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

No Australia-Germany FTA exists, meaning full MFN tariff rates apply to all Chapter 90 precision and medical instruments; the most critical obligation for this combination is confirming TGA ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic device before the shipment departs Germany, as ABF will seize unregistered goods at the border regardless of their German regulatory status.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Verify ARTG registration for all therapeutic or diagnostic devices prior to booking the shipment from Germany.
  • ⚠Obtain state or territory radiation authority approval for any German-origin X-ray, laser, or UV-emitting instruments before importation.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM marking or a valid supplier EMC declaration for all electrical measuring instruments intended for use in Australia.
  • ⚠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 Germany, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all goods; a commercial invoice or EUR.1 movement certificate may be requested by the ABF to verify origin but confers no preferential duty benefit
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission may apply to certain steel, aluminium, and chemical products from Germany; importers should check the public register prior to shipment to avoid unexpected duty liabilities
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety standards; many products require a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) before supply into the Australian market
  • ⚠Biosecurity Act 2015 requirements apply to any goods containing or associated with timber packaging, plant material, or animal-derived inputs; wooden pallets and crates must meet ISPM 15 treatment standards and goods may be subject to inspection or treatment on arrival by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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 Germany — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from Germany

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.39Plastics and articles thereof