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Importing Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof from Belgium into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 90 instruments from Belgium attracts MFN tariff rates with no preferential duty reduction available, and therapeutic or radiation-emitting devices within this chapter — such as diagnostic ultrasound or dental X-ray units — must hold a valid ARTG registration with the TGA before the goods arrive at an Australian port to avoid ABF seizure.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Verify ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic device prior to shipment from Belgium.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM compliance or a valid supplier declaration for electrical measuring instruments before lodging the import declaration.
  • ⚠Declare MFN duty rate on the import entry; no Belgian certificate of origin is required or beneficial for duty purposes.
  • ⚠Most therapeutic medical devices (ultrasound, X-ray, diagnostic instruments) must be registered on the ARTG via the TGA before importation — absence of ARTG entry can result in ABF seizure at the border
  • ⚠Radiation-emitting devices such as dental X-ray units, lasers, and UV instruments may require state/territory radiation safety authority approval (e.g., ARPANSA or state equivalents) in addition to TGA registration
  • ⚠Electrical measuring and test instruments intended for use in Australia must comply with ACMA electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety standards; a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) or supplier declaration is required for listed equipment
  • ⚠Biological reference materials, calibration fluids of animal origin, or instruments shipped with organic packing material are subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection and may require an import permit under the Biosecurity Act 2015
  • ⚠Some precision optical and dual-use instruments (e.g., night-vision devices, certain laser rangefinders, infrared cameras) may be controlled goods under the Defence Export Controls framework (DECO) and require an import permit under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations
  • ⚠No FTA exists between Australia and Belgium, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all imported goods and no preferential certificate of origin is required or accepted for duty reduction purposes
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission may apply to certain Belgian steel and chemical products, importers should check the measures register on the ABF website prior to lodging import declarations
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with ACMA regulatory arrangements including RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) requirements, and relevant Australian Standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) before goods can be sold in Australia
  • ⚠Biosecurity Act 2015 requirements apply to any goods containing organic material, wooden packaging must be treated and marked to ISPM 15 standards, and pharmaceutical and chemical imports from Belgium require TGA or APVMA approval as applicable

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice with full technical description, model number, and intended end-use
  • bill of lading or airway bill
  • TGA ARTG certificate or registration number (for therapeutic medical devices)
  • manufacturer's certificate of conformity or CE/FDA declaration (supports TGA and ABF classification evidence)
  • ACMA RCM supplier declaration or test report (for electrical/electronic instruments)
  • import permit from DECO or state radiation authority where applicable

Import tip

Securing TGA ARTG registration before the shipment departs — not after it arrives — is the single biggest time-saver in this chapter; ABF will not release a medical device consignment without a valid ARTG entry and customs brokers cannot retrospectively obtain one while goods sit in a bonded warehouse accruing storage costs.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 90 goods from Belgium — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from Belgium

Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.85Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articlesCh.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereofCh.30Pharmaceutical productsCh.38Miscellaneous chemical productsCh.72Iron and steel