Question 1

What import duties apply when shipping from China to Australia?

Accepted Answer

Under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, goods shipped from China to Australia may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. A Certificate of Origin is typically required. Without preferential treatment, MFN duty rates of 0% - 5% apply depending on the HS code.

Question 2

What is the VAT/GST rate in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australia charges GST 10% on imported goods. This is calculated on the CIF value plus import duty.

Question 3

How long does shipping take from China to Australia?

Accepted Answer

Air freight: approximately 3 business days. Sea freight: approximately 25 business days

Question 4

What documents are needed to ship from China to Australia?

Accepted Answer

Required documents typically include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, and Customs Declaration Form. To claim preferential duty rates under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a Certificate of Origin is also required.

HS Code	Description	General Rate	Preferential Rate
4602.19	Basketwork, wickerwork and other articles	5%	5%
6913.10	Ceramic statuettes and ornaments — porcelain	5%	5%
6913.90	Other ceramic ornaments	5%	5%
7013.99	Other glassware — decorative	5%	5%
9401.61	Upholstered wooden seats	5%	5%
9403.30	Wooden office furniture	5%	5%
9403.50	Wooden bedroom furniture	5%	5%
9403.60	Other wooden furniture	5%	5%
9701.10	Paintings, drawings, pastels — hand-executed	0%	0%
9701.90	Other paintings and drawings	0%	0%

Shipping from China to Australia