Import guides
Work through them in order, or jump straight to the topic you need. Every guide links to the official source it summarises.
Getting Started: Importing into Australia
The complete end-to-end process for importing into Australia — permits, ABN, HS codes, duty & GST, declarations and biosecurity — with a first-timer checklist.
Read guide · 6 min
Duties, Taxes & GST on Imports
How much duty and GST you pay when importing into Australia: the 5% general rate, 10% GST on VoTI, the AUD 1,000 threshold, WET, LCT and GST deferral.
Read guide · 7 min
Import Declarations & Customs Clearance
SAC declarations for goods under AUD 1,000, full Import Declarations via the ICS, cargo reporting deadlines, and the charges payable at customs clearance.
Read guide · 5 min
Biosecurity & the BICON Database
Australia’s biosecurity rules for importers: how to search BICON, high-risk categories, required treatments and certificates, and BMSB seasonal measures.
Read guide · 6 min
Prohibited & Restricted Goods
What you can’t import into Australia: the ABF prohibited imports list, restricted goods needing permits, asbestos zero tolerance, and sanctions rules.
Read guide · 7 min
Product Compliance & Labelling
Selling imported goods legally in Australia: ACCC mandatory standards, country of origin labelling, RCM for electronics, FSANZ food rules, TGA and AICIS.
Read guide · 7 min
Freight, Incoterms & Customs Brokers
Sea vs air freight to Australia, Incoterms 2020 explained for importers (FOB, CIF, DDP), the landed cost model, and when to use a licensed customs broker.
Read guide · 6 min
Special Cases: Post, Vehicles, Alcohol, Moving
Importing parcels by post, traveller duty-free allowances, importing a car to Australia (RAV/ADRs), alcohol & tobacco rules, and unaccompanied personal effects.
Read guide · 6 min
Glossary of Import Terms
Every acronym and term you’ll meet when importing into Australia — ABF, BICON, SAC, VoTI, HS codes, Incoterms, RCM and more — in plain English.
Read guide · 4 min
Importing from China to Australia
The complete China–Australia import playbook: ChAFTA duty-free rules, sea vs air freight, supplier verification, product compliance and avoiding the common traps.
Read guide · 8 min
Free Trade Agreements & Certificates of Origin
Australia’s FTAs make most qualifying imports duty-free. Which agreements exist, how rules of origin work, and how to claim with a Certificate of Origin.
Read guide · 7 min
HS Codes & Tariff Classification
What HS codes are, how to find your Australian tariff classification, and why the code sets your duty rate, restrictions and FTA eligibility.
Read guide · 6 min
Importing Food & Beverages
How to import food into Australia: BICON biosecurity conditions, import permits, FSANZ labelling rules and the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Read guide · 7 min
Importing Electronics & Electrical Goods
Electronics imports need the RCM mark, EESS registration for high-risk gear, ACMA radio certification and correct duty & GST handling.
Read guide · 7 min
Importing Clothing, Textiles & Footwear
Importing clothes into Australia: apparel duty rates, mandatory care labelling, children’s nightwear flammability rules and FTA duty savings.
Read guide · 6 min
Importing Furniture & Homewares
Furniture and homewares imports: DAFF timber and bark rules, ISPM 15 packaging, asbestos and lead/cadmium traps, toppling furniture standards, duty and GST.
Read guide · 6 min
Importing Cosmetics, Skincare & Supplements
When cosmetics and supplements need TGA ARTG listing vs simple AICIS cosmetic rules — and the labelling both regimes enforce.
Read guide · 7 min
Importing Alcohol & Wine
Commercial alcohol imports face excise-equivalent duty, 29% WET on wine, state liquor licences and strict labelling. How the taxes stack and what permits you need.
Read guide · 6 min
Importing Cars & Motor Vehicles
The full car import process: RAV entry, Australian Design Rules compliance, asbestos zero tolerance, BMSB treatment, and the real cost of duty, GST and LCT.
Read guide · 8 min
Importing for E-commerce & Amazon FBA
E-commerce importer playbook: per-SKU compliance screening, GST setup, labelling, restock freight strategy and Amazon FBA rules.
Read guide · 7 min
Customs Broker Fees & Import Charges
Every import invoice charge explained: Import Processing Charge rates, biosecurity fees, typical customs broker costs and how to read the invoice.
Read guide · 8 min
BMSB Season: Stink Bug Rules for Importers
Brown marmorated stink bug seasonal measures explained: 1 Sep – 30 Apr dates, target risk countries, mandatory treatment goods, break bulk rules and exemptions.
Read guide · 8 min
Importing from the USA
US-specific import playbook: AUSFTA duty concessions and rules of origin, GST on VoTI, BMSB measures for US cargo, US-vs-AU product standards and freight options.
Read guide · 7 min