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Importing Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles from China into Australia (2026)

Chinese-origin Chapter 85 electrical goods benefit from ChAFTA preferential tariff rates only when supported by a valid Certificate of Origin, but the EESS and ACMA RCM marking obligations are entirely separate and must be satisfied before the goods are presented to the ABF for clearance. For high-volume Chinese electrical imports, non-compliance with either the ChAFTA origin documentation or the EESS registration requirement can result in duty uplift or outright border seizure.

✓ FTA Active: ChAFTAHS Chapter 85

Free Trade Agreement

China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 85 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

  • ⚠Secure a valid ChAFTA Certificate of Origin from your Chinese supplier before shipment to claim preferential duty rates.
  • ⚠Register as a responsible supplier on the EESS portal and obtain RECB certification for Level 3 devices such as chargers and power supplies.
  • ⚠Confirm all RF-enabled products (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) carry a compliant RCM mark before import to avoid ABF seizure.
  • ⚠All electrical goods sold or supplied in Australia must comply with the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS); responsible suppliers must register products and themselves on the EESS portal before import or sale, with Level 3 equipment (e.g. power supplies, chargers) requiring certification by a Recognised External Certification Body (RECB)
  • ⚠ACMA regulates radiofrequency devices including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular products — these must comply with the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and carry a compliant RCM mark; importing non-compliant RF devices can result in ABF seizure at the border
  • ⚠Solar panels and inverters are subject to the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list requirements for any installation claiming Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the RET scheme — products not on the CEC list lose rebate eligibility, which directly affects resale value
  • ⚠Lithium battery shipments are subject to IATA/IMDG dangerous goods regulations for air and sea freight; misclassification of state of charge or watt-hour ratings is a common compliance failure that triggers re-inspection and delays at Australian ports
  • ⚠Anti-dumping measures are actively maintained on certain goods including aluminium extrusions and solar panels originating from China — importers should check the Anti-Dumping Commission's public register as dumping duties can add 5–40% to landed cost and apply retrospectively during investigation periods
  • ⚠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 with full technical specifications including model number, wattage, voltage, and country of manufacture
  • EESS supplier registration confirmation and product registration certificate (for in-scope electrical equipment)
  • RCM Declaration of Conformity and test reports from an accredited laboratory (for RF and electrical products)
  • certificate of origin (mandatory for FTA preferential tariff claims, e.g. Form E for ChAFTA, back-to-back COO for RCEP)
  • dangerous goods declaration and MSDS/SDS for lithium battery shipments

Import tip

When importing solar inverters or battery systems that may be subject to both EESS registration and CEC listing requirements, engage a compliance consultant before the shipment departs — retrofitting compliance documentation after goods arrive in a bonded warehouse is significantly more expensive than pre-shipment testing, and ABF can direct destruction of non-compliant goods.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 85 goods from China — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from China

Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereofCh.61Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crochetedCh.62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crochetedCh.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 buildingsCh.39Plastics and articles thereof