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Importing from China

Buying machines from China can be a difficult, convoluted process for the uninitiated. Here is a rough guide to give an outline of the required tasks.

Buy the machine from China

• Request packing on heat treated pallets
• Ask for the following documents (ask for tracking number for documents, sent by DHL or equivilent):
• Bills of lading
• Certificate of origin (to show it came from China to benefit from the Free Trade Agreement)
• Proof that it has not been used, commisioned, field tested
• Commerical invoice, showing breakdown for insurance payment and products
• Arrival notice (prediction of arrival date)
• Packaging declaration (shows list of all items packed, and the method for packing them (pallet types, etc))
• Packing list

ICS

If you haven't already, enter yourself and the importer into the ICS (Integrated Cargo System)

Freight Forwarder

When you have the container number, contact the freight forwarder and have the invoice sent for unloading etc. Pay this invoice (approx. $200/m^3)

Find out which ship/s the goods are travelling on. Track it using an online tool such as http://www.findship.co/. It will give the arrival date (t = 0 business days), plan around this to work out the other dates:

• t = 4 to 6: Container will arrive in storage
• t = 7 to 9: Free storage expires ($50/m^3/day after that)

Customs

Complete an N10 (Import Declaration) at customs

• Tarrif code (from website, but confirm with customs over the phone that it exists)
• Answer any auto-generated questions sent via email
• Lloyds number

Outturn report: lets you know that the item is in storage.

Pay invoice to customs (GST + duty, approx. 15% total). Confirm that customs hold has been released.

Quarantine

Quarantine should not be required if you have the packing certificate, as well as a document stating that the device is new and has not been tested or commisioned. Otherwise: Email quarantine to arrange inspection. Date shoud be during free storage period. They generate a service number which you will need to quote as required. Give them an address and time to inspect. The freight forwarder can be paid to attend the meeting in your stead, if required. Then print the document and show up at the warehouse with the release, and take your stuff away.