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

Importing Chapter 90 precision, medical, or optical instruments from France attracts MFN tariff rates with no FTA concession available, meaning full duty applies alongside mandatory TGA ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic devices before Australian Border Force will release the goods. French-origin radiation-emitting instruments such as dental X-ray units or lasers face a dual compliance burden, requiring both TGA registration and state or territory radiation safety authority approval prior to shipment arrival.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Verify ARTG registration for all therapeutic or diagnostic devices before shipment departs France to avoid ABF seizure.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM mark or supplier EMC declaration exists for any electrical measuring instruments destined for Australian use.
  • ⚠Apply MFN duty rate at time of tariff classification — no preferential rate or certificate of origin is applicable for French goods.
  • ⚠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 France, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all goods; a commercial invoice and packing list are required but no preferential certificate of origin is needed for duty purposes
  • ⚠Alcoholic beverages including wine and spirits (Chapter 22) are subject to Australian Border Force import permits and must comply with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) labelling requirements including country of origin and allergen declarations
  • ⚠Cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceutical goods (Chapters 30 and 33) must meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or NICNAS/AICIS registration requirements before importation, and French CE marking alone is not accepted as proof of Australian compliance
  • ⚠Biosecurity Act 2015 controls apply to any goods containing animal or plant material including leather goods, wooden components, natural cork and floral products, which may require biosecurity inspection or treatment on arrival in Australia

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

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Other product categories imported from France

Ch.22Beverages, spirits and vinegarCh.33Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparationsCh.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 products