4 Most Important Points To Import Printing From China
More common however are two genuine, well intentioned parties that cannot seem to bridge the cultural and communication gap to
successfully work together. Successfully being profitably – for both importer and supplier.
Make no mistake however, China is still the default supplier to the world, and for the most part can produce some fantastic products
to import, at margins which deliver the importer a very healthy profit they can build a very successful business around. The key is HOW to navigate the process, profitably.
Tips For Import from China
Importing
To ensure your import from china is successful, you’ll need to be aware of government regulations, including clearance by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and duty taxes.
Licensing and permits
Whilst there is no general licence required for importing, Australian Customs will need to clear your goods on import. You’ll need to know:
- what import permits, quarantine permits and treatments apply to your specific category and type of imported goods
- and whether they are subject to mandatory safety or information standards.
If you don’t follow the correct steps and regulations, you will risk breaking the law and not receiving your imports.
Australian Customs requirements for imports
All goods imported into Australia must be cleared through the border. DIBP can provide you with information on importing goods, such as import clearance requirements, prohibited goods and import permits.
Depending on the type and value of the goods or products you import. These can include clearance fees, customs duty, goods and services tax (GST) and other taxes.
Some goods may carry special restrictions or may even be prohibited from importing. If your goods contain industrial chemicals like cosmetics, solvents, adhesives, plastics, inks, printing and photocopying chemicals, paints, household cleaning products and toiletries, they will require additional registration.
If your goods also fall under quarantine regulations, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will need to inspect and possibly treat them.
Search the Industry Capability Network to see if there is a supplier in Australia,if you’re considering importing goods because you can’t find a local supplier.
Find out more on importing
- Find out more about importing and buying goods from overseas.
- Read more about banned and restricted imports to Australia.
- Check trade measurement regulations if the price of your goods is about measurement of quantity or quality.
- Contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for advice and information.
Tax Of Import from China
Australian importers enjoy slightly lower duty rates, compared to their counterparts in the United States and the European Union. Probably because Australia is a smaller market – with fewer critical industries to protect from outside competition. Below follows a list of products and their respective duty rate in Australia:
- Wristwatches: 0%
- Tablet PC: 0%
- Solar Panels: 0%
- T Shirts: 10%
- Electric Bikes: 5%
- LED Bulb Lights: 5%
- Peanuts: 5%
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australians also enjoy a very generous minimum threshold, when importing from China. Imports of products valued up to AU$1000 are exempt from custom duties, GST and Import Processing Charge. That’s not enough to reach the MOQ requirement of most suppliers, but it can certainly save a few dollars when buying product samples from Chinese suppliers.
Import GST
GST is added on of the Customs Value of the imported items, transportation and insurance – plus the customs duty. Currently at 10%, the GST applies to most products imported from China to Australia.
Import Processing Charge
Imported goods valued more than AU$1000 are subject to an Import Processing Charge. The amount depends on three factors:
- Mode of transportation (Sea or Air Freight)
- Type of import declaration (Electronic or Documentary Import Declaration)
- Customs Value (Goods valued between AU$1,000 to 10,000, and goods valued more than AU$10,000)
Each import declaration will charge. This means that you pay the Import Processing Charge each time you receive a shipment from China. Luckily, the charge is usually in the range of AU$40 – 50. Click here to read more about the Import Processing Charge.
How to save tax when import from China
- Customs value
Custom duties, GST and Import Processing Charges are based on the goods FOB (Free on Board) value. This includes the following:
- Product cost
- Transportation cost (to Port of Loading in China)
- Export clearance (China)
Suggest you can discuss with the book printing supplier to reduce the value on the invoice. It can help save much tax.
- Certificate of Original
(Form for China-Australia Free Trade Agreement)
The Certificate similar as below could help you pay less around 5% tax. Don’t forget ask it from your supplier. We are a printing factory and professional in book printing exporting; so CBP Printing will provide certficate to help customer save tax.
If you have no experience in importing from China, suggest you can learn more safely purchase steps via this.
FAQ of import from China
Will custom stop my goods? What do I do?
Customs will stop your goods if they meet ANY of the below criteria.
- Have a value over AUD $1,000.
- Contain Alcohol or Tobacco of ANY quantity or value.
- Contain goods of “Customs Interest” being ANY goods listed on (Google search: SACThesaurus_050725.pdf)
- Contain Prohibited Imports listed on (Google search: page4369.asp)
If your goods do not meet any of the above criteria then they are not of Customs or Quarantine interest and will be released upon arrival and subsequently delivered to your door without cost.
What to do if your goods are stopped by Customs
In most cases goods purchased on eBay are shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service). Once your goods arrive in Australia you will receive in the mail an “Australia Post Arrival Notice”.
Once you receive this notice you have two options, you can have a Customs Broker clear the goods for you (See Section III) or you can clear the goods yourself (see Section IV).
How do I clear the goods through Customs myself?
Step 1 – Familiarise yourself with the 54 page Customs Import Declaration Guide (Google search: DocImpDecGuide.pdf) when you are ready to import from china.Step 2 – Classify every product in your consignment in accordance with the Customs Tariff(Google search: tariff/tariff 2012.asp)
Note: If you can’t work out the applicable Tariff Classification for your goods then you can request Customs to advise you of this reference by lodging a Tariff Advice which is usually processed within 7-10 days. (Google search: ta-guideline.pdf)
Step 4 – Complete the postal import declaration (N10) – (Google search: B374-Importdeclaration-goodN10Post_Submit.pdf)
IMPORTANT: All information provided on your declaration (including tariff classifications) must be in accordance with the relevant import legislation contained within the Customs Act. Failure to do so may render you liable for penalty of up to $2,550 under section 243T for providing false or misleading information to Customs. (Google search: CustomsAct1901.pdf).
Step 5 – Fax or email your completed declaration to customs and wait 5 – 8 business days for them to process it, provided all information is complete and error free – if not, your documentation will be returned to you for amendment and resubmission.
Step 6 – If you completed everything correctly the first time, then Customs will generate an entry for you, calculate the Duty/GST and Customs Charges payable and submit your credit card details to their accounts department for billing. It usually takes a further 2-3 days for the accounts department to process your credit card and release your goods for delivery by Australia Post.