Import from China to Australia

Australia uses the FOB value for customs duty calculation — unlike the UK and EU which use CIF. Updated for 2026, our calculators include current ChAFTA preferential rates, latest Tariff Concession Orders (TCOs), and 10% GST on taxable importation value.

⚖️ Australian Border Force (ABF) / ATO 💱 Currency: AUD 🧾 GST: 10% 📦 De minimis: AUD $1,000 (duty-free threshold for most goods)

📋 Key Import Fees — China to Australia

✓ Customs Duty: typically 5% on most goods from China
✓ GST: 10% on (FOB value + freight + insurance + customs duty)
✓ Import processing charges (IPC): AUD $50–$99 per entry
✓ Low Value Goods (LVG) GST: 10% GST on all goods sent to consumers, no threshold

Duty Basis

FOB value (customs duty); CIF value used for GST

De Minimis Threshold

AUD $1,000 (duty-free threshold for most goods)

Import Process — China to Australia

Commercial imports must be lodged via the Australian Border Force's Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Goods over AUD $1,000 require a formal import declaration. A Customs Broker registered with ABF is recommended for complex shipments.

Free Calculators for Australia Importers

Selected tools for duty, freight, landed cost, and import planning

Sea Freight Cost Calculator China to Australia

Use our sea freight cost calculator china to australia to calculate sea freight costs from China to Australian ports. 2026 LCL and FCL benchmark rates to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, and Adelaide.

Australia Import Duty Calculator

Use our australia import duty calculator to calculate australian customs duty and 10% GST on imports from China. Uses the official ABF customs formula.

Australia Landed Cost Calculator — China to Australia Import Cost

Use our australia landed cost calculator to calculate the total landed cost of goods from China to Australia. Includes customs duty (ChAFTA rates), 10% GST, freight, and insurance in AUD.

CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter Calculator for Sea Freight

Use our cbm calculator to calculate cBM (cubic meters) for sea freight shipping from China. Enter carton dimensions and quantity to get total volume, LCL cost estimate, and container fill rate.

Incoterms Cost Calculator — EXW vs FOB vs CIF vs DDP

Use our incoterms cost calculator to compare total import costs under different Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP. Find which Incoterm gives you the lowest landed cost.

Cargo Insurance Calculator — Marine Freight Insurance Cost

Use our cargo insurance calculator to calculate cargo insurance premium for sea and air freight from China. Standard marine insurance covers CIF value + 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions — Importing from China to Australia

How is Australian customs duty calculated on goods from China? +

Australian customs duty = FOB value × duty rate. Most goods from China attract a 5% duty rate. GST is then calculated as 10% × (FOB + freight + insurance + duty). The AUD $1,000 threshold means goods valued under AUD $1,000 (FOB) are duty-free but still subject to GST.

What is the GST on imports to Australia? +

GST at 10% applies to most imported goods. It is calculated on the "taxable importation value" which includes the FOB value, international transport, insurance, and any customs duty. GST-registered businesses can claim the GST back as an input tax credit.

Does Australia have free trade agreement benefits for goods from China? +

Yes — the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) provides preferential duty rates for many goods. Since 2019, most goods covered by ChAFTA attract 0% customs duty when imported from China with a valid Certificate of Origin. Check the DFAT website for specific commodity eligibility.

Quick Reference

Customs Authority Australian Border Force (ABF) / ATO

Duty Basis FOB value (customs duty); CIF value used for GST

GST Rate 10%

De Minimis AUD $1,000 (duty-free threshold for most goods)

Currency AUD

Disclaimer: Duty rates and thresholds are for planning only. Verify with the official customs authority and a licensed customs broker before importing.