Importing Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles from China into Australia (2026)

Chinese-origin footwear entering Australia under ChAFTA can attract preferential tariff rates, but importers must first check the Anti-Dumping Commission register as active dumping measures on rubber-soled footwear from China can impose duties that far exceed any ChAFTA tariff savings, making anti-dumping clearance the single most critical step before lodging an import declaration.

✓ FTA Active: ChAFTAHS Chapter 64

Free Trade Agreement

China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 64 goods originating in China may qualify for preferential duty rates under ChAFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View ChAFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Obtain a valid ChAFTA Certificate of Origin from your Chinese supplier before shipment to claim preferential tariff rates at the ABF.
⚠Search the Anti-Dumping Commission public register for your specific footwear tariff classification before importing to identify any active dumping duty notices.
⚠Declare any used or sample footwear worn overseas to DAFF on arrival as biosecurity treatment may be required before release.
⚠Anti-dumping measures are active on certain Chinese-origin rubber-soled footwear — check the Anti-Dumping Commission's public register before importing as dumping duties can significantly exceed the base customs duty
⚠All footwear must meet Australian Consumer Law mandatory safety and labelling standards; footwear marketed as safety boots must comply with AS/NZS 2210.3 and carry correct certification markings or importers risk product bans and recalls
⚠Biosecurity risk applies to used or second-hand footwear, which must be declared to DAFF and may require cleaning or treatment on arrival — even sample shoes worn at trade shows overseas can trigger this requirement
⚠Country of origin labelling is not mandatory for footwear under Australian law, but misleading 'Made in' claims (e.g. assembled in a third country from Chinese components) attract ACCC enforcement action under the Competition and Consumer Act
⚠Tariff classification disputes are common in this chapter — the outer sole material and upper material combination determines the correct 8-digit subheading; misclassification between 6401, 6402, 6403, and 6404 headings is a frequent ABF audit trigger
⚠A valid ChAFTA Certificate of Origin (or origin declaration by approved exporter) is required to claim preferential tariff rates under ChAFTA, and must be presented to the ABF at time of entry
⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duties apply to a range of Chinese goods including steel reinforcing bar, hollow structural sections, aluminium extrusions and A4 copy paper - importers must check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before clearing goods
⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulatory arrangements and meet mandatory EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System) registration requirements before sale in Australia
⚠Biosecurity declarations are mandatory for goods containing or made from timber, bamboo, plant materials or organic packing material, with DAFF inspections and possible treatment orders applying at the Australian border

Key documents required

commercial invoice specifying upper material, outer sole material, and intended use (critical for correct tariff classification)
bill of lading or airway bill
packing list with pairs per carton and size breakdown
AS/NZS 2210 test certificate or compliance report from accredited lab (mandatory for safety footwear marketed for occupational use)
anti-dumping certificate of origin or statutory declaration confirming country of manufacture (required where anti-dumping measures apply to Chinese-origin footwear)

Import tip

Request that your supplier specify the exact outer sole and upper composition (e.g. '100% polyurethane outer sole, textile upper') on the commercial invoice — this single step prevents ABF from holding the shipment for tariff clarification and avoids the most common classification disputes in this chapter.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 64 goods from China — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from China

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.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof Ch.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof Ch.61Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted Ch.62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted Ch.94Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; luminaires and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings