Landed Cost
Part of Freight and sourcing coordination
Preparing accurate product descriptions for customs support
Prepare clear product facts and reconcile supplier, packing and transport descriptions before Australian import assessment.
Give the person supporting an Australian import a plain-language account of each item: what it is, what it is made from and what it does. Match those facts to the goods, supplier invoice, packing list and order. A category such as “accessories” may be too vague to investigate tariff or import-condition questions.
Key import compliance sources in Australia
- Business.gov.au - Importing guidance
- Official government advice for Australian businesses
- ABF - Trade and goods compliance
- Australian Border Force regulatory authority
- AGRICULTURE.GOV.AU - Biosecurity requirements
- Minimum documentary and import declaration policy
- BICON online service
- Biosecurity Import Conditions system for regulated goods
Describe the actual goods
Create a facts-sheet entry for each distinct product or variant whose differences may matter to import assessment. Record its ordinary name, main materials or components, function, model or SKU, quantity and relevant distinguishing features. Record a claimed manufacturing country only when its basis has been checked, and keep the source with the entry.
Use a description that lets the person reviewing the shipment distinguish the item from broad sales categories. Name the item and include useful material, function or model details where known. Cargo reporting and an import declaration are different records; keep descriptions aligned with the goods and source documents.
For a hypothetical order, “fabric pouch” says more than “gift item”. It may still need details of material, use or included parts. Ask the supplier for missing facts; the example does not suggest a tariff classification.
Build a product-facts sheet
| Field | Question for the actual goods |
|---|---|
| Identity | What finished item and variant is being shipped? |
| Composition | Which materials and components describe it accurately? |
| Function | What does it do and how is it intended to be used? |
| Order link | Which invoice and packing-list entries contain it, and in what quantity? |
| Evidence | Which current specification or supplier document supports the facts? |
| Open point | What must the supplier or adviser still confirm? |
Start with the approved specification, then check the shipped version. A late material substitution can invalidate an earlier description. Keep the source document's version and date, and show differences between variants that might affect an import condition.
Reconcile commercial documents
Compare product names and quantities across the order, invoice, packing list and transport instructions. If a supplier document is inaccurate, request a correction and retain the revision. A buyer's separate summary does not correct a conflicting supplier invoice.
Keep invoice and packing-list details aligned with the goods and the facts sheet. For biosecurity or imported-food questions, pass the relevant product details and documents to the person assisting with the import; this facts sheet does not assess import conditions.
Hand over facts and open questions
Send the facts sheet and current documents to the licensed customs broker or other qualified person assisting with the import. Ask what further information is needed for classification, origin, valuation or import conditions. Do not present an unverified tariff code, duty rate or permit conclusion as settled.
Keep the final description, its supporting document versions, questions and answers together. Reopen the affected entry if the goods change before dispatch, and notify transport and import contacts.
