🇦🇺 Import Customs & Duties: Australia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$700
Packages under $700, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
CIF value + duty. GST collected by vendor for B2C shipments under A$1000, otherwise at border.
Clearance Time
1-4 days
typical processing
Note: De minimis A$1000 (~$700 USD). GST 10% applies to all online purchases via vendor collection model
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 5% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 0-10% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-5% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-5% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $700 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Australian Border Force (ABF) uses the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Goods under A$1000 are generally duty-free but GST applies. Full import declarations required above A$1000. Strict biosecurity checks by DAFF for food, plant, and animal products.
What to Actually Expect
Australian customs is efficient but strict on biosecurity. A$1000 duty-free threshold is generous. GST of 10% applies to all imported goods regardless of value (vendor-collected for low-value goods). Biosecurity inspections can add days for food/plant items.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import permits required for biosecurity-sensitive goods (food, plants, animals, biological materials). Therapeutic goods require TGA approval. Firearms, weapons, and certain chemicals need specific permits.
Certificate of Origin
ACCI (Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under AUSFTA, RCEP, CPTPP, AANZFTA. Self-certification accepted under newer agreements.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Australia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $1000 | $15 | $102 | $117 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Australia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Australia is $700. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Australia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Australia is 10%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. GST collected by vendor for B2C shipments under A$1000, otherwise at border.
How long does customs clearance take in Australia?
Typical customs clearance in Australia takes 1-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Australia?
To import into Australia, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Australia?
Australia prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.