Product Overview

Summary: This Import and Export Procedures Standard Operating Procedure provides a clear, end‑to‑end framework for managing international shipments in and out of Australia. It standardises documentation, customs and biosecurity compliance, and communication with freight partners so your business can trade globally with confidence and efficiency.

International trade is heavily regulated in Australia, and even minor errors in import or export processes can lead to shipment delays, unexpected costs, or regulatory penalties. This Import and Export Procedures Standard Operating Procedure sets out a practical, step‑by‑step approach for managing goods moving across Australian borders, from initial order confirmation through to final delivery and record keeping. It clarifies who does what, when, and how, ensuring your team follows a consistent, compliant process every time you ship or receive goods internationally.

Tailored to the Australian context, this SOP addresses key touchpoints such as working with customs brokers, meeting Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) requirements, preparing commercial and transport documents, and managing Incoterms, duties and GST. It helps businesses reduce the risk of non‑compliance, avoid demurrage and storage charges, and improve visibility over their global supply chain. Whether you are a growing e‑commerce retailer or an established manufacturer, this SOP provides a ready‑to‑use framework that can be adapted to your products, ports, and trading partners.

Key Benefits

• Streamline import and export workflows from purchase order to delivery and invoicing.
• Ensure compliance with Australian customs, quarantine and trade regulations, reducing the risk of fines and shipment holds.
• Reduce delays, demurrage and storage costs through clear timelines and proactive documentation checks.
• Improve communication and accountability between internal teams, customs brokers, freight forwarders and customers.
• Standardise record keeping and audit trails to support internal controls, audits and trade finance requirements.

Who is this for?

• Operations Managers
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
• Import/Export Coordinators
• Customs Compliance Officers
• Procurement Managers
• Warehouse and Distribution Managers
• Finance and Accounts Payable/Receivable Managers
• Small Business Owners engaged in international trade
• E-commerce Operations Managers
• Freight and Shipping Administrators

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (including Incoterms and trade terminology)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Overview of the Import and Export Process Flow
• 5.0 Pre‑Trade Due Diligence (suppliers, customers and sanctions checks)
• 6.0 Import Procedures – Step‑by‑Step
• 7.0 Export Procedures – Step‑by‑Step
• 8.0 Documentation Requirements (commercial, transport and regulatory)
• 9.0 Customs, Duties, GST and Valuation Requirements
• 10.0 Biosecurity and Quarantine Requirements (DAFF/BICON)
• 11.0 Working with Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders and Carriers
• 12.0 Packaging, Labelling and Marking for International Shipments
• 13.0 Handling Restricted, Controlled and Prohibited Goods
• 14.0 Record Keeping, Data Management and Retention Periods
• 15.0 Risk Management and Contingency Planning for Delays and Holds
• 16.0 Dispute Resolution, Claims and Insurance (loss, damage, short shipment)
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Awareness Requirements
• 18.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Procedures

Legislation & References

• Customs Act 1901 (Cth)
• Customs Regulation 2015 (Cth)
• Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth)
• Export Control Act 2020 (Cth)
• Australian Border Force – Importing and Exporting Guidelines
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) – Import Conditions (BICON)
• Australian Trusted Trader Program Guidelines
• Incoterms® 2020 (International Chamber of Commerce)