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Export Considerations

Points to Consider for New Exporters
This page covers a series of steps that helps non exporters in the process of exporting produce from Australia. The steps although basic, provide information on the requirements and timeliness of exporting produce from Australia and the process behind doing so. It also provides important information on markets, export agents, charges and pricing and many other important topics growers and groups should consider.

The key is to have market-led production not production-led marketing.
In other words, sell something that is wanted and not what you have over-produced!

1.	Decide whether you want to supply on your own or as a grower consortium.
2.	Go overseas, look at your markets and check exactly what you are dealing with.
3.	Take note of what other successful exporters are doing.
4.	Let your buyers see your products and get an appreciation of how you operate, making them comfortable in their own minds. (This is mutually beneficial - it becomes like a partnership.)
5.	Pricing - things you must know when you are quoting, e.g. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) or C&F (Cost and Freight):
	accurately determine the produce, production and packaging costs air/sea freight rates cartage cost from your door to the airport/port insurance premium documentation costs wharf handling charges airport handling charges all other ancillary costs Product packaging for export depends on the customer i.e. wholesale versus the retail market. This could affect the cost not only in packaging but in freight also.
6.	Freight forwarders and shipping companies require payment up front, so have sufficient available capital to cover these costs. Unless you are extremely well known with your supplier, do not negotiate without a letter of credit (L/C).
7.	It is wise to give a copy of the L/C to the forwarder and they can prepare all documents for you in accordance with the buyers instruction. Quarantine, invoice and Departmental formats and certificates are handled by the freight forwarder.
8.	Timing of delivery from your premise has to be considered. Goods may have to be cool stored at the airport/port waiting quarantine inspection and/or a flight arrival.

Do you really want to export? If you do, you need a thorough understanding of the
market and business. If not, work through a reputable agent or merchant who is exporting.

Airfreight Issues

Very helpful is the Guide for International Airfreight Users, prepared by the Victorian Airfreight Council. Here you can inform yourself about:

terms and definitions used in the international airfreight industry key elements in the export and import process flow through airports stakeholders in the process selection of a service provider service charges packaging for export.

For more details contact: Victorian Airfreight Council Ltd. P.O. Box 2055, Gladstone Park, VIC 3043, Australia Office Phone: 03 8336 1172 Office Facsimile: 03 8336 1173