Welcome to Importing!
Importing from China can be highly profitable, but it requires knowledge and preparation. This guide will walk you through every step of your first import.
Is Importing Right for You?
Good Candidates for Importing:
- •✅ E-commerce entrepreneurs
- •✅ Retail businesses
- •✅ Manufacturers needing components
- •✅ Product developers
- •✅ Wholesale distributors
Before You Start, Consider:
- •Do you have products to import?
- •Can you invest in inventory?
- •Do you have storage/distribution?
- •Are you prepared for the learning curve?
Step 1: Product Research
Finding Profitable Products
- Identify market gaps
- Analyze competition
- Calculate landed costs
- Consider logistics
- Check import restrictions
Use Our Tools:
- •Shipping Calculator - Estimate freight costs
- •Landed Cost Calculator - Total cost analysis
- •Customs Duty Calculator - Duty estimates
Step 2: Find Suppliers
Where to Search
- •Alibaba.com - Largest platform
- •Made-in-China.com - Strong options
- •Trade shows - Meet suppliers in person
- •Wharvex network - Verified suppliers
Supplier Checklist
☑️ Business license verified
☑️ 5+ years in operation
☑️ Export experience
☑️ Clear communication
☑️ Willing to provide samples
Read our full Supplier Finding Guide.
Step 3: Request Samples
Never skip this step!
- •Request 2-3 samples minimum
- •Test quality thoroughly
- •Check packaging
- •Verify specifications
- •Compare between suppliers
Sample costs: Usually $20-$200 + express shipping
Step 4: Place Your Order
Order Considerations
- •MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Start small if possible
- •Payment Terms: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment (typical)
- •Lead Time: Usually 15-45 days production
- •Incoterms: FOB or EXW for new importers
Payment Methods
- •T/T (Bank Transfer): Most common
- •Letter of Credit: For large orders
- •PayPal/Trade Assurance: More protection
Step 5: Arrange Shipping
Shipping Options
| Method | Best For | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL | Large orders (15+ CBM) | 20-30 days | Lowest |
| Sea LCL | Smaller orders (<15 CBM) | 25-35 days | Low |
| Air Freight | Urgent/valuable goods | 8-12 days | Medium |
| Express | Samples/small parcels | 3-7 days | Highest |
What You'll Need
- •Commercial invoice
- •Packing list
- •Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- •Certificate of origin (if applicable)
Request a Shipping Quote from Wharvex.
Step 6: Customs Clearance
Key Requirements
- ABN (Australian Business Number) - Required for import
- Customs Broker - For shipments over $1,000
- Duty and GST Payment - Calculated on CIF value
- Compliance - Meet Australian standards
Typical Costs
- •Customs Duty: 0-5% (most goods)
- •GST: 10% on (CIF + duty)
- •Broker Fee: $80-$200 per shipment
Read our Customs Clearance Guide.
Step 7: Receive Your Goods
Delivery Options
- •Port Pickup: Collect from port yourself
- •Door Delivery: Delivered to your address
- •Warehouse: Delivered to storage facility
Upon Arrival
- Inspect goods immediately
- Check quantities match
- Document any damage
- Test product quality
- Raise issues within 48 hours
Common First-Timer Mistakes
❌ Ordering Too Much
Start with smaller quantities to test the market.
❌ Skipping Samples
Always test before bulk orders.
❌ Choosing Cheapest Option
Balance price with quality and reliability.
❌ Ignoring Customs Compliance
Ensure products meet Australian standards.
❌ Poor Documentation
Keep all records for 5+ years.
❌ No Backup Supplier
Have alternatives ready.
Your First Import Checklist
Preparation:
☐Research product and market
☐Set budget (products + shipping + duties)
☐Get ABN if you don't have one
☐Understand import regulations
Supplier:
☐Find and verify suppliers
☐Request and test samples
☐Negotiate terms and pricing
☐Place order with clear specifications
Shipping:
☐Choose shipping method
☐Book freight forwarder
☐Prepare documentation
☐Arrange insurance (if needed)
Arrival:
☐Clear customs
☐Arrange delivery
☐Inspect goods
☐Store/distribute products
Timeline: First Import
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Product research | 1-4 weeks |
| Supplier search | 1-2 weeks |
| Sample ordering | 1-2 weeks |
| Negotiation | 1 week |
| Production | 2-6 weeks |
| Shipping (sea) | 3-4 weeks |
| Customs clearance | 3-5 days |
| Total | 10-18 weeks |
Start Your Import Journey
Wharvex is here to help first-time importers succeed:
- •Free consultation - Discuss your project
- •Supplier sourcing - Access verified suppliers
- •Shipping quotes - Competitive rates
- •Customs support - Full clearance services
You don't have to figure it out alone!
Contact Us | Request a Quote | Use Our Calculators
How Wharvex Helps
New importers lean on Wharvex for:
- •Step-by-step onboarding, ABN/GST setup guidance, and compliance templates
- •Calculator walkthroughs plus tailored freight/cost forecasts
- •A dedicated success manager covering sourcing through final mile