How to Import Textiles & Apparel to Australia

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. 1

   Classify your textiles

   Determine the correct tariff classification. Textile classification depends on fibre composition, fabric type (woven, knitted, nonwoven), and the nature of the finished product. Garments with multiple materials are classified by the material that gives them their essential character. HS Chapters 50-63 cover textiles and apparel.

2. 2

   Check labelling requirements

   All clothing and textile products need a permanent care label complying with AS/NZS 1957, fibre content labelling (stating the percentage of each fibre type), and a country of origin statement. Ensure labels are prepared and attached before shipping to avoid costly relabelling in Australia.

3. 3

   Determine FTA eligibility

   Check whether your product qualifies for preferential duty rates under an FTA. Textile rules of origin can be strict — some FTAs require that the fabric was woven or the garment was cut and sewn in the FTA partner country, not just assembled there. Your customs broker can advise on specific FTA rules for your product.

4. 4

   Engage a licensed customs broker

   Choose a broker experienced with textile and fashion imports. Textile classification is notoriously complex, and incorrect classification can result in overpaid or underpaid duty. An experienced broker also helps manage FTA documentation and seasonal shipment schedules.

5. 5

   Prepare import documentation

   Assemble commercial invoices (with detailed product descriptions including fibre composition), packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin (for FTA claims). For large fashion shipments, invoices should specify the style, material, and quantity of each SKU.

6. 6

   Lodge your import declaration

   Your customs broker lodges the import declaration through the ICS. Each product type with a different tariff classification requires a separate line on the declaration. Mixed shipments of clothing often have many classification lines.

7. 7

   Pay duties, taxes, and distribute

   Pay customs duty and GST. Duty rates for textiles vary from 0% to 5% depending on the product and whether FTA preferences apply. Once cleared, distribute to retail channels. Ensure all products carry compliant labels before sale.

Key Regulations

The Trade Practices (Care Labelling) Regulation makes care labels mandatory for clothing and household textile products sold in Australia. Labels must comply with AS/NZS 1957 and be permanently attached to the product.

The ACCC enforces labelling requirements, including fibre content declarations and country of origin claims. Misleading fibre content labels (e.g., labelling polyester as cotton) can result in prosecution.

The ABF monitors textile imports for tariff classification compliance and rules of origin validity. Textile classification disputes are common and may result in retrospective duty assessments.

The Anti-Dumping Commission has periodically investigated textile imports, though active measures in this category are less common than in steel or aluminium.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on textiles and apparel has been progressively reduced through FTAs and unilateral tariff reforms. Many products from FTA partner countries now enter duty-free. The general (non-FTA) rate is typically 5% for most clothing and textile products.

Rules of origin for textile FTA claims can be complex. Some FTAs require substantial transformation (e.g., the fabric must be woven in the FTA country, not just the garment assembled there). Your broker can verify whether your specific product meets the applicable rules of origin.

GST of 10% applies to all imported textiles. Low-value consignments purchased by consumers (A$1,000 or less) have GST collected by the overseas vendor under the simplified GST registration system.

Official Sources

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

• ACCC — Care Labelling for Clothing

  Mandatory care labelling requirements under Australian Consumer Law.

• ABF — Textile Tariff Classification

  Tariff classification guidance for textile and apparel products (HS Chapters 50-63).

• DFAT — Free Trade Agreements

  List of Australia's FTAs with links to rules of origin schedules for textile products.

• ACCC — Country of Origin Labelling

  Requirements for country of origin claims on textile products.