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Importing Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted from India into Australia (2026)

Knitted garments imported from India can attract preferential AIECTA duty rates, but importers must present a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the Export Inspection Council of India alongside full compliance with Australian mandatory care labelling requirements under Australian Consumer Law.

✓ FTA Active: AIECTAHS Chapter 61

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement

Chapter 61 goods originating in India may qualify for preferential duty rates under AIECTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AIECTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

  • Obtain Export Inspection Council COO before shipment to claim AIECTA preferential tariff rates at the border.
  • Verify anti-dumping measures on specific knitted garments via the Anti-Dumping Commission register before committing to shipment.
  • Ensure all garments carry English labels stating fibre content, country of origin, and care instructions to avoid ABF detention.
  • All garments sold in Australia must comply with mandatory care labelling standards under Australian Consumer Law — labels must state fibre content, country of origin, and care instructions in English; non-compliance can trigger ABF detention and ACCC enforcement
  • Children's nightwear (including knitted pyjamas and onesies) must meet flammability requirements under AS/NZS 1249 — importers must hold test reports from accredited laboratories before clearance
  • Anti-dumping measures are active on certain knitted garments from specific origins — check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before shipment as duties can exceed 30% and apply retrospectively
  • Country of origin claims on garments are heavily scrutinised; fabric knitted in one country but cut and sewn in another may not qualify as origin of the finishing country for FTA preferential rates or consumer labelling purposes
  • No import permit is generally required, but biosecurity risk is low for new garments; however, second-hand or used knitted clothing requires DAFF biosecurity assessment and may require treatment or be refused entry
  • A Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by an authorised Indian body such as the Export Inspection Council must be presented to claim preferential AIECTA duty rates at the Australian border
  • Anti-dumping and countervailing duties apply to several Indian steel products including hot-rolled coil and reinforcing bar - importers must check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before shipment
  • Pharmaceutical and chemical imports from India must comply with TGA registration requirements and Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approvals where applicable
  • Biosecurity declarations and inspections are mandatory for textiles, garments, leather goods, spices, and any goods with organic material that may carry pest or disease risk under the Biosecurity Act 2015

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice with full fibre composition breakdown per SKU and country of manufacture
  • bill of lading or airway bill
  • packing list with carton-level detail including garment sizes and quantities
  • laboratory test reports for children's nightwear flammability (AS/NZS 1249) and any restricted substance testing (REACH or Oeko-Tex accepted as supporting evidence)
  • Certificate of Origin (Form E for ChAFTA, back-to-back or AANZ origin declaration for AANZFTA) to claim preferential tariff rates

Import tip

Pre-populate your tariff classification at the 10-digit statistical code level and include the exact fibre composition percentages on the commercial invoice — ABF commonly queries mismatches between declared composition and garment labels, and resolving this post-arrival causes costly storage delays.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 61 goods from India — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from India