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

Importing Chapter 90 instruments from the UK under AUKFTA can unlock preferential tariff rates, but a valid Declaration of Origin on commercial documentation is mandatory, and any therapeutic medical devices within this chapter must hold current ARTG registration via TGA before the goods physically arrive at the Australian border — UK UKCA or CE marking alone does not satisfy Australian regulatory requirements.

✓ FTA Active: AUKFTAHS Chapter 90

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 90 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 UK supplier Declaration of Origin on commercial invoice to claim AUKFTA preferential tariff rates at entry.
  • ⚠Confirm all therapeutic devices (e.g. ultrasound, diagnostic instruments) are ARTG-registered via TGA prior to shipment departure.
  • ⚠Ensure radiation-emitting or electrical instruments carry RCM certification or a valid supplier EMC declaration before lodging the import declaration.
  • ⚠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
  • ⚠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 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 United Kingdom — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

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