Australia has strong trade ties with the rest of the world. Its location has also allowed Australia to become a major supplier to markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Australian Government has a number of policies that seek to develop and assist Australian businesses involved in international trade. Further information around importing and exporting, including trade agreements, tariffs and duties is provided below.
Australia has six Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other countries in force and another eight under negotiation.
The FTAs contain legally binding commitments by each member to liberalise access to their markets for goods and services as well as investment.
Australia has commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Goods imported in Australia require classification. Declaration procedures are based on self-assessment by importers. Declarations must be made to the Australian Border Force, which also enforces import restrictions.
Businesses in Australia are able to import goods from overseas as part of their activities.
Businesses considering importing should be aware of government regulations, duty taxes, permits, and quarantine and treatments that apply to imported goods. Imports that do not meet these requirements can be seized by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
There is no requirement for importers (companies or individuals) to hold an import licence to import goods into Australia.
However, depending on the nature of the goods and regardless of value, importers might need to obtain permits to clear certain imported goods from customs control. Importers are required, amongst other things, to ensure that imported goods are correctly labelled. For example, imported goods that require a trade description must be marked with the name of the country in which the goods were made or produced, and where specified, a true description of the goods.
All goods being exported from Australia are subject to customs control. As such they must be reported to the ABF using either an Export Declaration or exemption code.
Goods intended to be exported from Australia must be declared on an Export Declaration if the goods:
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