Step One: Indent Forecasting

We work with you early to understand likely demand, product flow, and upcoming shipment requirements. This helps create a more coordinated process from the beginning, with better visibility over timing, stock planning, and the steps that follow.

Step Two: Purchasing & Finance

Bowens can support the purchasing and finance side of the process, helping create a smoother commercial link between overseas suppliers and your Australian supply chain. This gives clients access to more than freight alone, with support that helps connect procurement, funding, and logistics more effectively.

Step Three: Shipping & Customs

We coordinate the movement of goods and manage the customs side of the process, helping keep shipments on track from origin through to arrival. By handling documentation, communication, and clearance requirements together, Bowens helps minimise delays and keep the process moving.

Step Four: Logistics, Warehousing & Inventory Control

Once goods arrive, we help coordinate storage, handling, and inventory management so products are controlled and accounted for through the next stage of the journey. This helps support smoother stock flow and clearer inventory visibility.

Step Five: Present For Collection

At the end of the process, goods are prepared for collection or the next stage of distribution. With handling, stock presentation, and coordination aligned, Bowens helps create a smoother handover.

Trusted Customs Clearance Services Across Australia

Licensed customs brokers managing your clearance from entry to release, so your goods cross the border without delays or fines.

A single documentation error can hold your shipment at the border for days, costing you money, time, and a great deal of stress. Bowens Customs and Logistics is a licensed customs broker with deep expertise across customs, quarantine, and biosecurity compliance. We manage your clearance from entry to release, so your goods move through the border without delays, fines, or uncertainty.

Let's discuss your customs clearance requirements.

For enquiries or questions

Please‎ use the form or call us on (02) 8543 2300

Address: Unit 9b, 2-4 Northumberland Road, Caringbah NSW 2229

PO BOX: 2323, Taren Point NSW 2229

Customs Clearance Built on Compliance

In customs and biosecurity, knowledge is the difference between a shipment that clears smoothly and one that gets held up. Bowens' team of licensed customs brokers has extensive experience across every aspect of customs and quarantine compliance, and we treat that compliance as a priority.

We handle the documentation and the regulatory detail, and we communicate directly with government authorities, protecting your shipment while it's in transit and ensuring that oversight never becomes your problem.

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What Our Customs Clearance Service Covers

Customs and Quarantine Entry Processing

We manage the full entry process for your goods through Australian Border Force and biosecurity authorities, ensuring documentation is accurate and complete the first time.

Tariff Advice and Concession Applications

We provide tariff classification rulings and apply for tariff concessions on your behalf, helping reduce the duty payable on your imports where eligible.

Quarantine Import Permit Applications

Our team manages the application process for quarantine import permits, helping your goods meet Australia's biosecurity requirements without unnecessary delay.

Customs Entry Audits and Reviews

We review past customs entries to identify errors, discrepancies, or opportunities for duty recovery, helping protect your business from compliance risk.

Import GST and Tax Advice

We provide clear expert advice on import GST and tax obligations, so you understand the full cost of your imports before they arrive.

Imported Food Advice

For businesses importing food products, we provide guidance on the specific compliance requirements that apply, including food safety and labelling obligations.

Free Trade Agreement Advice

We assess whether your goods qualify for preferential treatment under Australia's free trade agreements, helping you reduce duty costs where applicable.

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Biosecurity Compliance, Handled With Care

Australia's biosecurity controls exist to keep the country free of pests, diseases, and biological threats that could damage agriculture, the environment, and public health. Bowens works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to facilitate the smooth processing of your goods through quarantine.

Our team provides advice, conducts inspections, and ensures all documentation and biosecurity requirements are met before your goods proceed. We can also organise and manage DAFF-compliant food sampling and testing, fumigation, and monitor customs-required X-rays to help your imports move through quarantine as efficiently as possible, all while preserving your product's integrity until it reaches its destination.

We take this responsibility seriously. Strict quarantine controls are part of why Australia remains free of a number of serious biological threats, and we are committed to upholding that standard on every shipment we manage.

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Advice That Saves You Time and Money

If you import or export goods to or from Australia, understanding your legal obligations is the foundation of a compliant, cost-effective supply chain. Our customs brokers provide up-to-date advice on customs and quarantine matters, backed by an in-depth assessment of your specific requirements.

We apply our knowledge of customs regulations, biosecurity requirements, and the concessions, schemes, and grants available to importers and exporters, helping you save time and reduce costs wherever legally possible.

Consulting Services

Customs and quarantine compliance advice
Tariff concession order applications
Customs entry audits and reviews
Import tax and GST advice
Free trade agreement advice
Quarantine import permit and research advice
Imported food advice and information
Advice on government grants and schemes
Marine and static cargo insurance advice

Forensic Investigations

If you believe you may have overpaid duty on past imports, our brokers can conduct a forensic review of your import history and lodge duty refund applications on your behalf to recover what you're owed.

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TESTIMONIALS

“During our collaboration, we have found Bowens to deliver exceptional quality, particularly in terms of logistics services, reliability and a personalised approach. A good example of this is our joint development of a 3PL platform in Sydney, which enables us to deliver weekly to Australia’s third largest supermarket at RDC level from our dry and refrigerated storage locations in Sydney.

In addition to their professional skills and reliability, Bowens is also known for their personal approach, flexibility and efficiency in their actions. We recommend Bowens without reservation to other companies looking for a high-quality and reliable partner for international shipping, customs and quarantine services, 3PL storage and national distribution.

We are very satisfied with the collaboration and consider them a reliable partner.”

Mark Tilroe - General Export Manager

Hellema-Hallum B.V.

Our 5-step Process

Other Freight Forwarding Services

We Offer Customs Clearance is one part of Bowen's freight forwarding capability. If your business needs support moving goods by air or sea, we can help with that too.

Air Freight

Fast, reliable air freight services for time-sensitive cargo moving in and out of Australia.

Learn More

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Sea Freight

Cost-effective sea freight solutions for businesses shipping LCL or FCL cargo to and from Australia.

Learn More

Why Choose Bowens for Customs Clearance

Over 40 Years of Customs and Logistics Experience

Bowens began as a customs brokerage in 1985, and customs compliance remains at the core of what we do. Our team's depth of experience means fewer surprises and faster resolution when something unexpected arises.

Licensed Customs Brokers

Our brokers are licensed and hold extensive knowledge of Australian customs and biosecurity regulations, so your clearance is managed by people who understand the system, not just the paperwork.

Australian Trusted Trader and Triple ISO Certified

Bowens is accredited as an Australian Trusted Trader by the Australian Border Force and holds ISO certifications in:

Quality (9001)

Environmental (14001)
Safety (45001) Management

One Accountable Partner

From customs entry to quarantine processing to warehousing and distribution, Bowens manages it all under one roof. Fewer handovers mean fewer opportunities for the kind of error that causes delays.

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Frequently asked questions

If a quarantine issue arises, our team works directly with DAFF to understand the requirements for remediation, which may include treatment, fumigation, re-export, or destruction depending on the nature of the goods and the regulation breached. We manage that process and keep you informed at every step.We work with businesses of all sizes, from growing SMEs to large enterprise clients and international trading partners. Our solutions are designed around your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all package.

At a minimum, we require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill. Depending on your goods, additional documentation such as permits, certificates of origin, or safety data sheets may also be required.Bowens provides shipment visibility and reporting throughout the logistics process. Your account manager is your direct point of contact and can provide updates at any stage.

Yes. Our brokers are experienced in managing the additional permit and approval requirements for restricted or regulated goods, helping ensure your shipment meets all applicable conditions before clearance.Your dedicated account manager is your first call. One of the advantages of working with a single end-to-end provider is that you are never passed between departments or left chasing answers. We take ownership of the problem and keep you informed until it is resolved.

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Let's Get Your Goods Moving

Customs and quarantine compliance is not a box to tick. It's the difference between a shipment that clears smoothly and one that costs you time, money, and peace of mind. Bowens has spent over four decades managing customs clearance for Australian importers and exporters, and we bring that experience to every entry, every permit, and every piece of documentation along the way.

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Trusted Customs Clearance Services Across Australia

Licensed customs brokers managing your clearance from entry to release, so your goods cross the border without delays or fines.

Customs Clearance Built on Compliance