How to Import Consumer Goods to Australia

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. 1

   Classify your goods

   Determine the correct tariff classification. Consumer goods span dozens of HS chapters — clothing, furniture, kitchenware, toys, and accessories all have different classifications and duty rates. Accurate classification is essential for calculating your landed cost.

2. 2

   Check mandatory product safety standards

   Search the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website to check whether your product category has mandatory safety or information standards. Key categories include children's toys, sunglasses, portable swimming pools, furniture, and cosmetics. Non-compliance is a criminal offence.

3. 3

   Verify labelling requirements

   Australian consumer goods must carry country of origin labelling. Textiles and clothing require care labels complying with AS/NZS 1957. Products sold by measurement must comply with the National Measurement Act. Ensure your labels are prepared before the goods arrive to avoid relabelling costs.

4. 4

   Engage a licensed customs broker

   Choose a broker experienced with consumer goods imports. They can help with tariff classification across diverse product ranges, advise on any FTA preferences that reduce duty, and manage the declaration process.

5. 5

   Prepare import documentation

   Assemble commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin (if claiming FTA preferences). For products subject to mandatory standards, keep test reports and certificates of conformity on file — while these aren't always required at the border, the ACCC can request them at any time.

6. 6

   Lodge your import declaration

   Your customs broker lodges the import declaration through the ICS. For mixed consignments containing multiple product types, each product may need a separate tariff classification line. Ensure the declared value accurately reflects what you paid, including any buying commissions, assists, or royalties.

7. 7

   Pay duties, taxes, and distribute

   Pay customs duty and 10% GST. Consumer goods duty rates typically range from 0% to 5% depending on the product and origin country. Once cleared, products can be distributed to retailers or fulfilled directly to customers.

Key Regulations

The ACCC administers mandatory safety standards and product bans under the Australian Consumer Law. Importers have the same obligations as domestic manufacturers — they must ensure products meet all applicable standards and are safe for consumer use.

The ABF enforces intellectual property rights at the border. Counterfeit goods matching registered trade marks are seized and destroyed. Importers of genuine parallel imports should ensure they can prove the authenticity of their goods.

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) enforces trade measurement requirements under the National Measurement Act 2000. Products sold by measurement must use metric units and comply with prescribed measurement standards.

State and territory consumer protection agencies may have additional requirements for specific product categories. The ACCC coordinates nationally, but individual states may enforce stricter requirements in some areas.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on consumer goods varies by product type and country of origin. Common rates include 5% for general merchandise, though many products enter duty-free under free trade agreements with China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries.

Low-value imported goods (valued at A$1,000 or less) purchased by consumers attract 10% GST collected by the overseas vendor under the simplified GST registration system. Commercial imports above A$1,000 pay GST through the standard import declaration.

Use the ABF tariff lookup tool to check the specific duty rate for your product. Your customs broker can also advise on whether FTA preferences are available to reduce or eliminate duty.

Official Sources

Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.

• Product Safety Australia

  Mandatory product safety standards, bans, and recall information.

• ACCC — Country of Origin Labelling

  Requirements for country of origin claims on consumer products.

• ABF — Importing Goods

  General guide to importing goods including declaration requirements.

• ABF — Notice of Objection (IP Protection)

  How trade mark owners register for border protection against counterfeits.