Customs Clearance in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Importers and Exporters

Customs clearance is one of the most critical stages in any international shipment. Get it right, and goods move smoothly through the border. Get it wrong, and delays, additional costs, or compliance issues quickly follow.

For Australian importers and exporters, customs clearance is not just about paperwork. It is a regulated process involving multiple government agencies, strict documentation requirements, and time-sensitive decisions that can directly affect supply chains.

This guide walks through the Australian customs clearance process step by step, explaining what happens, who is involved, and where businesses commonly run into trouble.

What Is Customs Clearance in Australia?

Customs clearance is the formal process of declaring goods to the Australian Government when they enter or leave the country. It ensures shipments comply with Australian law, meet biosecurity requirements, and have the correct duties and taxes applied.

In Australia, customs clearance is overseen by several authorities, including:

• Australian Border Force (ABF)

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

• Other regulators, depending on the commodity (for example, therapeutic goods, chemicals, vehicles,  equipment that contains controlled refrigerant gas, and other controlled items)

Clearance applies to all commercial shipments, regardless of size or value, and requirements differ between imports and exports.

Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Goods Can Be Imported or Exported

Before any documents are prepared, the first step is confirming that your goods are allowed to cross the Australian border.

Some goods are:

• Prohibited (cannot be imported or exported at all)

• Restricted (require permits, approvals, or additional conditions)

• Unrestricted, but still subject to declaration and compliance checks

This is important for:

• Food and agricultural products

• Timber and packaging materials

• Chemicals and hazardous goods

• Dual-use or controlled items

• Therapeutic goods

Checking restrictions early stops shipments from being stopped after arrival.

Step 2: Classify the Goods Correctly

Every product moving across the border must be classified under the Harmonised System (HS) and assigned a tariff classification.

Correct classification determines:

• Applicable customs duty rates

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment

• Whether concessions or free trade agreements apply

• Whether permits or inspections are required

• Any dumping concerns

• Other regulations and restrictions

Misclassification is one of the most common causes of customs delays and post-clearance audits. Even minor errors can result in reassessments or penalties.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documentation

Documentation forms the backbone of customs clearance. While requirements vary depending on the shipment, most import and export clearances require:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Transport document (bill of lading or air waybill)

• Import or export declaration

• Certificates or permits (where applicable)

• Certificate of Origin (if a Free Trade Agreement is in place with Australia)

For exports, additional documents may be required to comply with the destination country's regulations, including certificates of origin or export permits, government endorsed Heath Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, free sale certificate etc.

Accuracy matters. Inconsistent values, descriptions, or quantities across documents can trigger inspections or requests for clarification.

Step 4: Lodge the Customs Declaration

Customs declarations in Australia are lodged electronically through approved systems. These declarations formally notify authorities of the shipment and provide all required details, including:

• Importer or exporter information

• Description and classification of goods

• Customs value

• Country of origin or destination

• Transport details

Once lodged, the declaration is assessed by authorities to determine whether the shipment can proceed or requires further checks.

Step 5: Biosecurity and Regulatory Assessments

Many goods entering Australia are subject to biosecurity assessment to protect local industries and ecosystems.

This is particularly relevant for:

• Food products

• Plant and animal materials

• Timber, pallets, and packaging

• Used machinery and equipment

Depending on the risk profile, goods may be:

• Cleared immediately

• Referred for document review

• Directed for physical inspection or treatment

These assessments can add time to the clearance process, which is why advance planning is critical.

Step 6: Pay Duties, Taxes, and Charges

Before goods can be released, applicable charges must be paid. These may include:

• Customs duty

• Goods and Services Tax (GST)

• Import processing charges

• Biosecurity or inspection fees

Payment timing matters. Delays in payment can hold shipments even when all other requirements are met.

Step 7: Customs Clearance Outcome and Release

 Once all requirements are satisfied, customs will issue a clearance outcome. Goods are then released for delivery, or in the case of exports, permitted to depart Australia.

If issues are identified, authorities may:

• Request further information

• Order inspections

• Issue compliance directions

Prompt response at this stage helps avoid storage costs and supply chain disruption.

How is Export Clearance Different?

Export customs clearance is often simpler than imports, but it still carries compliance obligations.

Exporters must ensure:

• Goods comply with Australian export controls

• Correct export declarations are lodged

• Destination-country documentation requirements are met

Certain exports, such as agricultural commodities or controlled goods, require additional approvals before departure.

Failure to comply can result in shipments being stopped at the port or rejected overseas.

Do you want to learn more? Read our blog post: Common Mistakes Importers Make with Air Freight from China and How to Avoid Them.

Customs Clearance Challenges

Even experienced traders can encounter issues. Common problem areas include:

• Incorrect or incomplete documentation

• Misclassification of goods

• Missing permits or certificates

• Underestimating biosecurity requirements

• Last-minute changes to shipment details

These issues rarely arise from a single mistake. More often, they result from a lack of coordination across suppliers, freight providers, and regulatory requirements.

Customs clearance is rarely one-size-fits-all. Different cargo types, transport modes, and regulatory requirements all influence how a shipment is assessed and released. Beyond Borders supports importers and exporters at each stage of the clearance process, helping reduce delays, manage compliance risk, and maintain visibility across shipments.

Import and Export Declarations

All import and export declarations are prepared and lodged in line with Australian legislation. This includes tariff classification, customs valuation, and permit verification to ensure submissions are accurate and defensible.

Air and Sea Freight Clearance

Clearance is coordinated for both air and sea freight across major Australian gateways, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. This ensures consistent handling regardless of transport mode or entry point.

Duty, GST, and Tax Calculations

Customs duties, GST, and applicable charges are assessed upfront and clearly explained, allowing businesses to understand true landed costs before goods are released.

Quarantine and Biosecurity Compliance

Shipments are reviewed against biosecurity requirements set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, helping minimise delays for sensitive, regulated, or high-risk cargo.

Specialist Cargo Processing

Certain goods require additional scrutiny and documentation. From wine and dairy products to automotive components and high-volume e-commerce stock, specialist cargo is handled with the level of detail these shipments demand.

Beyond Borders Can Guide You!

Understanding how customs clearance works (and planning for it properly) helps importers and exporters move goods efficiently, remain compliant, and avoid expensive disruptions.

For businesses trading internationally, customs clearance is a critical part of supply chain management that deserves careful attention. Beyond Borders supports you with customs clearance for freight from China to Sydney, China to Melbourne, sea freight services, and more.

Our in-house customs brokers manage all import and export compliance requirements, from accurate documentation through to cargo clearance. By taking a proactive approach, they help prevent delays, unnecessary holding costs, and avoidable disruptions at the border.

Beyond day-to-day clearance, we provide detailed customs entry audits, guidance on free trade agreements, and tariff concession advice. This ensures you stay aligned with current regulations while reducing the risk of overpaying duties and taxes.

Contact us today by calling + 61 2 8606 2720, + 61 2 8606 2736 or emailing customs@beyondborders.com.au to discuss your requirements for customs clearance.