Importing Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof from China into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 87 vehicles and parts from China under ChAFTA requires a valid Certificate of Origin to access preferential tariff rates, but importers must simultaneously confirm MVSA compliance approval (RAW or RVCA registration) and check the Anti-Dumping Commission register if importing steel road wheels, as dumping duties can apply independently of any ChAFTA benefit.

✓ FTA Active: ChAFTAHS Chapter 87

Free Trade Agreement

China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 87 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 the Chinese exporter before lodging the import entry to claim preferential duty rates.
⚠Confirm RVCA registration or secure RAW/Concessional RAV approval prior to shipment — clearance will be refused without it.
⚠For steel road wheels from China, check Anti-Dumping Case 2014/1 on the ADC register before import — dumping duty may apply on top of customs duty.
⚠All road vehicles must comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (MVSA) — vehicles not on the Road Vehicle Certificate of Approval (RVCA) register require a RAW (Registered Automotive Workshop) or Concessional RAV entry approval before import clearance
⚠New and used vehicles are subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection for soil, plant material and pests — used vehicles and machinery must be cleaned to 'clean, dry and free of contamination' standard or face mandatory treatment costs at the border
⚠Anti-dumping measures apply to certain steel road wheels from China (Case 2014/1) — importers of steel wheels must check the Anti-Dumping Commission register and may be liable for dumping duty in addition to customs duty
⚠Electric vehicles and e-bikes with lithium-ion batteries must comply with the Australian Consumer Law and relevant Australian Standards (AS/NZS 62133 for batteries) — ACMA type approval is required for any wireless components such as keyless entry or Bluetooth systems
⚠Personal imports of vehicles over 25 years old via the Enthusiast, Left Hand Drive or other concessional pathways require a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Department of Infrastructure before shipment departs — this is a pre-import requirement, not a post-arrival fix
⚠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

Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications — mandatory for most vehicle imports
Certificate of Conformity or Compliance Plate documentation confirming compliance with ADRs (Australian Design Rules) under the MVSA
Foreign registration certificate or title document (for used vehicles) to establish year of manufacture and ownership history
Commercial invoice with full VIN, engine number, make, model, year, engine capacity and FOB value — incomplete invoices are the leading cause of ABF delays for this chapter
Biosecurity declaration and evidence of pre-export cleaning or fumigation treatment (DAFF-approved treatment certificate where applicable)

Import tip

Always lodge the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) application before the vessel departs the origin port — the Department of Infrastructure does not issue retrospective approvals and ABF will not release the vehicle without one, meaning demurrage and storage costs accumulate rapidly while you wait.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 87 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.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 Ch.39Plastics and articles thereof