Vietnam is now a serious second source for Sydney importers. This 2026 guide covers shipping routes to Port Botany, AANZFTA duty savings, AUD costs, timelines, DAFF biosecurity and how to verify Vietnamese factories before you pay.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
In short: Importing from Vietnam to Sydney is straightforward once you know the route. Goods ship from Ho Chi Minh City or Hai Phong to Port Botany in roughly 2 to 3 weeks by sea, and many products qualify for reduced or zero duty under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) with the right paperwork. Verify the factory, confirm the origin certificate and book a customs broker early.
Sydney importers are quietly shifting part of their orders out of China, and Vietnam is where many of them land. Here is how to do it properly.
Three reasons come up again and again: supply chain risk, tariff exposure and capability. Vietnam is strong in furniture, apparel, footwear, bags, ceramics and coffee. It also gives you a genuine second option if a single-country supply chain gets disrupted. Our Vietnam sourcing guide for importers goes deeper on the China-plus-one logic.
Epic Sourcing has a bilingual team on the ground in Vietnam, so Sydney clients get factory visits, audits and inspections without hopping on a plane.
Most cargo moves by sea from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai or Cai Mep) or Hai Phong to Port Botany. Sea freight is typically 14 to 22 days port to port, with some sailings via Singapore adding a few days. Air freight is available for urgent or high-value goods.
Choose between full container (FCL) and shared container (LCL) based on volume. Our FCL vs LCL guide explains the break-even point, and our Sydney freight forwarder guide helps you pick a partner.
The general rate for most goods is 0% to 5%, and Vietnam-made goods may qualify for preferential rates under AANZFTA if you hold a valid certificate of origin. GST of 10% applies on top of the customs value plus freight and insurance. Always confirm the tariff classification for your specific product. Read what a free trade agreement means for importers for the basics.
Here is an indicative example for 500 units of a furniture accessory at a US$12 FOB price, converted to roughly A$18 per unit.
| Cost item | Example (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Product (500 x A$18 FOB) | A$9,000 |
| Sea freight to Port Botany (LCL, approx.) | A$1,100 to A$1,800 |
| Import duty (0% to 5%) | A$0 to A$500 |
| GST (10%) | A$1,000 to A$1,150 |
| Customs broker and terminal charges | A$450 to A$850 |
| Delivery within Sydney | A$150 to A$400 |
These are estimates only. Rates shift with exchange rates and freight markets, so use our landed cost method with live quotes.
Your broker lodges the import declaration, your goods are assessed by Australian Border Force and, where relevant, inspected by DAFF. Wooden furniture, timber packaging and natural fibre products are the usual flags. See DAFF import permits explained and our Sydney customs broker guide.
Ask for the business registration, export history and certifications, then see the site yourself or through a local team. Run a proper factory audit and approve a golden sample before any production starts. Our team in Vietnam handles this every week.
For many Sydney brands the answer is both: China for breadth and speed, Vietnam for specific categories and risk spreading. See our Sydney China import guide and today's companion piece on China manufacturing for Brisbane businesses to compare the two routes.
Typically 14 to 22 days by sea to Port Botany, plus a few days for customs and delivery.
Not always on unit price, but duty savings under AANZFTA, lower tariff exposure and supply chain diversification can make Vietnam better value overall.
Most goods do not need a licence, but some products need permits or compliance approval. Biosecurity rules apply to timber, plant and food products.
Furniture, rattan and wicker, apparel, footwear, bags, ceramics, coffee and handicrafts are strong categories.
Yes. Epic Sourcing finds and audits factories, negotiates, inspects production and coordinates freight to Sydney.
With 20,000+ products sourced, 300+ happy clients and offices in 5 countries, we make Vietnam simple. Our bilingual team on the ground handles factory selection, quality control and logistics. Explore our reverse sourcing service, see pricing or give us a bell.
