Import Export in Australia

While conducting business with any country in the world entails understanding import export in terms of products manufactured or required and services provided or needed, one must also take note of the population and its spending power while choosing a country as a potential market place. Although the population of Australia is not that big in numbers, it must be noted that the country is ranked fifteenth among the world's largest economies and the greater part of its population has quite high buying power.

Businesses across the world are encouraged by the flexible tariff policies and minimum entry barriers adopted by Australia to easily establish their base in Australian market and expand their business. Australia supports enterprises from all around the globe to invest in Australian markets and this is confirmed by its affiliation to several International Trade Groups. The Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement between New Zealand and Australia nearly do away with duties on goods produced or manufactured in New Zealand. On the other hand, the Canada and Australia Trade Agreement (CANTRA) provides the similar advantage to Canada.

However, like every other country in the world, Australia too has certain import controls on some goods such as plants, certain types of foods, drugs, firearms, protected ancient or cultural heritage things and automobiles among many other things. Exporters must also take note that though Australia encourages number of imports, it is also very restrictive when it comes to protecting the interests of its local businesses and takes quick definitive steps on identifying the bad influences of the same on its local industry.

Trading and learning about the products and services allowed for import export in Australia is a quite easy process that is comparatively easier for the countries that have English speaking population. This is because the Commerce (Trade Description Act) 1905 of Australia insists upon that the trade descriptions listed on the goods exported from countries must be made in English. For promoting import export in Australia, it exempts shipments with an FOB value that does not exceed the $2000 (AUD) limit from paying export entry duty. Though duty is not charged on such exports, the Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) makes it mandatory that the classification of the goods is stated correctly.

Studying and understanding the rules, that clearly list certain things and items that are prohibited under the law, is must for anyone looking to conduct import export in Australia. Certain imports like fruits, particular minerals and chemicals, animals and marine creatures are prohibited under the Australian law. In addition, items described dangerous by International Air Transportation Association (IAIA) also cannot be imported.