The customs clearance process for the China-Australia sea freight (dedicated line) consists of two parts: export customs clearance in China and import customs clearance in Australia. The details are as follows:
China's export customs clearance process:
Preparation of customs declaration documents: The shipper or its agent needs to prepare documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration power of attorney, and contracts. If the goods are special items, corresponding licenses or certification documents must also be provided.
Declaration: Submit the prepared customs declaration documents to China Customs through the electronic customs declaration system, and enter detailed information about the goods, such as product name, specifications, quantity, value, and origin.
Customs review: Customs will review the declared content, check whether the customs declaration documents are complete and accurate, and whether the goods comply with export regulations. If customs have any questions, they may require supplementary explanations or further supporting documents.
Inspection: Some goods may be inspected by customs according to the risk level of the goods and the random inspection requirements of customs. Customs will check whether the actual situation of the goods is consistent with the declared content, and whether the packaging, quantity, and quality of the goods meet the requirements.
Taxation: If the exported goods need to pay customs duties or other taxes, customs will calculate and collect the taxes in accordance with relevant regulations. However, China implements a zero-tariff policy for most exported goods.
Release: After customs review and inspection, if everything is in order and taxes have been paid, customs will affix a release seal on the customs declaration form, allowing the goods to be exported. The goods can then be arranged by the freight forwarder to be shipped to Australia.
Australia's import customs clearance process:
Submission of documents: Before the goods arrive in Australia, the consignee or its agent needs to submit documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin to Australian Customs. They also need to fill in an import declaration form and provide detailed information about the goods.
Pre-clearance: Australian Customs will conduct a preliminary review of the submitted documents, assess the value and classification of the goods, and determine whether further inspection or payment of customs duties and other taxes is required.Risk assessment: Customs will conduct a risk assessment based on information such as the type of goods, origin, and shipper to determine the risk level of the goods. High-risk goods may be subject to key inspection.
Inspection: For selected goods, customs will conduct inspections. Inspection methods include manual inspection and X-ray machine inspection, etc. The main checks are whether the goods are consistent with the declared content, whether there are prohibited items or infringing products, and at the same time, verify information such as the value and origin of the goods.
Taxation: Australian Customs calculates the payable customs duties, consumption taxes and other taxes based on the type, value of the goods and relevant tax rates. In general, goods with a value of less than 1,000 Australian dollars are generally exempt from customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST), except for certain special commodities.
Release: After the consignee or its agent has paid the taxes, customs will affix a release seal on the relevant documents. The goods can then be picked up from the customs supervision area and arranged by the freight company for delivery to the consignee's designated location.
