Homewares and importing for profits!

Importing Homewares.

The current trend in homewares is toward handmade rather than mass produced items and this creates an opportunity for getting started in import.

There are things to consider before you go ahead and start buying. The first thing to do is to find out if you are legally allowed to import the product into Australia and if you need a permit. Some materials are banned or will need special treatment.

For example, some items need to be quarantined and fumigated due to possible pest contamination.

• Items made with plant or animal products such as bamboo plates or bone carvings.
• Packaging materials are often made of wood and plant materials.
• Decorative touches to your products may be made of plant materials.
  You need to list what materials were used in the making of the product so that you can have them properly treated.

ICON has a list of import requirements for all commodities including what documentation you will need.

Sourcing and manufacturing and controlling the quality of homewares can be a big job. Each item that you choose is subject to different standards and import regulations. Does it meet the Australian Safety Standards? Drawstrings on blinds can be hazardous. There could be lead in your chinaware or even in the paint that it was decorated with. Have them assessed for safety.

What about the duty payable? Some tariffs may be reduced depending on where your item was made but that requires a certificate of origin. Customs need your records including product list, insurance and freight papers so they can calculate the duty payable and ensure smooth Customs clearance. You also need to be sure that your goods have the correct classification so that the right amount of duty is paid.

Once here, you need to have transport, insurance and storage arranged. You will also need to have a plan for the marketing and distribution of your stock so that it sells before the trend changes. There are experts that can you help with each of these areas or you can read up and do it yourself. Either way the best thing to do is get started and give it a go.

Happy Importing!