Information for Importers

 Standard clearance documents:

The following documents are essential for all customs clearances

  • Copy Bill of Lading/ air waybill
  • Copy supplier invoice
  • Copy packing list
  • Copy packing declaration for Australian quarantine (sea only)

The following documents may also be required depending on the commodity and packing materials including but not limited to:

  • Original Bill of lading
  • Fumigation/treatment certificate
  • VIA vehicle import approval
  • AQIS import permit
  • Ozone import permit
  • ARPANZA permit
  • De-gas certificate

Free Trade agreements:

Australia has a number of free trade agreements with countries around the world. Below are some examples. We recommend you consult us should you import product from any of the countries listed below to ensure you are using the correct forms and paying the correct duty on your goods.

  • Australia USA free trade agreement (schedule 5)
  • Thailand Australia free trade agreement (schedule 6)
  • Australia Chile free trade agreement (schedule7)
  • ASEAN – Australia New Zealand free trade agreement (schedule 8)
  • AANZ – free trade agreement; Brunei, Cambodia, Lao Peoples Republic, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
  • Australia Canada free trade agreement
  • New Guinea
  • Forum Islands
  • Developing Countries

Australia – United States Free Trade Agreement

Sample statements for US manufacturers/producers.

To claim a preferential rate of customs duty under the Australia – United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), an importer needs to possess the information, or knowledge, that the imported good meets the relevant rule of origin.

The importer does not need to possess a certificate of origin, a declaration or any other particular documentation to claim a preferential rate of customs duty.

Numerous Australian importers and customs brokers as well as US manufacturers and exporters have prepared certificates of origin or declarations for possible use under the AUSFTA. Given the interest in the use of such documentation and given that most of the documentation has contained insufficient information, the Australian Customs Service (Customs) has prepared statements that would be accepted for the purposes of the AUSFTA.

The first sample is for goods (other than textiles and apparel) that meet a product-specific rule of origin

The second sample is for textiles and apparel that meet a product-specific rule of origin

The third sample is for goods that are produced entirely in the USA, or in the USA and Australia, from originating materials

The fourth sample is for goods that are wholly obtained or produced entirely in the USA

The product-specific rules for goods other than textiles and apparel.

The product-specific rules for textiles and apparel.

The statements should be completed by the US manufacturer/producer of the goods. A statement from an exporter who is not the US manufacturer/producer of the goods will be accepted when it can be demonstrated that the information contained in the exporters statement has been obtained from the manufacturer/producer.

Customs will accept such a statement as prima facie evidence that the goods meet a rule of origin under the AUSFTA.

It should be noted that the sample statements are designed as a guide only. The use of such statements is discretionary, not compulsory, and Australian importers are entitled to claim a preferential rate of customs duty without recourse to such statements.

Download sample statement 1 for goods (other than textiles and apparel) that meet a product-specific rule of origin

Download sample statement 2 for textiles and apparel that meet a product-specific rule of origin

Download sample statement 3 for goods produced entirely in the USA, or in the USA and Australia, from originating materials

Download sample statement 4 for goods that are wholly obtained or produced entirely in the USA