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Importing Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof from Japan into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 84 machinery from Japan under CPTPP can attract preferential tariff rates, but importers must present a valid CPTPP origin declaration or Certificate of Origin at entry lodgement while simultaneously ensuring motor-driven or electrical plant meets ACMA RCM requirements before shipment departs Japan.

✓ FTA Active: CPTPPHS Chapter 84

Free Trade Agreement

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Chapter 84 goods originating in Japan may qualify for preferential duty rates under CPTPP. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View CPTPP rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

  • Obtain a CPTPP origin declaration from the Japanese exporter before shipment to secure preferential tariff rates at lodgement.
  • Register as a responsible supplier with ACMA prior to importing any electrical or motor-driven machinery to avoid ABF holds.
  • If machinery is used or second-hand, budget for mandatory DAFF biosecurity inspection and potential cleaning or fumigation on arrival.
  • Used or second-hand machinery requires a DAFF biosecurity inspection and may require cleaning or fumigation treatment before release — budget extra time and cost, particularly for soil-contaminated plant from Asia or the Americas
  • Refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment containing HFCs or HCFCs requires an Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licence for handling and an ODS/SGG import permit from the Department of Climate Change under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act before shipment
  • Electrical machinery and equipment (including motor-driven plant) intended for sale or supply in Australia must meet ACMA regulatory compliance mark (RCM) requirements — failing to register responsible suppliers with ACMA before import can result in ABF holds and costly recalls
  • Energy-using products covered by the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act — including commercial refrigeration units, air compressors and certain pumps — must meet minimum energy performance standards and carry correct labelling before being offered for sale; non-compliant stock can be seized at the border
  • Anti-dumping measures currently apply to certain steel-component machinery and aluminium extrusion equipment from China; check the ABF Anti-Dumping Commission's measure register before finalising supplier contracts as dumping duties can add 5–40% to landed cost
  • A CPTPP origin declaration or Certificate of Origin must be presented at time of import entry lodgement to claim preferential tariff rates under Schedule 1 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995; self-declaration by approved exporters is accepted under CPTPP rules
  • Anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission apply to certain Japanese steel products including hot-rolled coil and reinforcing bar; importers must check the measures register prior to shipment to avoid significant additional duty liability
  • All electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards and the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS); importers are responsible for ensuring products meet applicable Australian standards such as AS/NZS requirements before placing goods on the market
  • Biosecurity import conditions under the Biosecurity Act 2015 apply to timber, wooden packaging, and any goods with residual organic material; all wooden pallets and crates must be ISPM 15 treated and marked, and goods may be subject to inspection or treatment on arrival by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice detailing full technical description, model and serial numbers, country of origin and manufacturer name
  • bill of lading or airwaybill
  • packing list with gross and net weights and dimensions (critical for ABF and DAFF inspection scheduling)
  • manufacturer's certificate of origin (in prescribed FTA format where preferential tariff rate is being claimed under ChAFTA, AUSFTA or RCEP)
  • ODS/SGG import permit (where applicable for refrigerant-charged equipment) and ACMA RCM supplier registration evidence or equivalency test report for electrical machinery

Import tip

Request the manufacturer's technical datasheet and confirm the correct 8-digit HS tariff subheading with your broker before the shipment leaves origin — reclassification of machinery at the border (e.g. between 8479, 8428 or chapter 73/94) is a common ABF audit trigger and can delay clearance by days while also affecting whether your FTA certificate covers the correct tariff line.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 84 goods from Japan — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from Japan