Import duty rates are essentially taxes that the Australian government imposes on certain imported goods. Unlike a flat tariff, these rates aren’t the same for every product - they vary based on item type, country of origin, and trade agreements.

For newcomers: Think of import duties as a little entry fee your goods have to pay to officially "enter" Australia. And if you get them wrong, you could face unexpected costs or even customs holds.

Australia generally uses the Customs Value for calculations. This is often the price paid for the goods (known as the “transaction value”), but it can include extras like insurance and freight up to the Australian port.

• Customs Duty = [Customs Value] * [Duty Percentage Rate]
• GST (Goods and Services Tax) is separately charged at 10% on the combined total of your Customs Value, duty, and some fees.

Example: If you import $5,000 worth of coffee beans with a 0% duty (which is currently true for green coffee beans, by the way), you’d still pay GST on the value. But import roasted coffee or instant coffee, and the duty may kick in.

Rates vary by product. Here are some of the most common ones seen at Australian ports:

• Many raw foodstuffs (e.g., unroasted coffee beans): 0%
• Most consumer goods: 5%
• Textiles, clothing, footwear: 5% (but can be higher for luxury goods)
• Electronics: Generally 0-5%
• Automobiles: 5% (but luxury cars incur the Luxury Car Tax)

Fun fact: Many coffee products now enter Australia duty-free, riding the wave of recent free trade agreements and Australia’s push towards simpler tariff schedules. For details about importing coffee specifically, read Import Coffee to Australia: Key Insights for Success in the Australian Market - a must for coffee entrepreneurs.

Absolutely! Australia has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries: Vietnam, China, the USA, the EU (partial), and more. If your product qualifies under an FTA, duty rates can be slashed or even drop to zero - but you need a valid Certificate of Origin.

• Tip: Always ask your supplier for the correct paperwork proving origin. Otherwise, full rates might apply.

Australian Border Force: Australia’s FTAs - official resource for current agreements and tariff reductions.

GST is unavoidable for most imported goods (excluding some foodstuffs under certain conditions). The current rate is 10%, calculated on:

• Customs value
• Plus any duty
• Plus international transport/insurance
• Plus any applicable taxes/fees

GST can add a surprising extra expense - don’t let it sneak up on your budget!

Travelers or people importing small parcels: Low-value imports used to fly under the radar, but as of July 2018, GST applies to all commercial goods, regardless of value. No more GST-free loopholes, sorry!

Yes! Some goods attract higher duty rates or outright bans for health, safety, or biosecurity reasons. High-risk items (like certain foods, chemicals, or dangerous goods) require extra documentation and may face inspection fees - sometimes even destruction if not compliant.

Coffee Importers' Note: Australia is strict about plant and animal products; always check with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to avoid costly delays or seizures.

Suppose you’re launching a café in Sydney and want to stock unique coffee pods from Vietnam. Here’s what you might encounter:

• Import duty: If the coffee pods are roasted/processed, expect a 5% duty - unless you use the Australia-Vietnam FTA.
• GST: 10%, calculated on total landed cost (incl. duty and shipping).
• Biosecurity: You’ll need to make sure the beans are processed/roasted (not raw), proper packaging is used, and all documents are in order.
• Extras: Broker/clearance fees, possible AQIS inspections.

It adds up! But when you get it right, your exotic Vietnamese coffee can hit shelves without a hitch.

Australia maintains a searchable, up-to-date tariff database:

• Australian Tariff Classification
• Working Tariff Document

Enter your product’s HS Code (commodity code), and you’ll find the precise rate - and any FTA or quarantine specifics.

Import duty rates in Australia might sound complicated, but they’re just a piece of the import process. Stay curious, double-check sources, and when in doubt, consult official Australian customs sites or a reliable broker. Importing legally and efficiently ensures smoother sales, predictable costs, and far fewer sleepless nights.

If you’re planning to import packaged food products like coffee, chocolate, or snacks, it’s worth working with an experienced supplier who understands these requirements. MR.VIET offers export-ready Vietnamese goods and supports partners with documentation and logistics — helping you avoid surprises at the border.