Synopsis
Things that you buy online have the same rules, duties and checks applied as any other import.
Important information:
- For goods worth AUD 1000 or less, there are generally no duties, taxes or expenses to be paid at the border.
- However, from July 1, 2018, goods and Services Tax (GST) may be collected by foreign sellers of these low-value goods when imported from abroad by consumers in Australia.
- GST will be collected at the point of sale, not at the border.
- For goods worth more than 1000 Australian dollars, you will need to fill out an import declaration, pay duties, taxes and fees at the border.
- Pay duties and taxes on certain goods (such as tobacco or alcohol) regardless of their value.
- It is not allowed to bring certain types of goods to Australia, or you need special permits.
- We may inspect, X-ray or examine the goods to ensure that the goods are allowed to enter Australia.
- You may need Ministry of Agriculture Also to clear and inspect your goods before they are delivered to you.
- Items worth 1000 Australian dollars or less.
- The value of the goods and how they arrived in Australia will determine how they are cleared for delivery to you and what duties, taxes and charges may apply.
- Goods (excluding tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) with a value of AUD 1000 or less are referred to as low-value imports.
- From July 1, 2018, GST may be applied to such goods when imported from abroad by consumers in Australia.
- If such goods arrived in Australia by air or sea freight, they must have a self-assessment clearance declaration (SAC). There is no fee for this advertisement.
- The shipping company or forwarder will take care of this if their services are used.
- Goods arriving by courier or mail do not require an SAC declaration.
What can I import
To learn more about what you can and cannot bring to Australia, see import prohibited goods.
Goods worth more than 1000 Australian dollars:
- To import goods worth more than 1000 Australian dollars, you must submit an import declaration. The import declaration provides information about the goods you are importing.
- There is a processing fee for making an import declaration. You will also be required to pay duties and taxes on your goods.
- You can use the services of a Licensed Customs broker to help you import your goods.
For more information, see: Import declarations.
Refund of customs duties
The legislation does not allow a refund of the customs duties you paid on imported goods if you return them to the supplier for the following reasons:
- You change your mind
- Does not suit them
- They don't like you
However, as an alternative option, if you export imported goods, subject to certain conditions, you may be entitled to a refund of the fee paid.
For information about defects, see Export concession fee refund system.
Before buying online
Sometimes goods purchased online from an Australian company may be sent to you directly from abroad. You may have to pay duties and taxes when this happens.
Gas and electrical goods
Gas and electrical goods that do not meet Australian safety and technical standards may pose a serious safety hazard. Those offered for sale online from abroad may not meet the standards of Australia. Some goods, such as barbecues and personal hygiene items, may not be able to be modified to meet Australian standards.
Counterfeit and pirated goods
If you purchase pirated or counterfeit goods, you are buying a defective product and supporting an illegal trade that may entail serious criminal activity and harm. You can help in the fight against copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting by not bringing these goods to Australia.
Notes:
- In some cases, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers will confiscate pirated and counterfeit imported goods.
- The import and sale of counterfeit goods is illegal and can lead to prosecution.
To learn more about pirated and counterfeit goods, visit The site of forgery and piracy.
For more information consult the Enforcement Agency Australian Border Act and Customs Service.