Exporting to China from Australia: The complete guide
Last updated: 4 Aug 2025
Discover how to navigate both Australian and Chinese regulations when exporting to China from Australia
Key takeaways
- China’s e-commerce boom offers huge potential for Australian businesses, with the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement reducing trade barriers
- Before exporting, secure your intellectual property, as China operates on a ‘first to file’ trademark rule
- Products exported to China must meet strict health, safety, and labelling regulations
- Local partnerships in China can help navigate consumer preferences, regulations, and the distribution process for smoother market entry
China is home to some of the world’s biggest e-commerce players and a vast customer base, making it a thriving hotspot for global trade.
For Australian businesses, this directly translates into a lucrative opportunity to expand their business in the Chinese market. Since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into play in 2015, the doors to China’s market have opened wide for Australian businesses. The food and beverage sector, in particular, has seen big benefits, with tariffs on many products reduced or removed entirely.
But while the agreement makes it easier to get your products into China, finding real success takes more than just shipping your goods and hoping for the best. You need to make a plan, find local retail partners, and list your products on major Chinese marketplaces.
In this detailed guide, we take a look at everything you should know about exporting to China from Australia.
Table of Contents
Before you start: Key considerations when exporting to China
Exporting to China is a great opportunity, but it requires navigating both Australian and Chinese regulations. Here are five steps to help you get started smoothly.
Secure your intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) theft is a risk when entering any international market and China is no exception. China operates on a ‘first to file’ rule, which means whoever registers a trademark first gets the rights, no matter who created it. So, before you even ship your products, get your trademarks, copyrights and patents registered. It’s worth the effort to make sure you own your brand in China from the start.
Trademark applications in China are submitted to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), and the process can take up to six months.
Check Australian export requirements
Before your goods can even leave Australia, they have to comply with specific export regulations based on your industry. For food and dairy, this includes following rules set by the Export Control Act 2020 and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). DAWE is responsible for making sure your products comply with Australian standards and the import requirements of the destination country.
A valuable resource is DAWE’s Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor), which offers guidelines on export standards for items like meat, dairy, seafood and processed foods. It’s regularly updated but you should always consult with your Chinese import partner for the most up-to-date information.
Common documentation you may need:
- Certificate of origin to confirm the product’s origin
- Export declaration detailing the shipment specifics
- Sanitary certificate for food items to confirm the products are safe for consumption
On top of this, your products need to comply with Australian standards, such as proper labelling, packaging and food safety protocols outlined by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ).
Adhere to China’s safety regulations
China has strict food safety regulations, particularly for imported goods. If you’re exporting products like dairy, meat or processed foods, you’ll need to meet the standards set by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). These authorities require that all imported goods pass inspections to ensure they comply with China’s health and safety rules.
Key elements of compliance include:
- Product registration: In many cases, your product should be registered with Chinese authorities before export. This might involve submitting details such as ingredients, manufacturing processes and packaging materials to prove compliance with Chinese standards.
- Safety certification: Certain products may require certification to confirm they meet China’s food safety regulations. For example, dairy and meat products often need certificates from the exporting country verifying that they’ve been inspected and are safe for consumption.
- Testing and inspection: Imported goods go through rigorous inspections upon entry to China. These tests check everything from contamination levels to adherence to food labelling requirements. Some products may also need to meet specific quarantine regulations depending on their category.
- Documentation: As previously mentioned, required documents typically include a certificate of origin, as well as any export permits needed from the Australian government.
Understand labelling requirements
When sending products to China, it’s essential to provide clear labelling in Chinese. Your product needs to include everything from ingredients and nutritional information to expiration dates. Missing or incorrect labels can lead to serious delays or products being rejected at customs.
Collaborate with a local partner
Teaming up with a local distributor or expert can make life easier when entering the Chinese market. Local partners understand the ins and outs of consumer preferences and market trends, which can help you navigate the complexities of regulations and distribution more smoothly. They’ll also advise you on local tastes and expectations, increasing the chances that your products will resonate with consumers. Beyond logistics, their insight can help you avoid common pitfalls and position your brand for success.
Look into the popular Chinese marketplaces
If finding an on-the-ground partner proves difficult, consider entering the Chinese market through online platforms.
Most consumers in China now prefer online shopping as it allows them to browse through several products together without leaving the comfort of their own. The major marketplaces in China include Alibaba, Tmall, Taobao, and JD.com.
While many marketplaces require you to set up a business entity in China and get a Chinese business licence to sell your products, e-commerce giants like Alibaba’s Tmall Global let foreign brands reach Chinese consumers without a physical presence. These platforms often offer support with marketing, logistics and payments. They are ideal for SMEs looking to test the waters with less upfront investment.
As long as you have a unique trademark of products or full licence to sell branded products, you can sign up on Tmall Global as a seller. Note that Tmall Global doesn’t allow reselling of products.
→ Take a look at our complete guide on how to sell on Tmall Global from Australia
Chinese market entry strategy: Key tips for exporting to China
Finding real success takes more than just shipping your goods and hoping for the best. You’ll need a strong plan, feet on the ground and innovative strategies to stand out. Here are seven tips to help you make the most of the opportunity.
1. Dig under the surface
With a population of almost 1.5 billion and the third largest landmass in the world, it’s impossible to sum up China with broad statistics – they simply don’t capture the full picture of such a diverse and complex market.
China is expansive, with each region, city, and industry functioning differently and having varying consumer preferences. As a result, it’s better to drill down into areas of focus. To succeed, you’ll need to gather detailed, specific intelligence about the market segment relevant to your business, such as what local customers prefer, the competitive landscape, supply chains and regulatory environments.
These insights will shape your market entry strategy. For example, if you’re in the dairy sector, knowing that products like yoghurt and cheese are more popular with wealthier urban households would guide you to focus on cities with higher disposable incomes.
But while online research is useful, nothing beats a visit in person. Being on the ground lets you meet potential partners, customers and industry insiders face-to-face. You’ll get a clearer sense of the local culture, business norms and what consumers actually want. These first-hand experiences will help you refine your business strategy and make sure you don’t miss any important local nuances.
→ Take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to plan your first business trip to China
2. Leverage industry resources
No matter how much research you do or how many times you visit, you won’t understand China’s market like the Chinese. Partnering with someone who understands the local landscape can save you time, money and costly missteps. To get started, look for trusted distributors or experts who already have a track record of working with international brands in your sector.
There are several resources you can tap into to find a potential partner:
Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission): Austrade provides detailed market insights and connects businesses with Chinese partners through trade missions and its network of local offices.
Australia China Business Council (ACBC): ACBC offers networking events, industry reports, and member directories that can help you connect with reputable partners in China.
China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham): AustCham focuses on supporting Australian businesses in China and offers various resources and services to help you navigate the market.
3. Be patient
Business deals in China tend to move at a different pace compared to what you might be used to in Australia. Decision-making processes can be slower and the hierarchical structure within companies means that approvals often need to pass through several layers. It’s important to stay patient and understand that building trust takes time.
Chinese business culture values relationships and reputation, so be mindful of ‘face’—the idea of maintaining respect and not causing embarrassment. Avoid pushing too hard or showing frustration, as this could damage your relationship.
It’s also common to haggle during negotiations, and your Chinese counterparts will expect some back-and-forth. Be flexible and they’ll appreciate that they’re walking away with a fair deal.
And once your product is on the shelves, you shouldn’t expect overnight success either. Gaining consumer trust takes time, and you may need to adapt your offering based on customer feedback or market trends. In China, long-term success often requires persistence and constant refinement. The most successful brands are those that play the long game, investing in relationships and adapting as they go.
- Open 15+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Take control of spending with the World Card, a business expense card that saves you more with 1% cashback. Learn more
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
4. Tailor your product
Just because your product works in one market doesn’t guarantee it will in China. The Chinese market often requires tweaks to suit local tastes and expectations.
You also need to consider changing customer tastes over time. As per Jim Markeas, the Director and Chief Winemaker of Mallee Estate Wines, the consumer tastes for wine have changed in the last ten years in China. While Red used to dominate the market, that’s not the case anymore. People are experimenting with newer varieties and even low alcohol wines.
5. Lean into your Australian identity
Australia’s reputation for strict quality controls and premium products is a big selling point in China. Consumers trust Australian-made goods for their safety and reliability, especially when it comes to food, beverages and health food supplements, where quality is paramount.
Australia is one of the biggest exporters of dairy to China. This is because Australian brands are seen as trustworthy, thanks to our country’s strict health standards. Beef and wine also enjoy a strong reputation for quality, with beef prized for its grass-fed origins and wines like Penfolds seen as premium choices.
By highlighting your Australian origins – whether it’s showcasing ‘Made in Australia’ or emphasising your clean and green production – you’ll appeal to Chinese consumers who value safety, quality and authenticity.
6. Adapt to China’s unique digital ecosystem
China’s strict internet censorship – known as the ‘Great Firewall’ – has significant implications for how businesses operate online. Western platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are blocked, meaning you’ll need to rethink your digital marketing and communication strategies when entering the Chinese market. Even some email providers can be affected.
But China has its own booming ecosystem of social media platforms to master for reaching consumers. China is also a mobile-first country where 64% of e-commerce transactions are completed on mobile devices.
The likes of WeChat, Weibo, Douyin and Xiaohongshu are all-in-one platforms encompassing social connection, e-commerce, streaming and gaming. In 2022, more than 80% of consumers used social media platforms for shopping.
Livestream e-commerce, a relatively foreign concept to Western consumers, accounted for almost a third of China’s total online shopping gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2023. This means that it’s important to engage with local social commerce trends to connect with your customers – whether that’s through building a strong social media presence, collaborating with influencers, or using livestream shopping events to move products off your shelves.
7. Localise your brand
Entering the Chinese market may seem daunting but you don’t always have to look halfway across the world to find valuable expertise. Australia has a great community of Chinese students, professionals and recent graduates who are familiar with both the Chinese digital landscape and Chinese culture.
Consider hiring local Chinese talent or interns to manage your marketing or social media efforts targeting China. Their up-to-date understanding of Chinese trends and consumer expectations can give you a competitive edge. Plus, building these relationships can lead to future opportunities, as they might return to China and become key business contacts.
Success in China often requires a blend of global reach and local expertise, so make the most of the talent and resources available in your own backyard.
Breaking into the Chinese market is an exciting opportunity, but it’s not a sprint. With so much diversity in consumer preferences and regional cultures, your success depends on how well you can adapt and think strategically. Patience, creativity and a long-term vision are key to making your mark in China.
It doesn’t matter if you’re selling health food supplements, fresh produce, packaged goods or beverages – the right approach can open doors to an audience that values quality, reputation and innovation.
Challenges when exporting to China
When you’re exporting to China, there are also a few challenges that you may encounter. Make sure to keep a note of these to avoid any issues in the future:
Customs and import clearance
Even with the trade agreement between China and Australia, shipping your goods to China from Australia can be a complex process–especially if you’re new to it. China has strict customer policies and you need to provide detailed documentation that comply with the industry-specific regulations. Incorrect or incomplete documents can lead to shipment delays or complete denial of entry.
Local competitors
Unless you’re planning to sell products that are not available in China at all, you have to be ready for local competitors. These businesses already have a connection with customers. They have spent years building their brand in China, and they can easily undercut your prices. You’ll also be competing against international conglomerates that are continuously trying to get the attention of Chinese customers through large marketing and promotional campaigns.
The easiest way to stand out is by staying true to your identity and focusing on your USPs. Boldly showcase the ‘Made in Australia’ tag and let the customers know about the quality and authenticity of your products.
High conversion costs
Navigating foreign exchange rates can be a big challenge when expanding into a new regional market, especially with China, which has a two-currency system.
CNY and CNH are two types of Renminbi that represent onshore and offshore versions of Yuan. CNH is traded freely in the global currency markets and CNY is controlled by the Chinese government. Take a look at our complete comparison of CNY vs CNH to understand the key differences.
While the exchange rate between CNH and CNY is always 1:1, the two types of Yuan can have different exchange rates for the same currency.
For instance, the CNH to AUD exchange rate can be different from the CNY to AUD exchange rate.
So, what does this all mean for Australian businesses?
It means you need to familiarise yourself with currency exchange rates before setting your product prices to ensure your profits don’t get cut by fluctuating foreign currency markets.
You also need a fast and secure way to collect funds and repatriate them to your bank account. Before choosing a payment partner, check whether they support international transactions, how much markup they charge on spot exchange rates, and what fees they apply for sending and receiving cross-border payments.
Ideally your payment partner should help you protect your profit margins instead of taking more of your profits.
→ Take a look at how businesses can save more on international transactions
Doing business in China is easy with a World Account
The World Account is your easy, fast and secure solution to global business payments. Get paid from around the world in 15+ currencies for free, as fast and easily as a local, and make payments to over 200 countries and regions – all from one account. It’s your alternative to a bank account abroad. You can collect payments from customers and even pay your suppliers with the same account at competitive exchange rates.
With a World Account, you can:
Collect payments like a local: Get paid in CNH, USD, AUD, NZD, EUR, SGD, JPY and more
Pay your suppliers in their preferred currency: Let your wholesale buyers choose from 15+ payment currencies with local bank account details to pay
Manage multiple currencies with one account: Set up local currency balances without any overseas address or banking relationship. Check account balances for each currency with one login and move money between your currency accounts at any time.
Move money faster: Using local account details and domestic payment networks means your money reaches you faster – we’re talking minutes and hours, not days
Lock in exchange rates: Lock in an exchange rate for a fixed period of time on a predetermined volume of currency
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
Exporting to China from Australia: The complete guide
China is home to some of the world’s biggest e-commerce players and customer base. Take a look at our everything you should know about exporting to China from Australia.
Aug / 2025
Guide to creating a WooCommerce store in Australia & New Zealand
Learn how to set up a WooCommerce store in Australia & NZ, from hosting to payments and tax settings. A step-by-step guide for a smooth launch.
Aug / 2025
Guide to selling on Lazada as an international seller
Learn how to sell on Lazada as an international seller, manage logistics and grow your business in Southeast Asia with this comprehensive guide
Jul / 2025Choose a category below for more business, finance and foreign exchange support from WorldFirst.
- Almost 1,000,000 businesses have sent USD$300B around the world with WorldFirst and its partner brands since 2004
- Your money is safeguarded with leading financial institutions
