Can someone give me an overview of the chain of events after ordering off a China supplier.
For example I order the goods FOB--- then what happens --- what paperwork does the shipper need to have before they get to port in Australia ---- what information does the shipper need to give to the Australian port before arrival eg. quarantine notices etc.

thanks
Stephen

1. Order finished production
2. Goods in export warehouse and waiting for shipping on board date.
3. When the goods on board, supplier get the B/L.
4. Supplier prepare documents and send to you by courier, they are:
Invoice, Packing list, Packing declaration, B/L.
5. It usually takes about 15 days from China to Australia by sea, when the ship
is about to reach the port, they will fax you an notification for preparation of custom clarence.
6. Forward all the documents you get from the supplier to the custom broker, then he will help you to clear custom and you can get your goods. (You need to find a broker before order and check everything about custom, tax, or vat.)
7. Transaction finished.

Make sure to ask the supplier to send you the packing declaration, if the supplier never export to Australia, they will not know about this document.

Hope my above experience help you.

Contact a local Customs Clearance Agent, he can tell you exactly what you need as far as paperwork is concerned (Depending on what the goods are), and he can also arrange shipment from China to Australia for you, as on an FOB basis, YOU have to arrange the shipping.
Good luck.

1, Find a custom broker in your country to help you clear customs when goods arrive at
2, Find a freight forwarder in china to help you with shipping from China to your Country.
3, Find a sourcing agent in china to help you with quality inspection and order follow up
they will help you solve all of the things for you.
Hope my answer helps you