Export Documentation

Export Documentation for Australia: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from Australia: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
Australia
Customs authority
Australian Border Force (ABF)
Trading bloc
CPTPP, RCEP
Currency
AUD
Estimated clearance
1-5 business days, longer for biosecurity inspections

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) declaration

Strict biosecurity requirements

GST payable on imports over AUD 1,000

Therapeutic goods require TGA approval

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): AUD or origin currency values
  • Packing List (required): Detailed contents list
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document
  • Import Declaration (required): Filed via ICS
  • Biosecurity Import Permit: For goods requiring biosecurity clearance

Additional documents

  • Certificate of Origin: For FTA preferential rates
  • Phytosanitary Certificate: For plant products Check BICON for requirements
  • Health Certificate: For animal products
  • TGA Approval: For therapeutic goods
  • Food Standards Certificate: For food products

Special certificates

  • TGA Registration: applies to Medicines, medical devices, issued by TGA.
  • RCM Mark: applies to Electrical products, issued by RCM certification bodies.
  • AICIS Registration: applies to Industrial chemicals, issued by AICIS.

Customs procedures

  • ICS electronic declaration
  • Post-release verification
  • Trusted Trader benefits
  • Biosecurity intervention at border

Restricted goods

  • Food and agricultural products (biosecurity)
  • Medicines (TGA)
  • Firearms (police permit)
  • Chemicals (NICNAS)
  • Endangered species products (CITES)

Prohibited goods

  • Illegal drugs
  • Weapons
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Products from endangered species
  • Certain food items (biosecurity)

Tips

  • Check BICON before shipping - biosecurity is strictly enforced
  • Ensure all wood packaging is ISPM 15 compliant and bark-free
  • TGA approval needed before importing therapeutic goods
  • Consider Trusted Trader status for faster clearance
  • GST (10%) applies to most imports

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Frequently asked questions

What is BICON and why is it important?

BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) is Australia's database of import requirements. Every importer should check BICON for their specific goods as biosecurity requirements are strictly enforced.

How strict is Australian biosecurity?

Extremely strict. Australia has some of the world's toughest biosecurity laws to protect its unique ecosystem. Non-compliance can result in fines up to AUD $420,000 and goods destruction.

Do I need to pay GST on all imports?

GST (10%) applies to most taxable imports. Low value goods under AUD 1,000 may be exempt depending on the supply chain, though GST on low value imported goods now applies through the supplier.