Guides

Import & sourcing guides

Plain-English explanations of the terms, rules and decisions that come up when sourcing and importing goods into Australia.

Incoterms for Australian Importers, Explained
Incoterms define who pays for freight, insurance and risk at each stage, here's what the common ones mean for an Australian import.
FOB vs CIF vs DDP: Which Should You Choose?
A practical comparison of the three Incoterms Australian importers see most often, and when each one makes sense.
Import Duty and GST Explained for Australian Businesses
How Australian import duty and GST are calculated, when they apply, and what tends to catch first-time importers out.
AQL Inspection Levels Explained
What Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) sampling is, how inspection levels work, and how to set a sensible standard for your order.
How to Verify an Overseas Supplier
Practical steps to confirm a supplier is a legitimate, capable manufacturer before you commit to an order.
Sea Freight vs Air Freight: Which Should You Use?
How sea and air freight compare on cost, speed and suitability for different types of import orders.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) Explained
Why suppliers set MOQs, how they're negotiated, and how to manage them if your order volume is small.
Sourcing Agent vs Trading Company: What's the Difference?
Two common ways to buy from overseas factories without dealing with them directly, and how their incentives differ.

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