During the China-Australia freight transportation process, special attention should be paid to the following regulations and policies to ensure compliance and reduce risks:
I. Customs Clearance and Quarantine Requirements
Animal and Plant Quarantine (AQIS): Australia implements strict inspections on wooden products, wooden packaging, animal and plant products, etc. For example, the emergency treatment measures for Trogoderma granarium updated in April 2025 require that plant products must be fumigated in breathable packaging or before sealing, and be accompanied by a fumigation/heat treatment certificate supervised by NPPO. Goods that fail the quarantine may face destruction or return. It is recommended to handle compliance procedures in advance.
Under-declaration and Anti-Dumping Duties: The Australian Customs (EMPP) conducts strict inspections on under-declaration behaviors. Excessive under-declaration may lead to fines or detention of goods. In addition, for aluminum products, attention should be paid to the "double anti" (anti-dumping + countervailing) duty rates. At present, Chinese aluminum profile enterprises face high duty rates ranging from 11.1% to 71.9%, and enterprises with unclear duty rates shall apply the maximum rate by default. Some enterprises avoid high duty rates through transshipment via a third country (such as Malaysia), but it is necessary to ensure that the transshipment operations comply with the rules of origin.
Prohibited and Restricted Import Commodities: Australia prohibits the import of asbestos and its products and restricts goods containing asbestos components. In addition, imported commodities exceeding 1,000 Australian dollars (including gifts) need to be declared, and biological products such as meat, plants, and soil are prohibited from being carried.
II. Tariff Concessions and Rules of Origin
Benefits of China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Starting from 2025, Australia has implemented zero tariffs on 96.8% of tariff items from China, covering mechanical and electrical products, textiles, etc. Enterprises can enjoy the preferential policies in the following ways:
Certificate of Origin: Submit the certificate of origin or origin declaration issued by an authorized Australian institution to ensure that the goods meet the standards of "completely obtained" or "substantially processed". For example, the Regional Value Content (RVC) must reach the specified proportion, and the transportation must meet the "direct transportation" requirement (no passing through non-agreement countries or staying for no more than 12 months during the journey).
AEO Mutual Recognition Convenience: China-Australia AEO enterprises can enjoy conveniences such as priority inspection during customs clearance and reduced document review, which speeds up the release of goods.
Exceptions to Anti-Dumping Duties: Some commodities such as wine have achieved zero tariffs through the free trade agreement, but aluminum profiles and other products are still affected by high duty rates. Enterprises need to check the latest duty rates according to specific commodities to avoid miscalculating costs.
III. Safety Certification and Compliance Standards
Electrical Products SAA Certification: Electrical appliances entering Australia need to pass SAA certification, and the mandatory certification scope includes 62 types of products (such as lamps and household appliances). For certification, sample testing, English instructions, and certificates of key components need to be submitted. Products without certification may be detained.
Food FSANZ Certification: Food imports must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including:
Label Compliance: Mandatory labeling of country of origin, nutritional components (in the format of per 100g/100mL), allergens (such as peanuts, gluten), etc. Starting from 2025, the labeling threshold for genetically modified foods will be reduced from 1% to 0.9%, so special attention should be paid to ingredient updates.
Risk Assessment: Provide ingredient analysis reports and production process descriptions, and pass the risk assessment of microorganisms, chemical pollutants, etc. by FSANZ, with a cycle of about 60 working days.
IV. Export Control and Packaging Requirements
China Export License: According to the "Catalogue of Goods Subject to Export License Administration (2025)", 43 categories of commodities such as rare earths, tungsten products, and motorcycles need to apply for export licenses. For example, for the export of aluminum profiles, attention should be paid to whether they are within the controlled scope to avoid customs declaration without a license.
Packaging and Dangerous Goods Rules
Regular Packaging: Fragile items need shockproof treatment, liquid goods must be tightly sealed, and large goods may require customized packaging.
Dangerous Goods: Must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), mark UN numbers and hazard categories, and provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
V. Intellectual Property and Special Trade Strategies
Intellectual Property Protection: Australian Customs has zero tolerance for counterfeit or pirated products. Goods involving trademark or patent infringement will be confiscated. The legality of the intellectual property rights of products should be confirmed before export.
Compliance of Transshipment Trade: For commodities affected by "double anti" measures (such as aluminum profiles), attention should be paid when transshipping through a third country:
Goods Circulation: Transport to the transshipment country (such as Malaysia) in the first leg, and export as a new origin in the second leg, ensuring that documents are consistent with the goods.
Risk Tips: Choose compliant transshipment countries to avoid legal disputes due to origin fraud.
VI. Other Notes
Transportation Timeframe Planning: For sea freight, time should be reserved for port congestion (such as November each year) and strike risks; for air freight, the cost and time efficiency should be balanced. For urgent goods such as fresh products, it is recommended to choose charter flights or priority .
Policy Dynamic Tracking: Subscribe to official channels such as the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and the Ministry of Commerce of China to timely obtain information on quarantine and tariff adjustments. For example, the Trogoderma granarium treatment measures will take effect on May 28, 2025, and enterprises need to adjust their processes during the transition period.
The regulations and policies for China-Australia freight are complex and dynamically changing. It is recommended that enterprises establish an inter-departmental collaboration mechanism, combine professional freight forwarders and legal consultants, and formulate personalized compliance plans to ensure smooth trade.
