Importing Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof from United Kingdom into Australia (2026)

Aircraft and aeronautical parts imported from the UK under AUKFTA can attract preferential tariff rates with a valid Declaration of Origin on commercial documentation, but CASA type acceptance under CASR Part 21 remains a mandatory pre-registration requirement regardless of UK CAA certification status.

✓ FTA Active: AUKFTAHS Chapter 88

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 88 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 UK commercial documentation before shipment to claim AUKFTA preferential rates.
⚠Lodge CASA Part 21 import certificate application early — UK EASA or CAA approval does not automatically satisfy Australian type acceptance.
⚠Arrange DAFF biosecurity inspection for used aircraft on arrival, targeting wheel wells, holds, and cabin areas for organic material.
⚠All imported aircraft and major aeronautical products must be assessed and accepted by CASA under CASR Part 21 — a type acceptance or import certificate is required before the aircraft can be registered on the Australian civil aircraft register (VH- register)
⚠Drone imports are subject to CASA RPA regulations — commercial UAS over 250g require operator accreditation and registration; importing drones with RF transmission capability also triggers ACMA compliance requirements for radio devices
⚠Biosecurity risk is significant for used aircraft and helicopters arriving from overseas — DAFF officers may require inspection and treatment of wheel wells, cargo holds, and cabin areas for soil, insects, or organic material under the Biosecurity Act 2015
⚠Aircraft parts classified as 'aeronautical products' must carry manufacturer traceability documentation (Form 1, FAA 8130-3, or EASA Form 1) to satisfy CASA airworthiness requirements — ABF will not release goods without this documentation being available for CASA verification
⚠Export controls apply to certain aircraft, engines, and avionics under the Defence Export Controls framework (DSGL) — importers should confirm whether the goods are subject to DSGL controls, as some dual-use avionics and propulsion systems require a Defence permit
⚠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 with full aircraft/part description, serial number, part number, and manufacturer details
airworthiness release certificate (EASA Form 1, FAA Form 8130-3, or CASA Form 1) for aeronautical products and components
CASA type acceptance or import approval documentation for complete aircraft
bill of lading or airway bill with accurate gross weight and dimensions
DAFF biosecurity pre-arrival declaration or treatment certificate for used aircraft or parts with overseas operational history

Import tip

Include the aircraft or part serial number, manufacturer part number, and airworthiness certificate reference directly on the commercial invoice — ABF and CASA cross-reference these against CASA's aircraft register and airworthiness databases, and matching them upfront can prevent holds that delay release by days or weeks.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 88 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.30Pharmaceutical products Ch.22Beverages, spirits and vinegar Ch.90Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof