Frequently asked questions

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. A credit check is only discussed once you've decided to go ahead with a specific option.

No. We don't practise spray-and-pray. A real person looks at your import or export situation and works on a match that fits, rather than blasting your details to a list.

A real person who reads your enquiry and understands how trade cash flow works — deposits, balances, landed costs, payment terms. They'll call you to fill in the picture.

Nothing formal to enquire. It helps to know the order value, your supplier's or buyer's payment terms, your approximate turnover and whether you own property. Please answer the form accurately so we can match you properly first time.

No. Every facility is priced on the business's own circumstances — trading history, security, the order and the timeline. You'll see the real figures for your situation before you commit.

Yes. Supplier deposits are one of the most common reasons importers enquire. Unsecured and line-of-credit options for trading businesses typically run from $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements; property-secured loans from $20,000 to $5,000,000.

Yes. Many importers size one facility to cover the deposit, balance, freight and border costs together, so there's no scramble when the container lands.

A revolving line of credit often fits best: you draw for each deposit, balance and border bill, repay as stock sells and as GST credits come back, and draw again for the next order.

It depends on the business behind the order. An established local business moving into importing is in a different position from a brand-new venture. Property security can help where trading history is short.

Not automatically. Past credit issues and ATO debt are considered case by case.

Yes. Exporters often wait weeks or months after shipping. A line of credit or working-capital facility sized on turnover can bridge the wait, repaid when the buyer pays.

We can talk through pre-shipment funding for materials, wages, packaging and freight to port. A confirmed order, a known buyer and a secure payment method all help.

No. Austrade makes EMDG milestone payments against eligible expenses you've already incurred, and you must match the grant dollar for dollar. The marketing spend needs funding first.

The ABF describes it as 10% of the value of the taxable importation: customs value, plus duty, plus the cost of transporting and insuring the goods to Australia, plus wine equalisation tax where it applies.

Eligible businesses can use the ATO's deferred GST scheme to pay import GST on their monthly BAS instead. Requirements include an ABN, GST registration, monthly electronic BAS and up-to-date obligations. Duty is still paid at the border.

The ATO says exported goods are GST-free if exported within 60 days of the earlier of receiving payment or issuing an invoice. GST credits on inputs can usually still be claimed.

The ABF converts customs value using the rate of exchange prevailing on the day the goods were exported, not the day they arrive or the day you paid your supplier.

The total cost of getting goods onto your shelf: the supplier price, freight, insurance, duty, broker fees and local charges. Our free calculator works it out per unit and shows the funding gap.