A practical 2026 guide for Melbourne importers on choosing a customs broker for China imports: what they do, what they cost, how duty and GST are calculated and how to avoid delays at the Port of Melbourne.
Last updated: 8 October 2026
In short: A Melbourne customs broker lodges your import declaration with the Australian Border Force, calculates duty and GST, and coordinates biosecurity and delivery. For most China imports, you pay broker and processing fees on top of 5% general duty (where it applies) and 10% GST. A good broker saves more in avoided delays than they cost.
A customs broker is a licensed professional who clears your goods through the Australian Border Force on your behalf. They lodge the import declaration, classify your products under the tariff, work out duty and GST, and liaise with your freight forwarder and DAFF.
If you are new to the role, start with what a customs broker does. Sydney and Brisbane importers can also read our Sydney and Brisbane guides.
Not legally for every shipment, but in practice most businesses use one. Commercial sea freight needs a correctly classified, valued declaration, and mistakes lead to holds, penalties or overpaid duty. Goods valued under A$1,000 can often be cleared more simply, though biosecurity and prohibited items rules still apply.
Fees vary by broker and shipment complexity. Expect a clearance fee per declaration plus government charges and any terminal or inspection costs. Indicative figures:
| Cost item | Indicative amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Broker clearance fee | $100 to $250 per entry |
| ABF import processing charge | Roughly $50 to $100 per declaration |
| Biosecurity inspection or treatment | Only if directed; quoted separately |
| Customs duty | Commonly 0% to 5% of customs value |
| GST | 10% of value for GST purposes |
Confirm current figures with your broker, as charges change. Work through the maths with how to calculate dutiable value and import duty.
Here is a worked example. Say you import goods with a customs value of $10,000, and duty is 5%.
Duty is $10,000 x 5% = $500. GST is charged on the value of taxable importation: customs value plus duty plus international freight and insurance. If freight and insurance are $1,500, GST is ($10,000 + $500 + $1,500) x 10% = $1,200. Total taxes at the border are $1,700, before broker and handling fees.
Many importers can claim the GST back as an input tax credit, but check with your accountant.
Get paperwork right before the vessel arrives. Delays usually come from wrong tariff codes, undervalued invoices, missing packing declarations for timber, or biosecurity holds.
Provide a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading early. Ask your supplier to follow ISPM 15 for wooden pallets. Pair your broker with a reliable forwarder; see freight forwarders in Melbourne and the freight forwarder explainer.
Look for a licensed customs broker with experience in your product category, clear fixed-fee quotes, and fast communication. Ask who handles tariff classification and what happens if the ABF queries a declaration.
For the bigger picture, read the complete guide to customs clearance and our Melbourne importing guide.
No. A forwarder moves your goods; a broker clears them with customs. Many companies offer both, but the roles are separate.
Straightforward sea cargo can clear within one to three business days of arrival. Inspections or document queries can add days or weeks.
Many goods attract 5% general duty, while some are duty free and a few are higher. Under ChAFTA, preferential rates may apply if you hold a valid certificate of origin.
Yes, if you have an ABN and a customs client number, but the system is complex. Most SMEs find a broker cheaper than a costly mistake.
The importer pays it at the border, although registered businesses can usually claim it back as a credit.
Epic Sourcing manages supplier selection, quality checks, freight and clearance coordination for Australian importers, backed by bilingual teams in China and Vietnam and a record of 20,000+ products sourced. We work with trusted brokers so your goods land on time and on budget. Give us a bell and book a discovery call.
Developing your own product? See product development services for Australian businesses, or learn what a wholesale supplier is.
