Last updated: 28 October 2026

To ship from China to Australia by sea, book through a freight forwarder, pick a full container (FCL) or a shared one (LCL), and lodge your import declaration through a customs broker before the ship lands. Sea freight is the usual choice for most stock. It is slower than air, so plan your order dates around it.

This guide covers the choices that change your cost and timing, and the paperwork that keeps goods moving at the Australian border.

Should you choose FCL or LCL?

Choose by volume. Small loads share a container. Big loads get their own.

• FCL (full container load): you book a whole 20 or 40 foot container. It is sealed at the factory and opened at your end.
• LCL (less than container load): you pay for the space you use. Your goods share a container with others.

Sourcing Hack: Work out your total cubic metres before you ask for quotes. Every forwarder can then price the same load.

What makes up the full cost of sea freight?

The ocean rate is only one part. The total is what matters.

1. Origin charges: pickup from the factory, export clearance and port fees in China.
2. Ocean freight: the sea leg to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle or Adelaide.
3. Destination charges: port and handling fees on arrival.
4. Duty and GST: duty if it applies, plus 10% GST on the value of the goods, freight, insurance and duty.
5. Biosecurity: DAFF checks, and treatment if packaging or goods need it.
6. Delivery: trucking from the port to your door.

Your Incoterm decides who pays which part. An Incoterm is a standard trade term, such as FOB (the supplier gets goods onto the ship) or EXW (you collect from the factory). Agree it in writing.

What paperwork do you need?

• Commercial invoice: true values, clear descriptions and quantities.
• Packing list: carton counts and weights that match the invoice.
• Bill of lading: the shipping document your forwarder issues.
• Full Import Declaration: goods worth over AUD 1,000 need one, lodged by you or a licensed customs broker.
• Wood packaging: pallets and crates must meet ISPM 15 or other DAFF conditions in BICON, and be free of pests and soil.

Check your goods and packaging in DAFF's ISPM 15 guide before you ship.

How do you avoid delays and extra costs?

Plan early. Rushing is what pushes importers into air freight.

• Book ahead of peaks: space gets tight before Chinese New Year and the Christmas rush.
• Build buffer time: allow for slow production, port queues and weather.
• Inspect before loading: fixing faults at the factory costs less than fixing them after arrival.
• Track every shipment: ask your forwarder for updates at each step.
• Send documents early: get them to your broker before the ship arrives.

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

Which Incoterm should you choose?

Pick the term that matches how much of the shipment you want to control.

These terms come from the ICC's Incoterms 2020 rules. With FOB, your own forwarder books the sea leg, so you see each cost. With CIF or DDP the supplier picks the freight, and extra fees can turn up at the Australian end.

How should goods be prepared at the factory?

A clean handover at the factory saves trouble at the port.

• Strong export cartons: sized to fit pallets or the container well.
• Shipping marks: your name, carton numbers and weights on every carton.
• Product labels: the labels your market requires, put on before goods leave.
• Pre-shipment inspection: check a sample of goods against your golden sample before the final payment.
• Loading photos: ask for photos of the cartons and the sealed container.

Sourcing Hack: Send the factory a one-page packing brief with carton size, marks and labels. It stops most packing mistakes before they start.

FAQs

Is sea freight cheaper than air freight?

For most goods, yes, by a wide margin per unit. Air suits urgent, light or high value items.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL means you book a full container. LCL means you share one.

Do I need an import declaration?

Yes, for goods worth over AUD 1,000. A Full Import Declaration is lodged by you or a licensed customs broker.

How is GST worked out on imports?

GST is 10% of the value of the goods plus freight, insurance and duty.

Which Australian ports take China freight?

Most freight lands at Sydney (Port Botany), Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle or Adelaide.

Why was my shipment held at the border?

Common causes are missing paperwork, wrong tariff codes, or wood packaging that needs a biosecurity check.

How do I check a freight quote is fair?

Ask every forwarder to quote on the same Incoterm, volume and delivery address, then compare the full cost.

What does FOB mean?

FOB (Free On Board) means the supplier gets goods onto the ship at the China port. From there you pay sea freight, insurance and import costs.

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