Import compliance adviser for small businesses

Online shop owners, wholesalers, small manufacturers and start-up importers who bring in goods but have no in-house trade expertise.

Fixed fee for set-up reviews or tariff classification checks, hourly rate for ad hoc questions, or a monthly retainer for ongoing support.

• Attention to detail with documents
• Reading and explaining regulations in plain language
• Prior experience in freight, import or customs work helps a lot
• Clear communication with clients and brokers

• Lodging import declarations or dealing with the Australian Border Force for others may count as customs business needing a broker licence, so check exactly where advice ends and licensed work starts
• Professional indemnity insurance, because a wrong tariff or origin call can cost a client money
• Rules and duty rates change, so check you are using current official sources and say clearly that your advice is not legal advice
• Check council rules for running a business from home and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, website and tools. These are estimates only. Check professional indemnity insurance, since a wrong tariff or origin call can cost a client money.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. These are estimates, not guarantees. Plan for around 8 hours a week at minimum.

Check exactly where advice ends and licensed work starts, since lodging import declarations or dealing with the Australian Border Force for others may count as customs business needing a broker licence. Also check council rules for home businesses and GST registration.