Importing Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations from Kenya into Australia (2026)

Australia has no FTA with Kenya so MFN tariff rates apply to all Chapter 33 goods, and importers must simultaneously satisfy DAFF biosecurity requirements for plant-derived botanical ingredients commonly sourced from Kenyan suppliers before Australian border clearance will be granted.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 33

Compliance requirements

⚠Declare all Kenyan botanical or plant-derived ingredients accurately on the commercial invoice to avoid DAFF biosecurity reclassification.
⚠Obtain ARTG listing before shipment if any product carries SPF or therapeutic claims to prevent TGA-triggered border seizure.
⚠Apply MFN duty rates and ensure commercial invoice states Kenya as country of origin with full cost-inclusive customs valuation.
⚠Sunscreens with SPF claims are regulated as therapeutic goods under the TGA and require ARTG listing or registration before importation — failure to list prior to import can result in seizure at the border
⚠Products containing plant-derived essential oils (e.g. raw botanicals, plant material residues) may require DAFF biosecurity assessment; declare all botanical ingredients accurately to avoid reclassification as a biosecurity risk
⚠Cosmetics making therapeutic or medicinal claims (e.g. 'treats eczema', 'kills bacteria') may be reclassified as therapeutic goods by TGA, triggering ARTG requirements and a higher duty of care for labelling
⚠All cosmetic products must comply with the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 administered by AICIS — new ingredients not previously notified in Australia require an AICIS introduction notification or exemption check before first importation
⚠Alcohol-based perfumes and fragrance products with high ethanol content may be subject to Australian Customs (Excise-equivalent) considerations; confirm with your broker whether excise-equivalent duties apply to your specific formulation
⚠No FTA exists between Australia and Kenya so MFN general tariff rates apply to all goods; a standard commercial invoice and packing list are required but no preferential certificate of origin is needed
⚠Biosecurity Australia imposes strict import conditions on Kenyan agricultural products including cut flowers, fresh produce, plant material and hides - import permits and offshore treatment or inspection on arrival at an Australian first port of entry are commonly required under the Biosecurity Act 2015
⚠Tea, coffee and food products from Kenya must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code including labelling, permitted additives and contaminant limits; the Department of Agriculture may conduct documentary and physical checks under AQIS protocols
⚠Leather and animal-derived products such as hides and skins require an import permit and may be subject to treatment requirements to address pest and disease risk; wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 heat treatment and marking standards or face rejection at the border

Key documents required

Commercial invoice with full INCI ingredient list and percentage breakdown (critical for TGA and AICIS assessment)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from manufacturer, confirming composition, purity and batch details
TGA ARTG number or evidence of exemption/listing for any product making therapeutic claims (especially sunscreens)
AICIS introduction notification reference or exemption category confirmation for products containing industrial chemicals
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for essential oils and alcohol-based fragrance products, required for dangerous goods classification under IATA/IMDG if shipped in bulk

Import tip

Lodge your AICIS exemption or notification check well before shipment arrival — AICIS assessments can take weeks and holding costs at a bonded warehouse while awaiting chemical clearance are a common and avoidable expense for first-time cosmetics importers.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 33 goods from Kenya — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from Kenya

Ch.9Coffee, tea, maté and spices Ch.6Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage Ch.7Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers Ch.8Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons Ch.63Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags Ch.41Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather