With the Australian and UK governments pursuing a free trade agreement, Australia has become an attractive market for a range of UK businesses. Australia has a similar legal framework to the UK and few barriers to entry. If your business is successful in the UK, Australia’s familiar market lends itself to expansion.
Is growing your exports and expanding your global reach a part of your business strategy moving forward? If so, we've prepared five things you should consider when exporting from the UK to Australia.
1. Import Restrictions
There are some strict regulations and restrictions on products that could harm Australia's agriculture or environment. Some restricted items include:
- Pet food and treats
- Soil, mud, or clay
- And live plants
For a complete list of restricted and regulated items, click here.
Additionally, if you use cosmetics, plastics, toiletries, or other products that use industrial chemicals, you'll need to register your business with the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and pay registration fees.
2. Standards and Technical Regulations
Many products in Australia are subject to mandatory standards and must attain specific certifications to indicate they meet the legal requirements. For example, retail tobacco packages must have 75% of their front and 95% of their back act as health warnings. Some other products that require certification include:
- Toys for children up to 36 months
- Sunglasses and fashion spectacles
- Button and coin batteries
- And cosmetic products
Before you begin exporting to Australia, you should research if any mandatory standards exist for the products you sell.
3. Relevant Organisations
When exporting to Australia from the UK, some organisations will be helpful for you to visit.
- Austrade - Also known as the Australian Trade Commission, is the Australian Government's trade and investment development agency. They can provide you with information, advice, and relevant services. You can email london@austrade.gov.au to get in contact with them.
- The Australian High Commission - As the diplomatic mission of Australia in the UK, they can provide notarial services to Australian business people in the UK. This includes witnessing signatures, certifying and notarising documents.
- UK Trade and Investment - British companies looking to sell products and services in Australia can contact them at www.ukti.gov.uk for assistance and information.
4. Further Opportunities
Exporting to Australia means that you can leverage additional markets and enable further growth. Australia has close trade links in the Asia-Pacific, including Japan, China, Singapore, and The Republic of Korea.
Organisations like WTA can help as international freight experts. With the ability to transport all kinds of goods to anywhere in the world by leveraging networks of global partners, WTA can streamline your supply chain and reduce costs.
5. Route to Market
If you're inexperienced in international shipping procedures, it may be best for you to work with a freight forwarder. Experienced freight forwarders will know the regulations, documentation requirements, banking practices, and transportation costs of Australian supply chains.
Freight forwarders are experts in shipping and will help save you time, stress, and money with their services. The logistics company will handle your customs documentation, shipping routes, cargo insurance, storage, packing, and the best forms of international payment.
In other words, the freight forwarder will act on your behalf to ensure that your shipment has a safe, fast journey from dispatch to delivery.
WTA helps businesses create efficient and cost-effective import and export options. If you're looking for a freight forwarder, we can help.
The Australian and UK markets are incredibly similar. This means businesses thriving in the UK should have an easy time expanding their reach. Particularly after the signing of a free trade deal between the nations in 2021. That said, there are always difficulties in entering a new market, so it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges and opportunities that come with expanding to Australia. For more information, take a look at our trade guide.
WTA UK has had an extensive working relationship with our Australian Partner Savi World Logistics for over three decades now. We have been collaborating and building the UK to Australia trade lane, shipping food, automotive parts, chemicals, you name it, we’ve shipped it.
