Buying an import business can shortcut years of work, but only if the supply chain is sound. Here's a practical due diligence checklist for Aussie buyers.
Last updated: 21 October 2026
In short: Before you buy an import business in Australia, check four things: who the suppliers really are, whether duty and GST are being paid correctly, how much of the profit depends on one product or one factory, and whether the owner's supplier relationships actually transfer. Skip those checks and you're buying someone else's problems.
Buying beats starting from scratch when you want revenue from day one, proven products and a customer base. The catch: an import business is only as good as its supply chain, and that's usually the hardest part to inspect from a sales memorandum.
Ask for factory names, addresses and contracts. If the owner buys through a trading company or a single Alibaba contact, you may not own the relationship at all. See our guide to verifying a Chinese supplier.
Request import declarations, customs broker records and GST treatment. Wrong tariff classification or undervalued goods can turn into back-payments. Our guides on import duty rates and free trade agreements and dutiable value show what correct looks like.
Check DAFF biosecurity, product safety standards, labelling and any permits. Read what a DAFF import permit is first.
If one SKU or one customer drives most of the profit, price the business accordingly. Margin on paper can vanish if that factory raises prices or stops answering emails.
| Area | Ask for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Suppliers | Contracts, factory audits, 12 months of POs | One contact holds everything |
| Landed cost | Freight, duty, GST per SKU | Margins quoted ex-freight |
| Quality | QC reports, returns data | High return rate, no inspections |
| Inventory | Stock count, ageing | Slow-moving stock valued at cost |
| Compliance | Customs and biosecurity records | Missing paperwork |
Say a Sydney homewares importer turns over $800,000 a year at a 40% gross margin, with 70% of sales from one factory. The owner leaves, the factory only speaks to him, and pricing jumps 12%. On a 40% margin, that can shave several points off profit overnight. A sourcing partner can re-verify the factory, source a backup, and rebuild the relationship.
Sometimes. If you're unsure, read how to become an importer in Australia and our first-time importer guide. Many buyers do both: buy the customers, then rebuild the supply chain properly.
There's no single import licence for most goods, but specific products need permits, and you'll need an ABN and customs registration. Check the product range.
Usually a multiple of earnings, adjusted for supplier risk and stock quality. Take advice from an accountant or business broker.
Often, but get introductions in writing and verify each factory yourself.
Re-quote the range with a sourcing agent. Epic clients save an average of 77%.
Yes, a quick review of past declarations can flag classification or valuation issues.
We've sourced over 20,000 products for 300+ happy clients, with bilingual teams in China and Vietnam. We can audit the factories behind a business you're eyeing, benchmark pricing, and set up backup suppliers. Get in touch, see our reverse sourcing service, or read about warehousing and 3PL. Also see our Adelaide sourcing agent guide and the Trusted Trader explainer.
