Importing from China to Australia: the import declaration and who lodges it
Australian Border Force requires an Import Declaration for a consignment worth over AUD1,000 cleared into home consumption, with duties, taxes and an import processing charge paid before release. The importer or a licensed customs broker lodges it in the Integrated Cargo System. Cambridge China Bridge runs the China side for Australian buyers and quotes to your port.
For Australian importers buying from Chinese factories: when an import declaration is needed, who lodges it, and how the China side is run.
What Australian Border Force expects of an importer
Australian Border Force says an Import Declaration is needed when a consignment has a combined value over AUD1,000 and is being cleared into home consumption, and that the applicable duties, taxes and charges, including an import processing charge, are paid before the goods are released. Consignments of AUD1,000 or less arriving as air or sea cargo use a Self-Assessed Clearance declaration instead.
The declaration is made by the importer, as owner of the goods, or by a licensed customs broker acting for them, and is submitted in the Integrated Cargo System. ABF encourages first-time or infrequent importers to use a licensed customs broker. Goods that need a permit, or that are referred to the agriculture department for biosecurity, carry further steps at your end.
What happens in China, and who does it
The part that decides whether a container of homewares or furniture arrives right happens before it leaves China: confirming the factory actually makes the goods, fixing the specification and approved sample, checking production, and supervising the loading. Our own staff in China do that work, report to you directly, and record the carton count and seal number at loading.
We quote to your own port in Australia, a Chinese port or ex-works, and your customs broker lodges the declaration at your end. For ranges from several factories we consolidate at one warehouse in China so each container carries a full, checked load.
| Step | Your company or customs broker | Cambridge China Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Factory choice | Approves the factory and sample | Finds, audits and compares factories |
| Quality | Sets the acceptance standard | Runs production and pre-shipment checks |
| Loading and freight | Chooses the delivery term | Supervises loading and quotes to your port |
| Import declaration | Lodges it in the Integrated Cargo System and pays duties and taxes | Supplies the shipping documents |
Who you contract with
Buyers who have had trouble with an agent usually want two things settled in writing: whether the factory invoices them directly or the goods are bought and resold, and whether anyone takes a payment from the supplier. We set out both before the order. Who you contract with explains the two routes, and we take nothing from the supplier side on top of the agreed quote.
For homewares and furniture, the furniture guide and outdoor furniture by the container cover the product side, and the container loading check shows what the loading report contains.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need an import declaration in Australia?
Australian Border Force requires an Import Declaration when a consignment worth over AUD1,000 is cleared into home consumption.
Who lodges an Australian import declaration?
The importer, as owner of the goods, or a licensed customs broker acting for them, in the Integrated Cargo System. ABF encourages first-time importers to use a broker.
Can a UK sourcing company ship to Sydney?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge runs the China side and quotes to your Australian port; your customs broker handles the entry.