Business Background
A Zhejiang-based mahjong equipment manufacturer, a long-term partner of Shipping Whale International Logistics, plans to export a batch of fully automatic mahjong tables to Sydney, Australia, for use in local Chinese recreational venues. Although the client has experience in international trade, they are unfamiliar with Australian compliance requirements for electromechanical products, protective measures for oversized cargo transportation, and local customs clearance procedures. Additionally, the client has high expectations regarding the integrity of the goods and delivery timeliness. To ensure safe, compliant, and on-time delivery, the client commissioned our company to provide a door-to-door, one-stop logistics solution from the factory in Zhejiang to a designated address in Sydney. Taking into account the characteristics of large, electrically powered mahjong tables and Australian import regulations, we customized a full-process service covering packaging reinforcement, customs declaration, ocean freight, customs clearance, and delivery, while also providing guidance on compliance certification, successfully completing the project.


Business Process

Documents Required for Mahjong Table Export Customs Declaration
· Proof of Export Business Qualification (Customs Registration)
· Sales Contract, Commercial Invoice, Packing List
· Product Information (Model, HS Code, motor specifications, and other declaration details)
· Electronic Customs Declaration Authorization
· Fumigation Certificate for Wooden Packaging + IPPC Mark (for solid wood packaging)
· Australian Compliance Documents (SAA Certification, Declaration of Conformity)
· Bill of Lading Confirmation, Certificate of Origin (CO)

Sea Freight Process for Mahjong Table Exports
1. Booking and Pickup: Secure a full container load (FCL) space from Ningbo Port to Sydney Port and arrange for a dedicated truck to pick up the goods.
2. Packaging and Securing: Wrap the mahjong tables in bubble wrap and apply corner protectors; secure them on shock-absorbing wooden pallets and affix “Fragile” labels.
3. Domestic Customs Clearance: Declare the goods upon arrival at the port and verify the consistency of the SAA certification with the product information.
4. Release and Loading: Upon approval, goods are released, loaded onto the vessel, and the ship sets sail.
5. Ocean Freight Tracking: Transported in 40-foot high-cube containers; shipment schedule and location are tracked in real-time via our proprietary system.
6. Australian Customs Pre-Declaration: Pre-declaration is completed 7 days prior to arrival, with document compliance verified.
7. Duty Payment and Release: Cooperate with customs valuation; goods are released promptly after payment of import duties and GST.
8. Container Pickup and Delivery: After picking up the container at the Port of Sydney, dedicated vehicles deliver it to the designated address.
9. Unloading and Empty Container Return: After on-site verification, empty containers are returned to the designated yard.

Key Takeaways
Protection of Oversized Items is Essential: Use “shock-absorbing bubble wrap + corner protectors + wooden pallets” for packaging to prevent damage from sea transport vibrations.
Australian Electrical Certification is Essential: For electric mahjong machines, SAA certification and a Declaration of Conformity must be prepared in advance.
Rational Route Planning: Choose the direct Ningbo–Sydney route and secure舱位 in advance to avoid delays during peak seasons.
Coordinated Management of All Process Stages: Ensure seamless coordination between all stages to minimize port demurrage fees and guarantee on-time delivery.