First-Time Importers
Your first shipment, with practical guidance.
Furniture purchases, personal moves and commercial imports each need careful preparation. We help you understand the process, gather information and communicate with suppliers.
Before buying
Share product descriptions, materials, supplier location and intended use. Confirm import conditions and any commodity-specific questions with the appointed broker or relevant specialist before committing.
Before dispatch
Gather invoices, packing lists, quantities, dimensions and accurate gross weights. Tell us about timber packaging, treatment documents and cargo ready dates. We help identify missing or inconsistent information.
Plan the whole cost
Compare FCL and LCL for your cargo. Ask for transparent charges, including freight, clearance coordination, possible duties and GST, treatment or inspection, storage and delivery. Confirm any free China warehouse conditions.
Plan your delivery
Choose warehouse self-pickup or delivery. For a home address, send road and property access photos and confirm unloading needs. Furniture installation and packaging clean-up can be agreed in advance.
Prepare before sailing.
Plan beyond the port.
Good preparation in China makes delivery in Australia easier. We keep your suppliers, customs broker, warehouse and delivery team connected.
Discuss your cargo ↗- Biosecurity treatment checksReview cargo materials, timber packaging and treatment documentation against the applicable requirements. Any required treatment must be arranged through an acceptable provider.
- First-time importer supportWalk through the shipment stages, documents, likely cost categories and responsibilities, with practical help gathering information from your factory.
- Import GST guidanceEligible GST-registered importers may be able to claim a credit for import GST on goods imported for a creditable business purpose. Private or domestic imports generally do not qualify. Keep import records and confirm your entitlement and claim amount with your accountant or tax adviser.
- Delivery access before arrivalCheck the delivery postcode, road and site access, unloading equipment and whether a container or smaller vehicle is appropriate.
Customs and biosecurity authorities may require inspections or treatment, which can affect costs and timing. Your accountant can advise on import GST credits.
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.
Your quote clearly lists what is included and excluded. Any additional services or costs are explained and agreed with you before we proceed.
What should I send for a quote?
Send the cargo description and materials, pickup city, destination postcode, quantity, dimensions, gross weight, ready date and available invoice and packing list. Let us know about timber packaging, residential access and any installation needs.
What costs should I confirm?
Ask for an itemised scope covering the agreed freight, handling, broker and coordination services, storage, delivery and installation. Confirm how duties, GST, inspection, treatment, port charges, demurrage and detention are handled, and which charges are excluded or payable if incurred.
Is the China loading warehouse always free?
Free use is subject to applicable conditions and the agreed shipment scope. Confirm eligibility, the included storage period, receiving and loading arrangements, and any handling, extended storage or other charges before sending goods.
Can you help with my first import?
Yes. We can help you gather shipment information, communicate with suppliers and understand the steps. Commodity-specific advice and customs declarations are coordinated with the relevant licensed broker or specialist.