Importing guide
A practical guide to importing into Australia
Whether it’s your first shipment or your hundredth, the process involves more moving parts than most businesses expect. Tariff classifications, biosecurity requirements, permits, documentation — there’s a lot to get right before your goods arrive. This guide covers the key stages and what to have in order at each one.
How the import process works
01
Pre-purchase
Confirm product specs, qualify your supplier and research any import conditions before placing an order.
02
Booking & Shipment
Finalise payment, book your freight and ensure commercial documents are in order before goods leave origin.
03
Customs Clearance
Your customs broker lodges the import declaration, pays applicable duty and GST, and clears the goods with ABF.
04
Biosecurity
Certain goods require DAFF inspection or treatment before release. Your broker manages this on your behalf.
05
Delivery
Goods are released from port and delivered to your warehouse, site or direct to customers.
Importing Checklist
Work through each phase in order. What you do before placing an order has a significant impact on what happens at the border.
What your customs broker handles
A licensed customs broker’s job is to know Australian import regulations and act on your behalf at every stage of the clearance process. Wallace International has 13 licensed customs brokers across four states — all accredited, all experienced.
Your broker manages the complexity so you don’t have to — from correctly classifying your goods to ensuring your documents meet regulatory requirements.
Prepare and lodge import declarations
All required documents submitted to ABF and other relevant authorities.
Classify your goods correctly
Accurate tariff classification minimises duty liability and avoids penalties for misclassification.
Arrange permits and regulatory compliance
From import permits to biosecurity requirements — your broker manages the regulatory side.
Calculate and advise on duty and GST
Including Free Trade Agreement eligibility, concession orders and landed cost estimates.
There's a lot to know about importing into Australia. Hand it to the right team and most of it takes care of itself.
Import services we provide
Freight Forwarding
Sea and air freight coordination across 400+ cities worldwide, managed from origin to arrival.
Customs Clearance
Biosecurity (Quarantine)
Warehousing & Storage
Over 24,600m² nationally — goods received, unpacked, stored and dispatched as part of the same process.
Transport & Delivery
20+ trucks delivering from port to warehouse, site or direct to customers across Australia.
Tariff Concession Orders
Ready to import?
Talk to a customs broker before your first shipment
Getting the right advice before your goods leave origin is far cheaper than fixing problems after they arrive. Our team is available to walk through your requirements, answer questions and make sure your first shipment goes smoothly.