Where to get export help
Every exporter’s global journey needs some help along the way, whether it’s information, finance, or advice. Fortunately, there are a number of avenues of assistance.
Australian Institute of Export (AIEx)
Established in 1957, the Australian Institute of Export is a national member-based, not for profit association, with a mission to increase the trade skills of all Australian companies. AIEx also manages seven TradeStart offices in NSW and Victoria, with the goal of encouraging new companies to export.
The AIEx is a registered training organisation that delivers invaluable information and training programs on the practical aspects of exporting for existing and start-up businesses. The organisation works with industry specialists, who provide the latest information on all facets of successful exporting, including Australia’s leading text on the process of export, the Australian Export Handbook. There are also courses on Importing, and Trade Law and IP.
The AIEx encompasses the Export Consultant’s Group (ECG), comprising 100 experienced consultants nationally, who work to an Austrade Code of Practice in the preparation of EMDG claims.
By becoming an AIEx member, a business can have its views represented to industry and government, and gain discounts on courses, events, and access benefits (including a free subscription to Dynamic Export).
Visit the AIEx at www.export.org.au or call 1300 361 526.
—Peter Mace, general manager at the AIEx
AusIndustry
AusIndustry’s key export program is Tradex, a scheme that allows a business to gain an upfront exemption from customs duty and GST on eligible imported goods that are intended for export.
“Tradex is one of the few programs where individuals can apply, right through to large companies. They should apply for Tradex before they import the goods. If they miss out, there’s always the Customs Drawback Scheme, a post-export claim, whereas Tradex is an upfront duty exemption,” says David Price, Tradex product manager. “Once they’ve registered with us for the nominated goods, provided the details stay the same, they don’t need to contact us again. It’s designed to give benefits to customers in terms of their cash flow.”
Price also notes that other AusIndustry programs, such as the R&D tax concession, may be of assistance to exporters, although not specifically designed for international trade: “If they’re producing innovative items that they can sell overseas, then obviously they can access the R&D tax concession on their way through.”
Visit AusIndustry at www.ausindustry.gov.au or call 13 28 46.
State Government support
State governments offer a range of services and advice for new and existing businesses, from conducting missions and organising trade shows to running seminars and workshops to assist with more specific aspects of export. For more information, refer to your state or territory trade department.
ACT: Visit www.business.act.gov.au > ‘Doing Business in Canberra’ > ‘Export Assistance’ or call 1800 244 650.
NSW: Visit www.export.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9338 6600.
NT: Visit www.tradesupport.nt.gov.au or call (08) 8946 9550.
QLD: Visit www.export.qld.gov.au or call 1300 363 711.
SA: Visit www.southaustralia.biz > ‘Exporting from SA’ or call (08) 8303 2400.
TAS: Visit www.development.tas.gov.au/export or call 1800 440 026.
VIC: Visit export.business.vic.gov.au or call 13 22 15.
WA: Visit wa.gov.au > ‘WA Trade & Export’ or call (08) 9222 0555.
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
Austrade’s fundamental charter is about helping Australians do business internationally. We service clients from first-time exporters through to experienced exporters. Austrade offers a range of services, from practical advice and market intelligence, to the opportunity to build expertise, and capability in getting ready to export: export planning, developing an export strategy, as well as looking as looking at issues such as market entry.
We work very closely with state government trade departments. In some cases they deliver services on behalf of Austrade through the TradeStart program, which is a network of 50 offices around Australia that deliver export coaching, advice and guidance.
The Getting into Export program is worth mentioning. It’s for businesses that are new, or with limited experience with exporting. Basically they get access to an export coaching portal and have an export adviser allocated to them to help them progress on their export journey.
We also administer the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme, a program that provides financial assistance to support the export promotion of individual businesses. The scheme is designed to encourage exporters to increase their international marketing, for example, EMDG gives these businesses the means to attend trade shows in new markets, develop intellectual property and ultimately hire new staff.
Visit Austrade at www.austrade.gov.au or call 13 28 78.
—Steve Rank, acting NSW/ACT state manager at Austrade
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