Everything Perth importers need to know about customs brokers: what they do, typical AUD costs, how to choose a licensed broker and how to avoid delays at Fremantle Port when importing from China and Vietnam.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
In short: A customs broker in Perth lodges your import declaration with Australian Border Force, calculates duty and GST, and clears your goods through Fremantle Port. Expect to pay roughly $150 to $400 per consignment for brokerage plus government charges, and use a licensed broker who understands DAFF biosecurity rules for your product type.
A customs broker is a licensed professional who clears your goods through the border on your behalf. They lodge the import declaration, confirm the tariff classification, and calculate duty and GST. They also handle the paperwork that keeps your container moving.
For Perth businesses, most sea freight from China and Vietnam arrives through Fremantle Port. A good broker will coordinate with your freight forwarder, the shipping line and the cartage company, so your goods reach your Welshpool, Malaga or Kewdale warehouse without surprise delays.
Legally, no. You can self-lodge with an Integrated Cargo System (ICS) account. In practice, almost every small business uses a broker. Mistakes in classification, valuation or origin claims can lead to penalties and held cargo, and the learning curve is steep for a first shipment.
If you only import once or twice a year, a broker is the cheaper option. If you ship every month, you can still use a broker and negotiate a flat rate.
Fees vary by broker and shipment complexity. Use the table below as a rough guide only, and always get a written quote.
| Cost item | Typical range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Broker clearance fee per consignment | $150 to $400 |
| Government import declaration charge | Varies by value |
| Port and terminal handling | $300 to $900 |
| DAFF inspection or treatment (if required) | $100 to $600+ |
| Cartage Fremantle to metro warehouse | $250 to $600 |
These are estimates, not quotes. Costs change with container size, product type and volume.
Look for these signs before you sign anything:
Three things trip up Perth importers. Wrong HS codes lead to the wrong duty rate. Missing biosecurity documents, such as timber declarations, hold cargo at the wharf. And unclear Incoterms leave you paying for charges you did not expect.
Our Perth freight forwarder guide explains how the shipping side lines up with your broker. For the cost side, read how to calculate import duty.
Your broker is one link in the chain. Before them comes sourcing, factory checks and quality control. After them comes delivery and, sometimes, storage. If you want one team coordinating the whole thing, see our warehousing and 3PL service, or our first-time import guide.
It is not legally required, but most importers use one. A broker prevents costly classification and paperwork errors and speeds up clearance at Fremantle.
Brokerage is typically $150 to $400 per consignment. Port, DAFF and cartage charges are extra, so ask for a full itemised quote.
Most sea freight arrives at Fremantle Port. Air freight lands at Perth Airport.
Clean, well-documented shipments often clear within one to three business days. Biosecurity inspections or missing documents can add days.
Yes. We connect clients with trusted brokers and freight forwarders, and manage the process from factory to your door.
We take the stress out of clearing goods into Western Australia. Our team handles supplier checks in China and Vietnam, quality control, and coordination with trusted Perth brokers, so your container lands on time. See our importing from China to Australia service. Epic Sourcing has sourced 20,000+ products for 300+ happy clients, with bilingual teams on the ground in China and Vietnam and offices in 5 countries. Our clients save about 77% on average versus doing it alone. Give us a bell and book a discovery call, or see our pricing.
