local importers, the People’s Republic of China is a popular choice for sourcing goods.
Given China’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing, it’s understandable why it’s been Australia’s number one source of imports from 2009-2020.
And while the pandemic has created some challenges for Australians importing from China, there are still many advantages for local businesses seeking to source goods from the country.
To help your company successfully navigate the process, here’s our guide to importing from China to Australia. It covers everything from taxes to the current state of trade relations.
China and Australia’s trade relationship
According to a recent report from AMP Capital, “China has been Australia’s largest two-way trade partner” since 2009. During this period, Australian exports to China represented 41% of total exports, and 32% of all Australian imports were from China.
Currently, two-way trade with China is worth more than $246 billion a year. In 2018, a PwC Australia report stated that two-way trade with China was more than 2.5 times that of Australia’s next largest two-way trade partners, Japan and the US.
What’s more, according to the PwC report, “Australia has not had a trade relationship of this significance since the 1950s, when the United Kingdom was our major trading partner”.
So when political relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2020, it was understandable that concerns about potential trade impacts would increase.
Initially, the friction stemmed from Australia supporting “a call for a global inquiry into China’s handling of its initial Covid-19 outbreak.” In response, China introduced trade restrictions on several Aussie exports such as lobster, barley, beef, wine, cotton and coal.
However, despite the tensions, AMP Capital reported that the impacts on the Australian economy were mild, and most sectors found alternative export markets. And, as it turns out, 2020 still ended up being a massive year for Australian trade with China.
In a recent Journal of World Trade article, the researchers highlighted that in 2020:
“Australia’s total goods exports to China reached $145.2 billion. This was just 2% lower than the record high set a year earlier. In comparison, goods exports to all other countries fell by 10%, causing China’s share of Australia’s total goods exports to reach its highest ever level of 40.0%. Australia’s goods imports from China also hit record highs both in terms of value ($84.4 billion) and as a proportion of the total (28.8%).”
While trade tensions are ongoing, the Australian government is under pressure to stay committed to a strong trade relationship with China from sources as diverse as:
- Australian business groups
- universities
- think-tanks.
Since 2009, Australian exports to China represented 41% of total exports, and 32% of all Australian imports were from China.
Benefits of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into effect in mid-December 2015. Some of its key elements include:
- Tariff reductions: before the free trade agreement (FTA), Australian exporters had a competitive disadvantage. They had to pay significant tariffs that other countries with existing FTAs with China, such as Chile, didn’t have to pay.
After ChAFTA, China eliminated or rapidly reduced tariffs on several key Australian exports.
Meanwhile, Australia completely eliminated tariffs on Chinese imports into Australia. However, you do need to follow some procedures to take advantage of preferential ChAFTA tariff treatment. We’ll go through these in more detail in the guide below.
- Most favoured nation clause: this clause means that Australian businesses get access to the same trade terms that other trading partners receive in FTAs with China.
- Foreign investment screening threshold increases: these increase the threshold allowed for potential Chinese investment into certain non-sensitive sectors.
Your guide to importing from China to Australia
Navigating your way through the importing process can be confusing. For example, you might wonder if you have to pay import tax from China and if so, how much this import tax is?
To help make it easier, our guide below has all the answers you’ll need to successfully import goods from China.
Importing basics
Firstly, it’s helpful to know that you can import many goods which don’t need a formal import declaration and are free of taxes and charges. In general, these goods tend to be:
- low value
- software downloaded from overseas websites
- most personal effects
But it gets more complicated if goods:
Let’s explore in more detail what you need to know to import higher-value goods, which will of course be more relevant to most Australian business importers.
Clearing customs
When your goods arrive in Australia, they’ll need to clear customs, which is run by the Australian Border Force (ABF). To clear customs, all arriving goods require a declaration, unless you have an exemption.
Additionally, goods may need to go through checks for:
- biosecurity
- food safety
- drug control requirements.
You might also need a licence or a permit for some goods.
Importing licences and permits
Currently, the ABF website states that “there is no requirement for importers (companies or individuals) to hold an import licence to import goods into Australia.”
However, for biosecurity reasons, some goods require a permit to be imported (see next section).
Biosecurity and quarantine
To mitigate biosecurity risks, some goods need an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). DAWE operates a system called the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
BICON outlines whether your goods need a permit. You can apply, track and manage your BICON import permits online with a registered account.
Product regulations and safety standards
As an importer, you’re responsible for ensuring that goods imported from China into Australia comply “with all mandatory product safety standards, labelling, lab testing, and certification requirements.”
Additionally, you need to ensure that the goods you import don’t infringe:
- copyright
- trademarks
- protected Olympic expressions
- IP relating to major sporting events indicia and images.
Labelling
Certain goods need a trade description, which must be a true description of the goods in English. You may also need to show information about the country of origin for certain food products.
Find more information on the specific requirements for trade description compliance and product labelling on the ABF website.
Importing costs
Once you’ve covered all the key documentation requirements, it’s time to check some of the costs involved in importing goods from China.
Transport costs
You’ll need to factor in the following transport costs:
- Shipping: in general, shipping by sea is more economical than by air. While some shipping costs have reduced since 2021, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) recently reported that, “the cost of shipping freight to Australia remains near record highs.”
To estimate your costs, online freight marketplace Freightos has a helpful guide on current shipping costs from China to Australia.
- Insurance: according to Freightos, “insurance costs are typically around 0.3%-0.5% of your Commercial Invoice Value, which is the amount you paid for the goods.”
- Storage charges: generally, storing your goods at the arrival airport or wharf is free for around three days. From there, it gets expensive, so try to avoid this wherever possible.
You may also need to pay a detention fee if you don’t return an empty shipping container within around seven days. According to International Cargo Express, “you can expect charges of $150-300 per container per day.”
- Other handling charges: the AFR recently reported that ports and logistics operators have been charging additional ‘COVID levies’ on top of ‘congestion and port access fees imposed by stevedores’. These COVID levies are meant to cover the costs of having healthy staff work overtime to clear shipping container backlogs caused by the pandemic
Customs duties and ChAFTA
While ChAFTA eliminated some customs duties (tariffs) on products when it took effect, others are still being reduced over time. The easiest way to check the applicable import tax on goods from China is through the FTA portal website.
To access preferential tariff rates under ChAFTA, goods must ‘originate’ from either China or Australia. To prove your goods’ origin country, you’ll need either a:
- certificate of origin, or
- declaration of origin.
Find more information on how to comply with specific requirements in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Guide to using ChAFTA to export or import.
Clearance and permit fees
If you need an import permit, the lodgement fee is $120. The assessment fee can then vary between $60 and $480, depending on the category of your goods.
Biosecurity management fees
If DAWE needs to inspect your goods for biosecurity and quarantining purposes, additional fees will apply.
Generally, they charge these in 15-minute increments. DAWE recommends providing all the required documents with your goods to reduce the likelihood of needing an inspection.
Import processing charges
The ABF also applies an import processing charge that varies depending on:
- the value of your goods
- whether you submit paperwork electronically or use hardcopies
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Irrespective of whether you’re registered for GST or not, GST is payable on most imported goods. That said, there are some exemptions that you can check on the ABF website.
The GST rate for imports is 10% of the value of the ‘taxable importation’, which is the total of:
- the customs value (CV) of the imported goods
- any duty payable
- the amount paid or payable to transport the goods to Australia and insure the goods for that transport (T&I)
- any Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) payable, if applicable
Generally, the free on board (FOB) value of the goods is taken to be the customs value. FOB is, “the value of the goods excluding overseas transport and insurance”. However, certain charges can be excluded or included in the CV.
Detailed information on how the ABF calculates customs value is available on their website.
It’s also important to note that customs value is expressed in Australian dollars, “at the rate of exchange prevailing on the day of export of the goods (not on the day the goods arrive in Australia).”
Finally, GST credits and deferrals may apply in some circumstances.
The Australian Taxation Office website has more details.
Dumping and countervailing duties
If you import goods into Australia at a lower price than is charged in the manufacturing country, you may have to pay dumping and countervailing duties. You can check the Anti-Dumping Commission’s Dumping Commodity Register to check whether your goods are subject to the anti-dumping measures and any applicable rates.
Customs brokerage fees
A licensed customs broker can navigate the complexities of clearing customs on your behalf. However, brokerage fees vary between agents, so it’s worth getting quotes from different providers.
The Australia-India trade agreement will also allow around 96% of Indian imports to enter Australia duty-free
Australia’s latest major trading partner, India
While our country’s trade with China heads into unknown territory, it’s important to be aware that Australia also signed a free trade agreement with India in April 2022. The historic Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement will help:
- make Australian exports to India cheaper, and
- create new import opportunities for Australian businesses
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the agreement will immediately eliminate tariffs on over 85% of Australian goods exported to India. Then, over the next 10 years, this figure will rise to 90% of tariffs. DFAT estimates that this will be “commercially significant for up to $14.8 billion worth of Australian merchandise trade destined for the Indian market each year.”
In return, the Australia-India trade agreement will also allow around 96% of Indian imports to enter Australia duty-free.
As background, India is one of the world’s largest democracies whilst also being one of the fastest-growing major economies. National GDP in India is projected to grow at 9% in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, and 7.1% in 2023-24. Additionally, India was Australia’s:
- seventh-largest trading partner in 2020, with two-way trade valued at $24.3 billion, and
- sixth-largest goods and services export market, valued at $16.9 billion.
The latest advancement in Australia-India trade relations will support the Government’s goal of lifting India into our top three export markets by 2035. It will also make India the third-largest Asian destination for outward Australian investment.
How Octet makes importing smoother, simpler and more secure
The unpredictability of recent years has curbed international travel while creating shipping delays, lengthier quarantine times and delayed payments. As a result, many importers have experienced significant cash flow pressures and greater risks in supply chain management.
Here’s how Octet can help.
Smoother cash flow curves
Octet’s Trade Finance facility can help to smooth out the cash flow curves in your business. It gives your business the power to bridge cash flow gaps by providing:
- a convenient revolving line of credit, with up to 60 days’ interest-free and up to 120 day repayment terms
- security-free funding and payment options – with funds based on the strength of your business’s balance sheet, so there is no need for personal or director security
- increased purchasing power to fund your business growth
- the ability to pay international suppliers instantly while enjoying flexible repayment terms
- a way to take advantage of any early settlement discounts your supplier may offer, saving you money on imported goods
Superior supply chain management
While importing and exporting always carry an element of risk, the right financial management and tools can help your business increase security and trust with international suppliers.
One such tool is Octet’s Supply Chain Platform. It verifies and manages approvals for all transactions for suppliers and importers using the platform.
As a buyer, this means you get peace of mind that we’ve taken responsibility for onboarding and verifying every supplier. We have a team on the ground in Shanghai that can:
- meet with your suppliers
- do background checks
- verify that they have all the relevant trade documentation
What’s more, our Supply Chain Management tool is multilingual, so you and your supplier can each interact in your preferred languages.
The unpredictability of recent years has curbed international travel while creating shipping delays, lengthier quarantine times and delayed payments
Powering international trade and global business
Get in touch today to discover how we can help power your business by making the importing process smoother, simpler and more secure.
Disclaimer: The following comments are only our views and should not be construed as advice. You should act using your own information and judgment. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions and estimates constitute the author’s own judgment as at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
