The customs clearance process for the China-Australia Sea Freight Dedicated Line relies on the professional services of dedicated line logistics providers, covering the entire chain of export customs clearance in China and import customs clearance in Australia. The process is standardized and convenient, as detailed below:
1.Export Customs Clearance in China (Domestic Segment)
Preparations: After the goods are collected in domestic warehouses, the dedicated line logistics provider will assist customers in sorting out the documents required for export customs declaration, including commercial invoices, packing lists, foreign trade contracts, export licenses (for controlled goods), etc., to ensure that the documents meet the requirements of Chinese customs.
Submission of Declaration: The logistics provider submits electronic customs declaration data to the Chinese customs system through a customs broker, and simultaneously uploads goods information (such as product name, quantity, weight, HS code) and relevant documents to complete the formal declaration.
Customs Inspection and Release: Chinese customs reviews the declared information. If inspection is required (the inspection rate for ordinary goods is low, and even lower for AEO-certified enterprises), the logistics provider will cooperate to complete the goods inspection. After the review is passed, the customs issues the "Export Goods Declaration Form", and the goods are released and can be arranged for shipment.
2.Import Customs Clearance in Australia (Destination Country Segment)
Advance Pre-inspection: Before the goods arrive at the port, the dedicated line logistics provider (or cooperating local Australian customs broker) will sort out the documents required for import customs clearance in advance, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (if eligible for tariff preferences under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement), import declarations (such as Australia's Import Declaration), etc. For some special goods (such as food, medical devices), additional inspection and quarantine certificates are required.
Submission of Import Declaration: After the goods arrive at the Australian port, the customs broker submits the import declaration to the Australian Border Force (ABF), and simultaneously declares information such as the value of the goods, tariff categories, and compliance with prohibited and restricted goods rules.
Customs Inspection and Examination: ABF reviews the declared information and may conduct random inspections of the goods (the inspection rate for enterprises with AEO mutual recognition can be reduced by 30%-50%), mainly verifying whether the goods are consistent with the declaration and whether they contain prohibited or restricted items.
Tax Handling: In the case of "double customs clearance and tax-inclusive" services, the logistics provider will calculate and pay import duties, GST (Goods and Services Tax) and other taxes on behalf of customers, avoiding the hassle of customers handling it themselves; in the non-tax-inclusive mode, customers will be notified to complete the tax payment.
Customs Clearance and Release: After the review is passed and taxes are settled, ABF issues a release notice. The goods are picked up from the port and enter the local delivery link in Australia (cooperating with logistics providers such as TOLL and Startrack or the dedicated line's self-built network).
Core Characteristics of the Process
Full-chain Arrangement: Dedicated line logistics providers integrate customs clearance resources of both countries, so customers do not need to contact customs by themselves. The entire process is handled by a professional team, reducing operational barriers.
Policy Adaptability: Relying on familiarity with China-Australia rules on prohibited and restricted items and tariff policies (such as preferences under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement), potential document errors or compliance risks are avoided in advance, improving customs clearance efficiency (ordinary goods are usually cleared within 1-3 days).
AEO Convenience: High-quality cooperating logistics enterprises can enjoy low inspection rates and priority customs clearance through the China-Australia AEO mutual recognition mechanism, further shortening the customs clearance cycle.
