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

Japanese-origin Chapter 90 goods qualify for preferential tariff rates under CPTPP, but importers must present a valid origin declaration or Certificate of Origin at entry lodgement while simultaneously ensuring TGA ARTG registration is in place for any therapeutic medical devices, as ABF will enforce both obligations at the border.

✓ FTA Active: CPTPPHS Chapter 90

Free Trade Agreement

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Chapter 90 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 duty rates.
  • ⚠Verify TGA ARTG registration for any diagnostic or therapeutic devices prior to arrival to avoid ABF seizure.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM compliance or supplier declaration for electrical measuring instruments before lodging the import entry.
  • ⚠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 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 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 Japan — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Japan

Ch.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereofCh.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.85Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articlesCh.72Iron and steelCh.39Plastics and articles thereofCh.40Rubber and articles thereof