Importing Pharmaceutical products from United Kingdom into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 30 pharmaceuticals from the United Kingdom under AUKFTA can attract preferential tariff rates, but a valid Declaration of Origin on commercial documentation is mandatory and TGA ARTG registration must be confirmed before ABF will release any shipment regardless of UK regulatory approval status.

✓ FTA Active: AUKFTAHS Chapter 30

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 30 goods originating in United Kingdom may qualify for preferential duty rates under AUKFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AUKFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Obtain a supplier Declaration of Origin on commercial invoices before shipment to claim AUKFTA preferential rates at the border.
⚠Verify each product has a current ARTG listing or registration with TGA prior to departure from the United Kingdom.
⚠If goods include narcotics or psychotropics, lodge an ODC permit application at least 10 to 15 business days before the scheduled shipment date.
⚠All therapeutic goods for human use must be listed or registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before importation — ABF will hold shipments if the ARTG entry cannot be confirmed at the border
⚠The importer must hold a current TGA Manufacturing or Import Licence (issued under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989) — this licence must match the specific goods being imported, and spot audits do occur
⚠Narcotic, psychotropic, and certain precursor substances require a permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) under the Narcotic Drugs Act before each shipment; permits are shipment-specific so plan lead times of 10–15 business days
⚠Biological medicines, vaccines, and any product of animal origin require DAFF biosecurity assessment and may need a Biosecurity Import Permit — cold-chain integrity documentation is also scrutinised at the border for temperature-sensitive biologics
⚠Goods exempt from ARTG registration (e.g. certain compounded medicines or personal use exemptions) still require a formal TGA exemption reference to be cited on the import declaration to avoid ABF detention
⚠A valid proof of origin such as a Declaration of Origin on commercial documentation is required to claim preferential tariff rates under AUKFTA, with importers able to self-declare or hold supplier declarations
⚠Therapeutic goods including pharmaceuticals and medical devices must be listed or registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) via the TGA prior to importation, regardless of UK regulatory approval
⚠Alcoholic beverages including Scotch whisky and English wines are subject to Australian excise-equivalent customs duty and must comply with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) labelling requirements including allergen and sulphite declarations
⚠Biosecurity requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2015 apply strictly to goods containing wood packaging material, animal-derived products, and any plant material, which must meet DAFF import conditions and may require treatment or inspection on arrival

Key documents required

commercial invoice citing ARTG registration or listing number for each product line
TGA Import Licence or Manufacturing Licence copy (held by the importer of record)
Office of Drug Control (ODC) import permit for controlled substances (Schedule 8 or precursor chemicals)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Manufacturer's Certificate of GMP Compliance or equivalent TGA-accepted GMP clearance
DAFF Biosecurity Import Permit and cold-chain temperature records for biologics, vaccines, or animal-derived products

Import tip

Lodge your ODC controlled substance import permit application at least three weeks before the vessel or aircraft departs origin — ODC permits cannot be expedited after shipment, and a single missing permit number on the import declaration will result in ABF referral and potential destruction of the consignment.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 30 goods from United Kingdom — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from United Kingdom

Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof 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.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof Ch.22Beverages, spirits and vinegar Ch.88Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof Ch.90Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof