Australian Business Updates
This report provides case studies, practical guidance, and news relevant to Australian businesses, covering topics from e-commerce expansion and productivity improvements to import regulations.
HANHO BUSINESS BRIEF
Hanho Business Brief archive
The complete Hanho Business Brief archive covering Australian business rules, FX, Korean tax, customs and trade operations.
2026
CBIS Expansion: Chilled Durian from Thailand
Importers who consistently comply with biosecurity regulations can benefit from reduced inspection times and regulatory costs due to streamlined customs procedures. However, incomplete documentation may lead to delays and additional fees.
When Costs Rise, But Prices Can't: Where to Start?
In an environment where passing on cost increases to sales prices is difficult due to customer price sensitivity, managing cash flow through automation and financial structure alignment (e.g., invoice financing) becomes more important than forced expansion.
Product in Use: Short-Form Video Sales Case
Demonstrates how a product that clearly solves a problem, combined with short-form video viral marketing, can lead to initial awareness and global e-commerce sales expansion.
Business Health Check: Who and What to Check
This report provides practical guidance, case studies, and research findings relevant to Australian small businesses, covering topics such as organic customer acquisition, government support events, sustainable business practices, and small business economic performance.
Australian Small Business Performance Q2 2026
Slowing growth in discretionary spending sectors like hospitality and retail, along with rising input costs, may continue to pressure cash flow and profitability.
October Business Support Events
Can reduce hacking risks through cybersecurity multi-factor authentication and backup checks, and strengthen marketing, AI, and cash flow management capabilities by utilising free/low-cost seminars organised by state governments.
Organic Customer Acquisition Strategies
Can help reduce spending on paid advertising (e.g., Meta) to save initial costs, and mitigate risks from platform algorithm changes by building an email-based prospect list and collaboration network.
Sustainable Business Success Case Study
Focusing on building genuine customer relationships and contributing to the community, rather than pursuing only outward growth, can positively influence long-term customer retention and natural sales maintenance through recommendations.
Business Insights for Australian Korean Entrepreneurs
This document provides insights into business growth, operational efficiency, financial management, and dispute resolution, drawing from real-world examples and expert guidance.
Is Lower Interest Enough? Comparing Total Loan Refinancing Costs
Allows for a comparison of cost differences, including new setup fees, maintenance costs, and exit fees for existing loans, which are easily overlooked when only comparing low interest rates.
Resolving Disputes with Suppliers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prioritising initial communication through contract review and written records, along with utilising ADR (mediation, conciliation, etc.), can help reduce the risk of time and cash flow deterioration due to costly litigation and prevent the breakdown of business relationships.
From Bookkeeping to Business Strategy: Operating with Numbers
Can help strengthen strategic decision-making capabilities, such as business acquisitions and long-term growth foundations, by managing cash flow and establishing operational systems beyond simple day-to-day responses.
Rudie Nudie: A Case Study in Niche Market Success
Demonstrates how identifying unmet needs in daily parenting and leveraging social media influencers and artist collaborations can contribute to initial sales and global customer acquisition.
Hanho Business Brief — 2026-09-21
Four approved business updates and practical guides, with Monday FX observations. Existing guidance is distinguished from new announcements.
AICIS Chemical Inventory Snapshot 2026
Helps reduce regulatory compliance risks and checking time for imports and manufacturing by allowing bulk comparison of listed chemicals and related regulatory obligations via the Excel file.
Commercial Tenancy Dispute Resolution in NSW
Mediation may reduce the time and legal costs of a tenancy dispute. Practical arrangements such as payment plans or handing over a fit-out may help reduce financial uncertainty and operational risks.
NSW Small Business Month 2026
Provides opportunities to enhance business capabilities, connect with local businesses, and access the latest government support information through various free programs and networking events offered in October.
SME Cybersecurity Survey in Australia
An opportunity to reflect on experiences with cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise, and to have these requirements for government support considered in policy development.
Business Updates for Australian Small Businesses
This update provides practical guidance for small businesses preparing for sales events, managing lithium-ion batteries, dealing with tax debt, and improving customer retention.
When Cash is Tight for Tax: New ATO Online Guidance
Helps businesses proactively assess conflicts between tax payments and operating funds. Eligibility for payment plans or support depends on the business's circumstances.
Only Seeking New Customers? Building Repeat Business
Allows businesses to review reasons for existing customers to return, in addition to attracting new ones. This is not a guaranteed method for success.
Charging After Hours? Checking Batteries in Your Store
Assists with routine operational checks, as even small or familiar equipment can cause fire damage due to damage or improper charging.
Preparing for Sales Events: Margins, Stock, and Payments Before Revenue
Helps businesses identify situations where sales increase but profits decrease due to discounts, and also addresses mobile payment drop-offs.
Hanho Business Brief — 2026-09-07
This week covers the AICIS categorisation update, forthcoming card-surcharge changes, delivery-worker minimum standards and assistance during import inspections.
2026 AICIS categorisation guidelines update
For businesses importing chemicals and related finished products or raw materials into Australia from Korea or elsewhere, changes to the high-hazard chemicals list and criteria may affect introduction categories and evidence requirements.
Ban on Card Surcharges
Businesses that have passed on card payment surcharges to consumers will no longer be able to do so, potentially leading to adjustments in product pricing or increased costs. However, the reduction in the interchange fee cap may partially mitigate card processing expenses.
Biosecurity Act Import Inspection Assistance Clarification
Increased on-site personnel costs may arise due to the requirement for businesses to allocate their own staff for cargo movement, unpacking, and repacking during physical inspections. Inspection cancellations due to inadequate assistance can lead to additional fees and customs clearance delays.
Minimum standards for on-demand delivery workers
Businesses that directly operate delivery app platforms or utilise platform-based delivery personnel may experience changes in operational methods and increased administrative costs due to compliance with minimum pay rate obligations, record-keeping, and information disclosure requirements.
Payday Super is now in force — Hanho Business Brief Issue 1
Four key issues for Australian SMEs employing staff, serving food or trading with Korea in this edition.
Australia's 2026 minimum wage: an employer payroll checklist
An employer guide connecting the new base rate with awards, classifications, penalties, casual loading and business margins.
Korean flood customs relief: what Australian traders should check
A trade guide connecting potential Korean customs relief with Australian contracts, settlement, logistics and inventory dates.
Payday Super employer checklist: from payday to fund receipt
A practical guide for Australian SMEs connecting payroll, STP, payment and exception handling under Payday Super.
Seafood origin A, I and M labels: a hospitality guide
A guide for hospitality businesses linking seafood-origin evidence with procurement, menus and online ordering.
AUD→USD→KRW weekly monitor for Korea business payments
A Monday update of AUD→USD, USD→KRW and AUD→KRW observations, prior-week levels, 10,000-unit conversion differences and business-payment implications.