Finance question
Can I finance equipment from an overseas supplier?
Yes. Imported equipment can be financed, usually starting with a proforma invoice and handling the deposit, freight and landing along the way. Machinery, vehicles and plant sourced overseas are financed regularly. The structure just accounts for import steps that a local purchase does not have.
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The short answer
Overseas gear can still be funded
Buying from an overseas supplier does not rule out finance. Lenders fund imported machinery, vehicles and plant all the time. The asset still secures the loan once it lands, and the process starts with a proforma invoice from the supplier so the lender can assess the asset and the price before it ships.
Imports add a few steps a local deal skips. Suppliers often want a deposit before production or shipping, there is freight, insurance and sometimes duty, and the gear needs to arrive and be verified before the lender settles the full amount. Some lenders fund the deposit stage, others settle once the asset lands. We match your purchase to a lender comfortable with that flow.
Compliance and value matter on imports. The asset may need to meet Australian standards, and the lender will want it to hold value here. A recognised supplier, clear documentation and an asset that is common in the local market keep the approval clean and the settlement smooth once it clears customs.
Do you qualify?
What an import deal needs.
A proforma invoice
The supplier's quote with the asset and price to start the assessment.
An eligible asset
Gear that meets local standards and holds value here.
Deposit and freight
Some lenders fund the deposit stage, some settle on arrival.
An active ABN
Sole traders and companies both qualify.
Why imports still get approved
The asset secures it
Once it lands, imported gear is security like any local asset.
Staged settlement
Lenders can handle deposit, shipping and final settlement in steps.
Lenders differ on imports
Some fund deposits up front, some do not. A broker knows which.
A real example
A manufacturer orders a $120,000 CNC machine from an overseas supplier who wants a deposit before shipping. Placed with a lender that funds the deposit stage and settles the balance on arrival, secured on the machine once it landed and was verified. Illustrative only.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How does financing an import start?
Usually with a proforma invoice from the supplier, so the lender can assess the asset and price before it ships.
Can the deposit to the supplier be financed?
Sometimes. A few lenders fund the deposit stage, while others settle the full amount once the asset arrives. We match you to the right one.
What about freight, duty and GST?
These can often be built into the deal, depending on the lender. Speak to your accountant about claiming GST through your BAS.
Does the equipment need to meet Australian standards?
Yes. Lenders prefer assets that comply locally and hold value here, which keeps both the approval and any resale clean.