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Importing to Australia
Customs duty, VAT, and import regulations — updated 2026
Key facts at a glance
Customs authority
Australian Border Force (ABF)
De minimis threshold
AU$1,000 (~$650 USD) — one of the world's highest
VAT / sales tax
GST (Goods and Services Tax) at 10%
Typical duty range
0–5% on most goods
Code system
10-digit Australian Harmonised Tariff
Currency
AUD
⚡ 2026 tariff update
AUSFTA (US-Australia FTA): 0% on most US goods. CPTPP preferential rates for Japan, Canada, NZ, Singapore.
Overview
Australia has one of the most liberal customs regimes globally. The AU$1,000 de minimis threshold is among the world's highest. Most goods face 0–5% duty.
GST at 10% applies to all goods. For goods under AU$1,000, GST is collected by overseas sellers at point of sale under the Low Value Imports (LVI) regime.
Import process
1. Goods arrive at Australian port
2. Import declaration lodged via ICS (Integrated Cargo System)
3. Tariff and duty assessment
4. GST applied on value plus duty
5. Strict biosecurity screening for food and plant products
Practical tips
✓ Australia has extremely strict biosecurity rules — declare all food, plant, animal products
✓ AUSFTA: qualifying US goods enter at 0% — obtain Certificate of Origin
✓ Goods under AU$1,000 (B2C): overseas seller collects GST — not charged again at border
✓ Wooden pallets must meet ISPM 15 heat treatment requirements
⛔ Restricted & prohibited goods
Strict biosecurity: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, soil, seeds. Also: certain firearms, asbestos, hate material.
Calculate duty for Australia
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