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

Chapter 90 instruments from South Korea can attract a preferential 0% tariff under KAFTA, but a valid Certificate of Origin or Origin Declaration must accompany the import entry, and any therapeutic or radiation-emitting device must hold current TGA ARTG registration before the shipment arrives at the Australian border.

✓ FTA Active: KAFTAHS Chapter 90

Free Trade Agreement

Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 90 goods originating in South Korea may qualify for preferential duty rates under KAFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View KAFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Obtain a KAFTA-compliant Certificate of Origin or Origin Declaration from the Korean exporter prior to lodging the import entry.
  • ⚠Verify TGA ARTG registration for all diagnostic, ultrasound, X-ray or laser devices before shipment to avoid ABF seizure.
  • ⚠Confirm RCM compliance or a valid supplier declaration for any electrical measuring or test instruments before goods depart Korea.
  • ⚠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 KAFTA Certificate of Origin or Origin Declaration must be provided at time of entry to claim preferential tariff rates under KAFTA, with the exporter or producer attesting to Rules of Origin compliance
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures are actively in force on certain Korean steel products including hot-rolled coil, plate and hollow sections - importers must check the ABF anti-dumping register prior to lodging entry
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must meet ACMA regulatory compliance requirements including RCM marking under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS), and relevant AS/NZS standards must be demonstrated before goods are cleared
  • ⚠Motor vehicles and automotive parts from Korea must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) administered by the Department of Infrastructure, and used or second-hand vehicles are subject to strict biosecurity and asbestos-containing material (ACM) inspection requirements

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 South Korea — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from South Korea

Ch.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories 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.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.72Iron and steelCh.39Plastics and articles thereofCh.40Rubber and articles thereof