Decide what you want to import and define the product specifications.
2026 SMALL BUSINESS IMPORT GUIDE
How to Import from China to Australia for Small BusinessSource · Purchase · Consolidate · Ship
Importing from China can help small businesses source products, packaging and inventory directly from suppliers. The process becomes easier when sourcing, purchasing, warehouse receiving, consolidation and freight are planned together.
✓ Supplier sourcing✓ Alibaba & 1688 imports✓ China warehouse receiving✓ Multiple supplier consolidation✓ Air & sea freight to Australia
CHINA SUPPLIER
→
AUSTRALIASMALL BUSINESS IMPORTINGSOURCEBUY · CONSOLIDATE · SHIP
China → Australia
FindSupplier
BuyProducts
CombineOrders
ShipAustralia
QUICK ANSWER
How Does a Small Business Import from China?
The basic process is: decide what you want to import, find a suitable Chinese supplier, confirm the product and order details, purchase the goods and arrange freight to Australia.
If you buy from several suppliers, suitable orders can also be sent to a warehouse in China and consolidated before international shipping.
WattleBay can focus on the logistics side while also providing supplier sourcing and purchasing support when required.
1. Source
Choose products and suitable suppliers.
2. Purchase
Place supplier orders and confirm requirements.
3. Consolidate
Combine suitable orders in China if required.
4. Ship
Move cargo to Australia by air or sea.
STEP-BY-STEP
Small Business Import Process from China
Planning each stage before ordering can reduce unnecessary logistics problems later.
Search Alibaba, 1688 or other supplier channels for suitable options.
Confirm quantity, specifications, packaging and supplier requirements.
Supplier goods can be delivered to a designated warehouse before shipping.
Suitable orders from multiple suppliers can be combined before export.
Choose the appropriate air or sea freight method for your cargo.
BEFORE YOU BUY
What Should a Small Business Check Before Importing?
A low product price does not automatically mean the product will be suitable or economical to import.
Product Specifications
Confirm materials, dimensions, colour, model and other requirements before ordering.
Order Quantity
Understand how much inventory you actually need before committing to a larger order.
Packaging Size
Product and carton dimensions can affect international freight calculations.
Cargo Type
Certain products can have additional shipping, documentation or import requirements.
Shipping Method
Consider whether the shipment is better suited to air or sea freight.
Total Landed Cost
Consider more than the supplier price when evaluating whether a product is viable.
FINDING SUPPLIERS
Where Can Small Businesses Find Suppliers in China?
Alibaba and 1688 are two common places customers use when looking for Chinese suppliers.
You can also work with suppliers found through other channels. The important part is making sure the supplier and product match your actual requirements.
View Supplier Sourcing SupportAlibaba
Source products and communicate with suppliers.
1688
Another platform used for sourcing within China.
Direct Suppliers
Products can also come from suppliers outside major marketplaces.
WattleBay Support
Supplier sourcing is available as an additional paid service.
BUYING PLATFORMS
Alibaba or 1688 for Your Small Business?
Both can be useful starting points for sourcing goods in China.
Instead of treating the marketplace as the entire import process, think about what happens after the order: supplier dispatch, China warehouse receiving, consolidation and international freight.
Alibaba Guide
Learn how Alibaba orders can move to Australia.
Read Alibaba Guide →1688 Guide
Learn how 1688 orders can be purchased and shipped.
Read 1688 Guide →Multiple Suppliers
Suitable orders can be consolidated in China.
Australia Freight
Cargo can continue by air or sea.
CHINA WAREHOUSE NETWORK
Receive Supplier Orders Before Shipping to Australia
WattleBay warehouse locations can receive suitable supplier orders before consolidation and international freight.
China
China
Hong Kong SAR
MULTIPLE SUPPLIERS
Why Consolidation Can Help Small Business Importers
A small business may buy stock, packaging and accessories from different suppliers.
Rather than automatically arranging separate international freight for every order, suitable goods can be received at a warehouse and combined before shipment.
Read Consolidation GuideProduct Supplier
Sends inventory to the designated warehouse.
Packaging Supplier
Sends packaging separately.
Consolidate
Suitable cargo can be combined before export.
Ship Together
Consolidated cargo can move to Australia.
CHINA TO AUSTRALIA FREIGHT
Air Freight or Sea Freight for Small Business Imports?
The right freight method depends mainly on shipment size, urgency and budget.
Air Freight
Air freight starts from A$7/kg with a 1 kg minimum and an estimated duration of approximately 7–10 working days.
Sea Freight
Sea freight starts from A$1.75/kg with a 10 kg minimum and an estimated duration of approximately 25–30 working days.
Urgent Stock
Air freight is generally better when delivery speed is important.
Planned Inventory
Sea freight is generally more economical for larger planned stock orders.
IMPORT SHIPPING COST
How Much Does It Cost for a Small Business to Ship from China?
Freight costs depend on cargo weight, dimensions, product type, shipping method and final destination.
| Freight Method | Starting Rate | Minimum | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | A$1.75/kg | 10 KG | 25–30 Working Days |
| Air Freight | A$7/kg | 1 KG | 7–10 Working Days |
Important:
These are starting freight rates. Final quotations depend on shipment details. Supplier sourcing, purchasing assistance and other additional services are quoted separately.
BUDGETING
Do Not Budget Using Product Price Alone
When evaluating whether a product can work for your business, consider the full importing process rather than only the supplier's unit price.
Depending on your shipment, costs can include purchasing, China domestic transport, freight, customs-related charges, packaging or other services.
Getting a freight quotation before placing a large supplier order can help you understand the logistics side earlier.
Product Cost
What you pay the supplier.
China Logistics
Supplier goods need to reach the freight process.
International Freight
Air or sea freight moves the cargo to Australia.
Final Delivery
Cargo continues to the Australian destination.
FIRST-TIME IMPORTERS
Tips for Your First China Supplier Order
Confirm Before Paying
Make sure the supplier understands your product and order requirements.
Understand Packaging
Ask how the goods will be packed and their approximate shipment size.
Plan Freight Early
Do not wait until the supplier finishes production before considering your freight method.
Check Cargo Requirements
Some products may need additional documentation or shipping arrangements.
Consider Consolidation
Multiple supplier orders may be easier to manage through a China warehouse.
Allow Extra Time
Supplier production and warehouse time happen before international freight.
WATTLEBAY LOGISTICS
From Chinese Supplier to Australian Door
WattleBay's main focus is helping customers move goods from China to Australia.
Supplier sourcing and purchasing support can be added when needed, while warehouse receiving, consolidation and freight connect the order to the international logistics process.
View China to Australia ShippingSource
Optional supplier sourcing and purchasing support.
Receive
Supplier goods enter the China warehouse network.
Consolidate
Suitable multiple orders can be combined.
Ship
Cargo moves to Australia by air or sea.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Importing from China for Small Business FAQ
Common questions from startups, ecommerce sellers and small businesses importing from China to Australia.
How can I start importing from China to Australia?
Start by choosing the product you want to import, finding a suitable supplier, confirming your order requirements and planning how the goods will be shipped to Australia.
Can WattleBay help find suppliers in China?
Yes. Supplier sourcing, purchasing assistance and supplier communication are available as additional paid services.
Can I buy from Alibaba or 1688?
Yes. Suitable products purchased from Alibaba, 1688 or other Chinese suppliers can be sent to the warehouse network and shipped to Australia.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China?
Sea freight is generally more economical for larger and less urgent shipments, while air freight is generally better for smaller or urgent cargo.
How much does shipping from China to Australia cost?
WattleBay sea freight currently starts from A$1.75/kg and air freight from A$7/kg. Final rates depend on the shipment.
Can I consolidate products from different suppliers?
Yes. Suitable goods from multiple suppliers can be received and consolidated at designated warehouse locations before international freight.
Where are WattleBay's China warehouses?
WattleBay warehouse locations include Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Should a small business use air or sea freight?
Air freight is generally better for smaller or urgent shipments. Sea freight is generally more economical for larger planned inventory orders.
IMPORTING GUIDES
Learn More Before Your First Shipment
Explore WattleBay's detailed guides covering sourcing, freight costs, transit times and consolidation.
STARTING A BUSINESS?
Start on WhatsAppImport Products from China to Australia
Send WattleBay your product, supplier information or sourcing requirements and Australian destination to discuss the next step.