START 2017 WITH A SMARTER SUPPLY PLAN

November to February can be a trying time for any importer, with Christmas and New Year in Australia, followed by Chinese New Year throughout January, importers need to act urgently to ensure they don't fall prey to delays and cost blowouts.

The New Year period can be a real pain to many small importers, with the Christmas break followed by Chinese New Year significant delays can be experienced on imported goods. Image International offer some advice for the small business importer to help keep get your stock on time and on budget this peak season.

WORK TO LONGER LEAD TIMES

Chinese New Year traditionally marks a peak in trade as manufacturers work to clear their orders before extended holidays. If you are importing goods, you can expect delays in shipping due to the higher volumes leaving the ports. Where possible bring forward your orders to avoid lengthy delays that can result in disappointed customers and higher costs.

DO QUALITY CHECK ON MANUFACTURING

With factories experiencing peak demand between now and February, it is more important than ever to do QC checks on your suppliers to ensure high quality in manufacturing and that the rush to deliver doesn't result in short cuts to packaging or documentation.

PRE-CLEAR CARGO BEFORE IT LEAVES ITS COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Pre-clearing cargo allows the importer to streamline the clearance through customs by having all documentation lodged with Customs and DAFF prior to the shipment landing at it final port. Clearance can be time consuming and costly if unprepared. Pre-clearing will ensure a smooth customs process during a busy and stressful period and avoid hefty storage fees if there are any delays or issues with Customs when goods arrive.

KNOW THE COSTS AND BUDGET FOR THEM

If a supplier has quoted for goods and shipping to Australia, this doesn't mean port and terminal charges in Australia are included ensure you check and ask the question to avoid a nasty shock on arrival.

Image International handles the entire process from end to end from suppliers door to the importer or end consumers door. Using our extensive experience and knowledge in Customs Law, capitalizing on preferential duty rates under tariff concessions and Free Trade Agreements, Image International ensures fees and taxes are the lowest possible for the Australian Importer.

We also offer additional services including audits on backdated shipments which may enable the importer to claim reimbursements on duty and taxes overpaid. Further to this we also offer full supply chain consultation and personal manufacturer visits on behalf of customers.