Shipping from China to Australia
Importing from China to Australia
China is Australia’s biggest source of imported goods, and one of the routes we handle most. Fastrak Logistics manages your freight from Chinese factories, ports and airports to Sydney and anywhere in Australia, with customs clearance and delivery handled by the same team.
Whether you’re bringing in your first LCL shipment or running regular full containers, we’ll help you choose the right service, get the paperwork right with your supplier, and keep you updated until your goods arrive.
We ship from all major Chinese gateways, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou and Xiamen.
Sea Freight from China
- FCL (full container): a 20ft or 40ft container for your goods only. Best value once your shipment reaches roughly 13 to 15 cubic metres.
- LCL (shared container): pay only for the space you use, ideal for smaller orders.
- Supplier consolidation: combine goods from several Chinese suppliers into one shipment.
See our sea freight service for more on FCL and LCL.
Air Freight from China
For urgent, small or high-value shipments, air freight gets your goods to Australia in days rather than weeks. We can arrange airport-to-airport or door-to-door service, with customs clearance on arrival.
How Importing from China Works
- Quote: send us your supplier’s location, cargo volume (CBM), weight and Incoterms.
- Booking: we book space and coordinate pickup with your supplier.
- Origin: our agents collect, consolidate if needed, and handle export clearance in China.
- Documents: we check your invoice, packing list and certificate of origin before the goods arrive.
- Customs and biosecurity: clearance is arranged through our licensed customs broker partners.
- Delivery: to your door, or into storage until you need it.
Documents You’ll Need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- ChAFTA certificate of origin, to claim free trade agreement duty rates
- Packing declaration for FCL and FCX containers
- Treatment certificates or ISPM 15 marks for any timber packaging
Save on Duty with ChAFTA
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement means many goods made in China can enter Australia at a reduced or zero rate of customs duty. To claim it, you need a ChAFTA certificate of origin issued in China by an authorised body, such as China Customs or the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
A certificate covers a single shipment and is valid for up to 12 months. Ask your supplier to arrange it before the goods are shipped, and send it to us with your other documents. GST of 10% generally still applies.
Asbestos: A Key Risk
Importing goods that contain asbestos is prohibited in Australia, and the Australian Border Force targets higher-risk products such as building materials, stone benchtops and tiles, and vehicle parts.
As the importer, you’re responsible for making sure your goods are asbestos-free before they ship. A supplier’s “asbestos-free” label or overseas certificate isn’t enough on its own; you may need evidence such as test reports from an accredited laboratory. Goods suspected of containing asbestos can be held for testing at the importer’s cost.
Learn more from the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.
Shipping from China FAQs
How long does shipping from China to Australia take?
Sea freight from major ports such as Shenzhen and Shanghai to Sydney usually takes around two to three weeks port to port, depending on the shipping line and route. LCL shipments need extra time for consolidation at origin and unpacking in Australia. Air freight usually takes a few days. We confirm the expected transit time with your quote.
Is it cheaper to ship from China by sea or air?
Sea freight is far cheaper for most shipments, especially heavy or bulky goods. Air freight suits small, urgent or high-value consignments. Tell us your volume, weight and deadline and we can quote both.
Do I pay import duty on goods from China?
Under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), many goods made in China can enter Australia at a reduced or zero rate of duty if you have a valid ChAFTA certificate of origin. GST of 10% generally still applies. We can check the position for your goods before you ship.
Can you collect from my supplier in China?
Yes. Our agents in China can collect from your supplier’s factory or warehouse, consolidate goods from several suppliers into one shipment, and arrange export clearance at origin, depending on your Incoterms.
What should I check before ordering from a new Chinese supplier?
Agree the Incoterms, ask how the goods will be packed (timber packaging must meet Australian biosecurity rules), confirm they can supply a ChAFTA certificate of origin, and for higher-risk products ask for evidence that the goods are asbestos-free. Talk to us before you place the order and we’ll help you get it right.
Get a Quote for Shipping from China
Tell us where your supplier is and what you’re shipping, and we’ll come back with a competitive sea or air freight quote. Call 1300 816 433.
