When shipping chemical goods to Australia, the following documents are required to clear Australian Customs.

• Customs or Commercial Invoice
• Supplier or Manufacturer’s Declaration (inline with our Import Permit)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (if applicable)

 

Step 1.
Preparing a Supplier Declaration for Chemical Material

When exporting chemical materials to Australia, a Supplier Declaration is required to support clearance with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF). This declaration helps confirm the identity, purpose, and composition of the chemical being imported and must meet certain requirements, otherwise a permit or relevant regulatory classification might be required.

Below is a template declaration. You must fill in the highlighted fields and check each line to make sure you product aligns with the statements. The document is to be presented on the supplier’s letterhead, and include a clear description of the goods.

Download a Chemical Declaration template:

• Chemical Declaration template

Download a sample Supplier Declaration

• Supplier Declaration sample

Caution: The declaration must be presented on the sender’s letterhead, with each page clearly numbered and the waybill or tracking number included on every page.

 

Step 2.
Preparing a Customs / Commercial Invoice for Export

When preparing a Customs or Commercial Invoice for export, it’s essential that the document includes clear and accurate information to support customs clearance and compliance. This includes providing a precise description of the goods, the correct Harmonised System (HS) Code, applicable Incoterms (e.g. DAP, CIF, EXW), and a defined end use (e.g. “For research purposes only”). These elements ensure the shipment is correctly classified, taxed, and assessed at the border. The invoice should be presented on the sender’s letterhead and match the details provided in any related declarations or permits. Incomplete or vague invoices are a common cause of customs delays and should be avoided.

 

 

Please note: The invoice must be presented on the sender’s letterhead, with each page clearly numbered and the waybill or tracking number included on every page for consistency and traceability.

 

Step 3.
Supplying Shipment Documentation

When sending a shipment you have two options for providing the required documentation:

1. Electronic Trade Documents (ETD)

Preferred method

• Upload all required documents (e.g. invoice, declaration) to the courier portal at the time of booking.
• Documents are submitted digitally to customs, enabling faster and more reliable clearance.

2. Physical Hard Copies

• Provide three printed copies of each required document.
• Place them in a clear pouch attached to the outside of the shipment.
• Documents are reviewed upon entry by Australian Customs—this method is slower and less reliable.

 

Step 4.
Sharing Shipment Documentation

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) requires that all final shipping documents be sent to shipping@wehi.edu.au once prepared. This ensures we have a complete record and can provide prompt support if any issues arise. Please include the waybill or tracking number and Purchase Order number (if applicable) in the subject line of you email.

 

Still Unsure? Need Tailored Advice?

No problem—this guide is here to help, and so are we.
For personalised support, contact shipping@wehi.edu.au with the following details:

• A clear description of each item in your shipment
• The consignee’s name
• Any relevant Purchase Order numbers

We’ll provide the appropriate templates and guidance to ensure everything is in order.