The customs clearance procedures and document requirements for China-Australia international freight vary depending on the direction of goods transport (China to Australia or Australia to China) and the type of goods. In general, they mainly include the following:
Customs Clearance Procedures
Export from China to Australia:Exporters need to first understand Australia's import regulations, including tariff policies and quarantine inspection standards. After preparing the customs declaration materials, they can submit them to a freight forwarder or declare to the customs by themselves. The customs declaration form must be submitted electronically through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) of the Australian Customs. For some goods, tariffs and Goods and Services Tax (GST) may be required, and exporters must pay them promptly according to the customs calculation results. The customs will review the declaration materials and may inspect the goods if necessary. Once the review is approved, the goods will be released, and the exporter or consignee can pick up the goods with the bill of lading.
Import from Australia to China:After the goods arrive at a Chinese port, the logistics company or customs broker will declare to the customs. The customs will review the declaration information and may inspect the goods. If the value of the goods exceeds the duty-free limit (usually 1,000 RMB), the corresponding taxes must be paid. After the review is approved, the customs will issue a release order, and finally, the goods will be transported from the port to the destination according to the release order.
Document Requirements
Basic Documents:
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): Issued by the carrier, certifying the receipt of goods and specifying the terms of transportation.
Packing List: Detailing information such as the name, quantity, weight, and volume of the goods.
Invoice: Indicating the value of the goods, trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), etc.
Trade Contract: Clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties, product specifications, price, delivery date, and other terms.
Certificate of Origin Documents:
China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin (COO): To enjoy the preferential tariff rates under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, this certificate is required, which enables the goods to receive tariff preferences.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Form A: Applicable to preferential treatments under non-free trade agreements.
Documents for Special Goods:
Animal and Plant Quarantine Certificates, Health Certificates, etc.: For goods such as food, agricultural products, and animal and plant products, relevant certificates must be obtained for export from China. When importing into Australia, they must also comply with the biosecurity requirements of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), and an import license may be required.
Fumigation Certificate: For log products, products with bark, and original wooden packaging (such as wooden boxes and wooden pallets), an official fumigation certificate issued by CIQ is required.
Dangerous Goods Transport License, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), etc.: These documents are required when transporting dangerous goods.
Asbestos-Free Declaration or Test Certificate: Since Australia restricts the import of goods containing asbestos, for products that may potentially contain asbestos, this declaration or certificate must be provided as appropriate.
Other Documents:When importing from Australia, the consignee may also need to provide a copy of the photo page and visa page of the passport, as well as Form B534 of the Australian Customs, etc.
