How do I find a supplier?
There are many possible ways. Chambers of Commerce and Industry can assist in establishing contact with foreign suppliers. Large Chambers have extensive trade libraries that hold or have access to directories and catalogues, both in hard copy and electronic formats. Other sources of assistance are public libraries, foreign consulates and trade offices, shipping agents and banks. Visiting trade fairs, particularly abroad, can also be a very effective way of meeting suppliers. The Internet is rapidly becoming a primary avenue for identifying potential suppliers. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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What is an ATA Carnet and how can I obtain one?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document issued by Chambers of Commerce in over 60 countries. An ATA Carnet facilitates the temporary duty free admission of goods by eliminating the difficulties encountered in completing a customs declaration at the time of importation into each country, and in providing adequate, on-the-spot security for the payment of any customs duties and other taxes chargeable should the goods not subsequently be re-exported.
The issuing Chamber becomes guarantor for the goods under the Carnet. In effect, the Carnet acts as a passport for your goods as they transit customs boundaries out of Australia, into and out of overseas countries, and back into Australia.
For further information click here or contact trade@cciwa.com
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What documentation is required to import goods into Australia?
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Commercial Invoice: no special form
- Packing List: no special requirement but will facilitate clearance of goods.
- Certificate of Origin: no official requirement but may be requested by the importer
- Insurance Certificate: no special requirements.
Note: The Customs Act 1901 requires importers to retain commercial documents relating to a transaction for five years from the date of entry. These may be required by Customs for audit purposes. For further information click here or e-mail trade@cciwa.com
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How do I find out what the duty rate is for importing goods into Australia?
The Australian Customs Service can assist you with duty rates. Contact the Customs Information Centre on Tel: 1300 363 263. Alternatively, you could contact any Customs Broker. To locate a Customs Broker in Western Australia please visit CCI busines Finder.
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Where can I find contact lists of potential buyers?
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI) has an extensive trade library and electronic resources including market information and business directories for most countries. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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Do I have to pay Goods and Services Tax on imported goods?
Imported goods may be subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and, if so, the tax will be payable at the time of importation. A Deferred GST Scheme provides for GST to be deferred until the first Business Activity Statement is due after the goods are entered for home consumption. Importers must apply for approval from the Australian Taxation Office to defer payment of GST. For advice about GST liability and rates applicable, contact the GST Help Line on Tel: 13 28 66.
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What is the safest terms of payment used in exporting?
There are several different methods of payment used by exporters and importers. The safest for the exporter is prepayment, but your buyer is unlikely to agree to such terms. The preferred method when dealing with a new customer involves a documentary letter of credit through the banking system. Other methods include sight and term drafts (documentary collection) and open account. Exporters trading under these terms should consider obtaining export credit insurance against the risk of non-payment. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia conducts training courses on Trade Documentation, Documentary Credits and Getting Paid for your Exports. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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Where can I obtain a Certificate of Origin?
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia is authorised to issue documentary evidence of origin for the export of goods from Australia.
For further information click here or contact documentation@cciwa.com
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Do I have to register a business to import into Australia?
No. Sole proprietors and partnerships, whether trading in their own name/s or under a registered business name are legally able to engage in importing goods into Australia.
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How do I import? What are the basic steps?
- Obtain a catalogue and/or sample for the supplier together with an FOB (of FCA) price and, if you wish, a CFR (CPT) or CIF (CIP) price.
- Contact the Australian Customs Service, or a customs broker, for a classification opinion, import duty rates, tariff concessions and quarantine requirements.
- Obtain a freight rate from a freight forwarder, shipping company or airline (unless freight is included in supplier’s quoted price).
- Obtain an insurance rate direct from a marine cargo insurance company or through your freight forwarder (unless you have been quoted a CIF or CIP price).
- See the international division of your bank to discuss finance and payment options and their respective costs.
- Prepare a landed cost analysis being sure to include all costs. Your customs broker will do this for you is you wish.
- Are there any special requirements? Eg food, industrial chemicals, electrical appliances, telecommunications customer equipment, therapeutic goods, weapons are subject to special regulations. Labelling and marking on packages and products is also subject to commerce trade description regulation.
- Is it commercially viable? Place an order with your supplier and request written confirmation of the supplier’s receipt and acceptance of the order.
- Advise your customs broker of the shipping details as advised by your supplier
- Your bank will advise you when the documents arrive if payment involves a Documentary Credit or Collection (if not, you will receive the documents direct from your supplier). Ensure the documents (commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill etc) are in good order before you accept them.
- When the goods arrive, arrange for your customs broker to clear them through Customs and Quarantine. You will need to provide them with the necessary documents and delivery instructions.
- Take delivery and examine the consignment immediately for insurance purposes. Give a clean receipt for the goods only once your are satisfied as to quantity, quality and condition. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducts training courses on importing procedures.
For further information click here or e-mail trade@cciwa.com
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Is a customs import entry required for all imported goods into Australia?
A customs import entry must be lodged for goods imported by sea or air valued above A$1000 per consignment.
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Do I need a licence to import goods into Australia?
There is no requirement for companies or individuals to hold an import licence. However, a permit may be required for certain goods to facilitate customs clearance eg drugs, animals, firearms, motor vehicles.
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What documentation do I need to export to a specific country?
In addition to a Commercial Invoice and a Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill or Air Waybill, some countries require documents such as a Certificate of Origin, Health Certificate, Halal Certificate, Certificate of Free Sale etc. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) can advise the required documents for specific countries. CCI also conducts training courses on trade documentation. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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Do I have to pay Goods and Services Tax on goods I export?
No. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not chargeable on exports and a full input tax credit is claimable by the supplier for the business inputs in producing the goods.
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How do I lodge an export declaration?
The majority of export declarations are lodged with Customs electronically. Before exporters can lodge an export declaration with Customs they must be registered as a client in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) and issued with a client reference number. An alternative option for lodging export declarations is in a documentary (paper) form at Customs counters or authorised Australia Post offices (lodgement via fax or mail is not permitted). Your customs broker or an online service bureau can lodge an entry for you. Contact details are available from trade@cciwa.com
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Are any goods exempt from lodgement of an export declaration?
Yes. These include, in general terms, passengers’ personal effects; consignments with a value of less than A$2000; goods temporarily imported under section 162A of the Customs Act 1901; Australia Post or diplomatic bags of mail; Australian aircraft and vessel spares and military goods of any value that are the property of the Australian Government, for use overseas by the Australian Defence Force.
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How is Goods and Services tax calculated on imported goods?
There is one rate of GST payable of 10%. GST payable on imported goods is calculated as 10% of (duty paid customs value plus cost of transport and insurance to Australia) in accordance with GST legislation. Import Duty is calculated on FOB value of the goods.
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What are Incoterms?
Incoterms are internationally accepted rules, formulated by the International Chamber of Commerce, for the interpretation of 13 trade terms used in international merchandise trade. Incoterms define the division of costs, risks and responsibilities between seller and buer in respect of the transport of the goods from seller to buyer. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia conducts training courses on Incoterms. Copies of Incoterms 2000 are available for purchase from the International Trade Centre. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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How can I ensure full delivery of goods I have ordered and paid for?
The only way you can be sure you receive exactly what you have ordered is to have your agent (if you have one) or some trusted third party inspect the goods as they are packed and sealed into the container by the supplier prior to dispatch. You could specify in the Letter of Credit that the supplier must arrange for a pre shipment inspection to be undertaken by a reputable inspection and testing organisation and that a pre-shipment inspection “Clean Report of Findings” be provided to you along with the other shipping and commercial documents.
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How do I find out if a supplier is genuine and reliable?
There are various ways to get further information on suppliers. A credit check can be undertaken through a credit reference agency, a reference can be sought from the official trade promotion organisation for the supplier’s country, or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry could request information on the supplier from its counterpart Chamber in the supplier’s location. For further information contact trade@cciwa.com
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What types of businesses does EFIC assist?
EFIC supports Australian businesses, small and large, which are exporting capital goods and services or investing overseas.
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Who is EFIC?
The Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) is Australia's official credit agency. EFIC is 100% self funded, providing financial and insurance services to Australian companies exporting and investing overseas.
As an agency of the Australian Government, EFIC is committed to supporting small, medium and large Australian companies expand overseas through financing export opportunities or international projects which meet our criteria for the minimum amount of Australian content.
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How does EFIC help exporters and overseas investors?
- provides a range of financial services, including direct credit, finance guarantees, insurance and bonding facilities
- tailors financial packages to the individual needs of customers
- offers flexible and competitive terms
- draws on over 50 years of expertise in working on complex financial transactions, often in riskier or more difficult markets
- leverages its alliances with Australian and international partners to find the best financing or insurance solution for Australian exporters.
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How does a company qualify for EFIC support?
Before offering its services, EFIC carefully assesses a transaction, including the capacity of all parties to fulfil their obligations, the level of Australian content in an exported good or service and the benefit to Australia.
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Where does EFIC sit in Government?
The Federal Minister for Trade is responsible for EFIC. EFIC is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. EFIC's activities are overseen by a Board made up of representatives from both the private and public sectors.
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How secure is EFIC financing?
EFIC's Government-backed triple-A rating provides secure financing to support the growth of Australian businesses internationally.
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Does EFIC compete with the commercial market?
EFIC does not compete with the commercial market, but collaborates with it to improve the competitiveness of Australian companies.
As Australia's export credit agency, EFIC provides finance and insurance beyond what is available in the commercial market. This means that if an Australian bank or other financial services provider cannot provide support for some or all of a transactions value, EFIC may be able to help, so ensuring the exporters business can continue to grow.
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Do companies have to pay for EFIC's services?
Yes. EFIC’s operating costs are covered by income from client fees and premiums, as well as investment earnings on the reserves underpinning EFIC's business.
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Why does EFIC provide facilities where the commercial market won't?
While commercially oriented, EFIC's key objective is to increase Australian exports. As such we have a different risk appetite.
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