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

Importing Chapter 90 instruments from Hong Kong under the AHKFTA can attract preferential duty rates, but a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is mandatory; critically, any therapeutic or radiation-emitting devices within this chapter must also hold current ARTG registration via the TGA before the goods physically arrive at an Australian border.

✓ FTA Active: AHKFTAHS Chapter 90

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 90 goods originating in Hong Kong, China may qualify for preferential duty rates under AHKFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AHKFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Obtain a HKGCC-issued Certificate of Origin before shipment to secure AHKFTA preferential tariff rates.
  • ⚠Confirm TGA ARTG registration is active for all medical or diagnostic devices prior to lodging the import declaration.
  • ⚠Ensure electrical measuring instruments carry a valid RCM mark or Supplier Declaration of Conformity to satisfy ACMA requirements.
  • ⚠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 Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce or equivalent authorised body is required to claim preferential tariff rates under the AHKFTA
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must meet ACMA regulatory arrangements including Supplier Declaration of Conformity or formal approval before import and sale in Australia
  • ⚠Goods must satisfy Australian Consumer Law mandatory safety and information standards, particularly for products such as toys, childcare articles, and personal protective equipment regulated under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duties may apply to certain goods such as aluminium extrusions and steel products where circumvention through Hong Kong transshipment is under ABF scrutiny

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 Hong Kong, China — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Hong Kong, China

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