Home / Import costs

Importing from China to Australia: costs to check before ordering

When importing goods from China to Australia, the supplier's unit price is only one part of the total cost. Before paying a deposit, check which charges the quotation includes and which costs may arise later.

What can make up the total import cost?

• Supplier charges: unit price, minimum order quantity (MOQ), packaging, tooling and samples
• Origin charges: export handling and inland movement where not included in the agreed terms
• International transport: freight and insurance, depending on the quotation and Incoterm
• Australian arrival charges: terminal, handling, customs broker and local delivery costs as applicable
• Import taxes and duties: any applicable customs duty, GST and other charges based on the actual product, value, origin and import circumstances

Rates and concessions depend on the goods and transaction. Confirm current tax, duty, classification and regulatory requirements with the Australian Border Force, Australian Taxation Office or a qualified customs broker.

Why EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP quotes are not directly comparable

Different Incoterms allocate costs, risks and responsibilities differently. An FOB supplier price and a DDP price cannot be compared fairly without checking the named place, what is included and what happens at destination. Ask for a written breakdown before assuming that a quote covers delivery to your door.

Example of a landed-cost worksheet

Start with the goods price, then add costs not already included: origin handling, freight, insurance, destination handling, customs clearance, any applicable duty and taxes, and inland delivery. Avoid counting a charge twice when the supplier's Incoterm price already includes it.

Five questions to ask a Chinese supplier

1. Which Incoterm and named port or place does this quote use?
2. Are packaging, export documentation and origin charges included?
3. Does the freight price include destination fees and delivery in Australia?
4. What deposit and balance-payment milestones apply?
5. Can you issue a proforma invoice showing the full specification, quantities and inclusions?

Also see our Alibaba supplier quote checklist.