Last updated: 28 October 2026

To improve your Australian import supply chain, map every step from factory to customer, find where time and money leak out, and fix the biggest gap first. Small changes to order timing, freight and stock levels often do more than a big new system.

This guide shows you how to manage the whole chain, not just the factory order.

What does an import supply chain cover?

Everything between placing an order and selling the product. Each step affects cost and timing.

• Suppliers: choosing, briefing and checking factories.
• Production: order timing, lead times and quality checks.
• Freight: factory to Australia, by sea or air.
• Customs and biosecurity: clearing goods through the ABF and DAFF.
• Storage and stock: holding stock and deciding when to reorder.

How do you map your lead time?

Write down every step for one product, with how long each one took on past orders.

1. Order to production start: how long until the factory begins.
2. Production: from start to finished goods.
3. Inspection and packing: checks before goods leave.
4. Shipping: factory door to your nearest port.
5. Clearance and delivery: port to your shelf.

Add these up to get your true lead time. Start with your top sellers, as they pay off fastest.

Sourcing Hack: Keep a sheet of planned and delivered dates for every order. After a few orders, you will see where delays start.

Where do supply chains lose time and money?

Mostly in the handovers between steps, where nobody owns the problem.

• Late orders: ordering late forces rushed production or air freight.
• Unclear specs: mistakes lead to rework or returns.
• One supplier for everything: one late order can empty your shelves.
• Part-full shipments: paying for space you do not use.
• Paperwork errors: wrong invoices or codes hold goods at the border.
• Too much or too little stock: cash tied up, or lost sales on best sellers.

How do you fix the biggest leaks?

Plan earlier, spread risk, and check quality before goods ship.

• Set reorder dates from your true lead time: not from the factory quote alone.
• Benchmark your suppliers: compare quotes from other factories, even if you keep your current one.
• Split the range: give each factory the products it makes best, and keep a back-up.
• Consolidate shipments: fill containers by combining orders from nearby suppliers.
• Inspect before shipping: catch faults while they are cheap to fix.
• Use one main forwarder: one partner who knows your goods keeps things simple.

In our case study, a furniture and homewares brand did this. Landed cost on its top five products fell 13%, lead time dropped by about 3 weeks, and it needed no rush air freight in the next six months.

Which numbers should you track?

Four numbers tell you if your supply chain is getting better.

• Landed cost per unit: product, freight, duty, and fees, per item.
• Lead time: order date to stock on hand.
• On-time orders: how many arrive when planned.
• Defect rate: how many units fail checks or come back.

For stock planning, see our guide to inventory sourcing strategies.

How much stock should you hold?

Hold enough to cover your lead time, plus a buffer for delays. Work it out per product.

1. Daily sales: how many units you sell on an average day.
2. Lead time in days: your true lead time from order to stock on hand.
3. Buffer stock: extra units to cover a late ship or a sales spike.
4. Reorder point: daily sales times lead time days, plus buffer stock. Order when stock falls to this level.

For example, if you sell 10 units a day and your lead time is 90 days, you need 900 units to cover the wait. Add a buffer, say 200 units, and you reorder when stock drops to 1,100. Use your own numbers, and review them each season.

How do you choose a freight forwarder?

Choose a forwarder that knows your route and your type of goods, and quotes in full.

• Route experience: regular shipping from your supplier's region to Australia.
• All-in quotes: origin, sea freight, destination and delivery charges shown in one quote.
• Customs support: an in-house broker or a trusted partner for clearance.
• Clear updates: tracking and alerts at each step.
• Quick answers: a named contact who replies fast when something goes wrong.

Sourcing Hack: Ask two or three forwarders to quote the same shipment once a year, even if you are happy. It keeps your main forwarder's prices honest.

FAQs

What is supply chain management for importers?

It is planning and checking every step from factory to customer, so stock arrives on time at the right cost.

How do I work out my true lead time?

Add up each step on past orders: order to production, production, inspection, shipping, clearance and delivery.

Should I use more than one supplier?

Often, yes. A second approved factory keeps stock moving if one has trouble.

How can I cut freight costs?

Plan earlier, fill containers, compare quotes on the same terms and avoid rush air freight.

What is landed cost?

The full cost to get one unit to your door: product, freight, insurance, duty and fees.

Do I need software to manage my supply chain?

Not to start. A simple sheet of planned and delivered dates shows most problems.

How often should I review my suppliers?

Review key suppliers at least once a year, and after any late or faulty order.

How do I work out a reorder point?

Multiply your daily sales by your lead time in days, then add buffer stock. Reorder when stock falls to that number.

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