A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO AUSTRALIA
Ocean Freight from China to Australia
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of goods. It’s the vital artery of trade between these two nations.
Transit Time
Standard Shipping: Approximately 18 – 25 days from port to port.
Price
FCL (Full Container Load): Prices are quoted per container. A 20ft container (20GP) can range from $1,200 to $2,000 USD, while a 40ft container (40GP/HC) can range from $2,000 to $3,000 USD. Rates fluctuate heavily based on market demand and fuel costs.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Prices are quoted per cubic meter (CBM). Rates typically range from $80 to $150 USD per CBM.
Key Factors Influencing Freight Rates
Fuel Surcharges (BAF): The price of bunker fuel is a major component.
Peak Season Surcharges (PSS): Rates spike during periods of high demand (e.g., before Chinese New Year, Christmas).
Container Availability: Imbalances in empty container repositioning can affect pricing.
Trade Lane Imbalance: The trade flow from China to Australia is often heavier than the reverse, influencing base rates.
Port Congestion: Delays at either the origin or destination port can incur additional fees.
Type of Goods: Dangerous (DG), perishable, or high-value goods may incur special handling fees.
Major Ports in Origin & Destination Countries
China (Origin): Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou), Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen.
Australia (Destination): Sydney (Botany), Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle (Perth), Adelaide.
Air Freight from China to Australia
Air freight is the champion of speed, ideal for high-value, time-sensitive, or low-volume shipments.
Transit Time
The flight itself takes about 9 – 12 hours.
With pickup, customs clearance, and delivery, total door-to-door transit time is typically ****
3 – 7 business days.
Price
Air freight is significantly more expensive than ocean freight. Rates are calculated per kilogram.
Prices generally range from $4.00 to $8.00 USD per kg.
Chargeable Weight: Airlines charge based on volumetric weight (L x W x H in cm / 5000) or actual gross weight, whichever is greater.
Key Factors Influencing Freight Rates
Fuel and Security Surcharges: These are critical add-ons to the base rate.
Demand and Capacity: Limited cargo space on passenger flights and dedicated freighters means prices soar during peak seasons.
Urgency: Last-minute bookings cost a premium.
Nature of Goods: Similar to ocean freight, special goods require special handling and costs.
Major Airports in Origin & Destination Countries
China (Origin): PVG (Shanghai Pudong), CAN (Guangzhou Baiyun), PEK (Beijing Capital), SZX (Shenzhen Bao’an).
Australia (Destination): SYD (Sydney Kingsford-Smith), MEL (Melbourne Tullamarine), BNE (Brisbane), PER (Perth).
Import & Export Taxes
China Export Taxes
China generally does not levy export duties on the majority of goods. However, there are exceptions for a limited number of resource-based products (e.g., certain metals, fertilizers) to manage domestic supply.
Australia Import Taxes
Customs Duty: Generally calculated as a percentage of the Value of the Goods (FOB value) + insurance + international freight.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): A 10% tax applied to the Value of the taxable importation (VoTI), which is essentially: FOB Value + Insurance + Freight + Duty + Any other applicable charges.
Goods valued under AUD 1,000 are generally exempt from duty and GST, though recent legislative changes mean GST is often collected by the seller at point of sale for low-value imports.
Estimated Duty Rates for Key Commodities
General Goods: 0% – 5% (Many goods are now duty-free under various trade agreements).
Textiles, Apparel, & Footwear: 5% – 10% (Often higher, but see “Bilateral Trade Policies” below).
Automobiles: 5%
Electronics: Typically 0%.
Note: Always verify the specific tariff classification for your product using the Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods (Examples)
Australia has, at times, applied anti-dumping and countervailing duties on specific products from China to counteract injuriously subsidized or dumped imports. These are subject to change, but past and present examples have included:
Aluminum Extrusions
Certain Steel Products (e.g., steel reinforcing bar, hollow structural sections)
PVC flooring boards and panels
Windshields for vehicles
A4 Copy Paper
Crucial: You must check the current status of any measures for your specific product on the Anti-Dumping Commission’s website before shipping.
Bilateral Beneficial Trade Policies
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which entered into force in December 2015, is the cornerstone of beneficial trade policy.
Tariff Reductions/ Elimination: ChAFTA has progressively eliminated tariffs on a vast majority of Australian and Chinese goods. For Australian imports from China, this means many products that previously attracted a 5% duty are now at 0%. This is particularly impactful for consumer goods, electronics, and manufacturing components.
Simplified Customs Procedures: The agreement aims to streamline and expedite customs clearance.
Rules of Origin: To claim preferential tariff treatment under ChAFTA, your goods must meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the agreement. You will need to provide a Certificate of Origin.
Steps for Shipping from China to Australia
Incoterms & Contract: Define responsibilities with your supplier (e.g., FOB Shanghai or EXW Shenzhen). This dictates who books freight, pays for it, and assumes risk.
Engage a Freight Forwarder: A reputable forwarder (based in China or Australia) will handle the complex logistics, customs, and documentation.
Booking & Cargo Pickup: Your forwarder will book space with a carrier and arrange pickup from your supplier’s warehouse.
Export Customs Clearance (China): Handled by your forwarder or the supplier’s agent. Requires Chinese commercial documents.
Main Carriage: The goods travel via ocean or air to Australia.
Import Customs Clearance (Australia): This is critical. Your Australian customs broker (often your forwarder) will submit documentation to the ABF, including:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading (Ocean) or Air Waybill (Air)
Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential rates under ChAFTA)
Any permits or licenses (for restricted goods)
Pay Duties & Taxes: Your broker will typically pay these on your behalf and invoice you.
Quarantine Inspection (if required): The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) may inspect goods of biosecurity concern (e.g., wood, food, plant/animal products).
Port/Airport Handling & Delivery: Once cleared, the goods are unloaded from the port/airport, and trucked to your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Australia?
A: Ocean freight, specifically LCL for smaller shipments and FCL for larger volumes, is almost always the most economical choice for non-urgent goods.
Q2: How do I avoid paying import duty in Australia?
A: You cannot legally “avoid” duty if it is applicable. However, you can minimize costs by:
Ensuring your goods are accurately classified under the correct tariff code, which may have a 0% rate.
Correctly using the ChAFTA Certificate of Origin to claim preferential 0% rates.
Ensuring your commercial invoice accurately reflects the true FOB value of the goods, not an inflated amount that includes domestic Chinese fees.
Q3: What items are prohibited from being imported into Australia?
A: Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. Common prohibited or restricted items include:
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Meat, poultry, pork products
Illegal drugs and weapons
Products made from endangered species
Certain types of seeds and plants
Always check the DAFF BICON database to confirm the import conditions for your specific goods.
Q4: Should I use a freight forwarder or do it myself?
A: For all but the most experienced importers, using a professional freight forwarder/customs broker is highly recommended. The complexity of documentation, customs regulations, and biosecurity laws makes the process fraught with risk for beginners. A good forwarder saves you time, money, and prevents costly delays and penalties.
Q5: What is the difference between DDP and DDU shipping terms?
A: This is crucial for understanding cost responsibility.
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The seller delivers the goods to your door in Australia, but you (the buyer) are responsible for paying all import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller is responsible for all costs and risks, including delivering the goods cleared through customs to your door, with all duties and taxes paid. This is less common from China. Most shipments are based on FOB or EXW terms.