Importing goods and customs clearance in Australia

If you want to ship your goods to Australia then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Australia. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Container terminal where goods are cleared through customs

Importing goods

Australia’s customs system is managed by the Australian Border Force (ABF), which oversees the clearance of goods and collection of duties and taxes. Importers must comply with Australian biosecurity laws, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). For detailed guidance, visit the Australian Border Force – Importing.

General Import Process

  1. Customs Declaration
    • Lodge an import declaration via the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
    • Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and certificates/licenses if applicable.
  2. Import Duties and GST
    • Import duty: Ranges from 0-10%, depending on the product and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) applicability.
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax):
      • Standard rate: 10%.
      • Applies to the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value plus duty.
  3. Biosecurity and Non-Financial Requirements
    • Certain goods, such as food, plants, and wood products, must meet strict biosecurity standards.
    • Use the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system to verify requirements for specific goods.
  4. Inspection and Clearance
    • Goods may be inspected for compliance with customs and biosecurity standards.
    • Processing time is typically 1-3 business days if all documents are accurate.
  5. Release of Goods
    • Once cleared, goods can be delivered locally or stored in bonded warehouses.

Service Providers for Assistance

  1. DHL Australia – dhl.com
  2. Toll Group – tollgroup.com
  3. Kuehne+Nagel Australia – kuehne-nagel.com
  4. Sadleirs Logistics – sadleirs.com.au
  5. Mainfreight Australia – mainfreight.com

Importing Small Parcels

Australia is served by couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and Australia Post. Typical costs for a 2kg parcel:

  • From the USA: AUD 30-70 for economy shipping.
  • From China: AUD 20-50 for economy shipping.

Express shipping options (2-5 days) are available at higher costs. Rates vary depending on the courier, destination, and urgency. Confirm with providers for accurate quotes.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into Australia in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.

Import and customs in other countries

More about Australia