Sea Freight from China to Australia

Overview

Australia is Apexsourc logistics' primary and most established trade route. We operate weekly container sailings from China's major ports to all six major Australian container ports. With deep experience in China-Australia trade, we offer the most comprehensive sea freight service available — from factory pickup in Guangzhou or Shenzhen to final delivery at your Australian address.

China is Australia's largest trading partner, and the sea freight corridor between the two countries is one of the busiest in the Asia-Pacific region. Whether you're importing furniture, building materials, electronics, or commercial goods, our weekly sailings ensure consistent, reliable delivery.

Australian Port Cities We Serve

Port City	State	Key Features
Sydney	NSW	Australia's largest container port; primary gateway for the eastern market
Melbourne	VIC	Major freight hub for southern Australia; handles the highest container volume
Brisbane	QLD	Fastest-growing port; serving Queensland and northern NSW
Adelaide	SA	South Australia's primary port; gateway to the southern interior
Perth	WA	Closest Australian port to Asia; shortest transit from China
Gold Coast	QLD	Growing coastal hub with increasing import demand

Transit Times from China

Origin Port	Destination Port	FCL Transit	LCL Transit
Shanghai	Sydney	15–18 days	20–25 days
Shanghai	Melbourne	16–19 days	21–26 days
Shenzhen / Yantian	Brisbane	14–17 days	19–24 days
Guangzhou / Nansha	Perth	12–15 days	17–21 days
Ningbo	Adelaide	17–20 days	22–27 days
Shanghai	Gold Coast	16–19 days	21–26 days

Perth has the shortest transit time from China due to its western location. FCL shipments move faster because there's no consolidation or deconsolidation delay.

Australian Customs & Biosecurity

Required Documents

• Bill of Lading — carrier-issued receipt and contract of carriage
• Commercial Invoice — itemized with unit values and total declared value
• Packing List — detailed breakdown of every package
• Certificate of Origin — may qualify for preferential tariff treatment under ChAFTA
• Fumigation Certificate — required if wooden packaging is used (ISPM 15 compliance)

Biosecurity (DAFF)

Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity regulations. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) inspects all incoming containers:

• Wooden packaging must be ISPM 15 certified (heat-treated or fumigated)
• Used machinery or vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned of soil and plant material
• Food, plants, and animal products require additional permits and inspection
• All containers are subject to DAFF inspection — fees apply if examination is required

Apexsourc ensures all your cargo meets Australian biosecurity standards before departure.

Duties & GST

• GST: 10% on the total landed cost (goods value + freight + duty)
• Duties: 0–5% for most goods; some products (textiles, footwear, steel) may be higher
• ChAFTA: The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement eliminates or reduces duties on many products

Why Ship to Australia with Apexsourc?

• Weekly sailings — most frequent China-to-Australia schedule of any forwarder
• 6 ports covered — we serve every major Australian container port
• Door-to-door — from any factory in China to any address in Australia, one point of contact
• DAFF compliance expertise — we ensure your cargo clears Australian biosecurity without delay
• All-inclusive pricing — sea freight, China/Australia customs clearance, fumigation, documentation, and door delivery included
• Real-time tracking — know where your container is at every stage
• 10+ years of China-Australia trade experience

Common Questions

How much does shipping from China to Australia cost?

FCL rates range from USD 800–1,200 for a 20GP and USD 1,500–2,200 for a 40HQ (Shanghai to Sydney, May 2026 spot rates). LCL starts at approximately USD 120/m³. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific cargo and destination.

How often do sailings depart?

Weekly. We book containers on every available sailing from Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to ensure minimal waiting time.

What is the GST and how is it calculated?

Australian GST is 10% of the landed cost: (goods value + international freight + customs duty) × 10%. You may be able to claim GST credits if you're registered for GST in Australia.

Do I need a customs broker in Australia?

Apexsourc handles customs clearance on both ends as part of our door-to-door service. You don't need to engage a separate broker.