Home/Australian Tariffs/From United Arab Emirates/Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin

Importing Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin from United Arab Emirates into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 71 goods 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 Kimberley Process Certificates accompany any rough diamonds, as entry will be refused without them regardless of FTA status.

✓ FTA Active: AUAECEPAHS Chapter 71

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Chapter 71 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 secure AUAECEPA preferential tariff rates.
  • Ensure every rough diamond shipment carries a valid Kimberley Process Certificate or Australian Customs will refuse entry.
  • Declare gold and precious metals accurately — values exceeding AUD 10,00 trigger AUSTRAC reporting obligations for you or your agent.
  • Rough diamonds must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 — entry will be refused without it regardless of declared value
  • Gold and precious metals above AUD 10,000 in value may trigger AUSTRAC cash transaction reporting obligations on the importer or their agent
  • Antique jewellery or items containing wildlife-derived materials (coral, ivory, tortoiseshell) require a CITES permit under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 — commonly overlooked on vintage pieces
  • Imitation jewellery containing nickel in components that contact skin may face product safety scrutiny under the Australian Consumer Law; no formal standard currently mandates testing but liability exposure exists if consumer harm occurs
  • No duty-free concession under ITCA applies automatically to all Chapter 71 goods — general rate for most jewellery is free, but some articles clad with precious metal attract 5% duty; always verify the specific 8-digit tariff classification before assuming a nil rate
  • 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 precise stone specifications (carat weight, cut, colour, clarity) and metal fineness (e.g. 18ct, 925 sterling)
  • Kimberley Process Certificate (mandatory for rough diamonds — both exporter and importer country certificates required)
  • CITES import/export permit (for coral, ivory or other wildlife-derived materials in vintage or antique pieces)
  • gemological laboratory certificate (GIA, IGI or equivalent) for high-value loose diamonds or coloured stones — speeds ABF valuation
  • insurance certificate or declared customs value statement for high-value shipments, as ABF frequently queries undervaluation on jewellery consignments

Import tip

Request a detailed breakdown of stone weights, metal weights and labour costs on the supplier invoice before shipment — ABF routinely queries jewellery valuation and having this breakdown on the original commercial invoice avoids costly amendments, delays and potential under-valuation investigations after lodgement.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 71 goods from United Arab Emirates — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from United Arab Emirates