Importing Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations from United Arab Emirates into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 33 cosmetics and essential oils from the UAE under AUAECEPA can attract preferential tariff rates, but a valid Certificate of Origin issued by an authorised UAE Chamber of Commerce is mandatory; importers must simultaneously ensure TGA compliance for any products making therapeutic claims or carrying SPF ratings, as border seizure applies to non-listed goods regardless of FTA status.

✓ FTA Active: AUAECEPAHS Chapter 33

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Chapter 33 goods originating in United Arab Emirates may qualify for preferential duty rates under AUAECEPA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AUAECEPA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Obtain a UAE Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin before shipment to claim AUAECEPA preferential duty rates.
⚠Verify any sunscreen or therapeutic-claim products hold current ARTG listing prior to import to avoid seizure.
⚠Declare all botanical ingredients accurately on import documents to prevent DAFF biosecurity reclassification at the border.
⚠Sunscreens with SPF claims are regulated as therapeutic goods under the TGA and require ARTG listing or registration before importation — failure to list prior to import can result in seizure at the border
⚠Products containing plant-derived essential oils (e.g. raw botanicals, plant material residues) may require DAFF biosecurity assessment; declare all botanical ingredients accurately to avoid reclassification as a biosecurity risk
⚠Cosmetics making therapeutic or medicinal claims (e.g. 'treats eczema', 'kills bacteria') may be reclassified as therapeutic goods by TGA, triggering ARTG requirements and a higher duty of care for labelling
⚠All cosmetic products must comply with the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 administered by AICIS — new ingredients not previously notified in Australia require an AICIS introduction notification or exemption check before first importation
⚠Alcohol-based perfumes and fragrance products with high ethanol content may be subject to Australian Customs (Excise-equivalent) considerations; confirm with your broker whether excise-equivalent duties apply to your specific formulation
⚠A valid Certificate of Origin issued by an authorised UAE body (such as a UAE Chamber of Commerce) is required to claim preferential tariff rates under the AUAECEPA
⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing measures may apply to certain aluminium extrusions and steel products originating from or transshipped through the UAE, requiring careful tariff classification and origin verification
⚠Electrical and electronic goods must meet ACMA regulatory compliance labelling requirements and relevant Australian Communications and Media Authority standards before import
⚠Perfumes, cosmetics and personal care products (HS Chapter 33) must comply with Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) registration requirements and carry accurate ingredient labelling in English

Key documents required

Commercial invoice with full INCI ingredient list and percentage breakdown (critical for TGA and AICIS assessment)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from manufacturer, confirming composition, purity and batch details
TGA ARTG number or evidence of exemption/listing for any product making therapeutic claims (especially sunscreens)
AICIS introduction notification reference or exemption category confirmation for products containing industrial chemicals
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for essential oils and alcohol-based fragrance products, required for dangerous goods classification under IATA/IMDG if shipped in bulk

Import tip

Lodge your AICIS exemption or notification check well before shipment arrival — AICIS assessments can take weeks and holding costs at a bonded warehouse while awaiting chemical clearance are a common and avoidable expense for first-time cosmetics importers.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 33 goods from United Arab Emirates — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed Cost Find HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from United Arab Emirates

Ch.27Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes Ch.71Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof Ch.85Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles Ch.39Plastics and articles thereof Ch.73Articles of iron or steel