StarShipper
HS ClassifierCalculatorAustralian TariffsImport ChecklistPort Directory
Home/Australian Tariffs/From Italy/Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof

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

Importing Chapter 90 precision, optical, or medical instruments from Italy attracts MFN tariff rates with no preferential concession available, meaning full duty applies alongside mandatory pre-import compliance obligations such as TGA ARTG registration for therapeutic devices and RCM certification for electrical measuring instruments before Australian Border Force clearance.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Verify TGA ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic device prior to shipment to avoid ABF seizure.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM mark or supplier EMC declaration for electrical measuring instruments before lodging the customs entry.
  • ⚠Ensure commercial invoice explicitly states Italian origin and full CIF value to support correct MFN tariff classification.
  • ⚠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
  • ⚠No FTA exists between Australia and Italy, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all imported goods - no preferential Certificate of Origin is required, though a standard commercial invoice detailing country of origin is essential for tariff classification purposes
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission may apply to certain Italian goods such as steel reinforcing bar and hollow structural sections - importers should check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before lodging entries
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian mandatory standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and may require ACMA registration for radio communications devices before importation
  • ⚠Biosecurity Act 2015 requirements apply to goods containing timber, leather, natural stone, or food products such as olive oil and cured meats - these may be subject to inspection, treatment, or import permits issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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 Italy — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Italy

Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereofCh.62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crochetedCh.64Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articlesCh.33Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparationsCh.22Beverages, spirits and vinegar