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Importing Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal from Malaysia into Australia (2026)

Malaysian timber imports under Chapter 44 can attract AANZFTA preferential tariff rates when supported by a valid Form AANZ or back-to-back Certificate of Origin, but the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 requires importers to maintain documented due diligence records confirming legal harvest in Malaysia before goods are cleared by ABF.

✓ FTA Active: AANZFTAHS Chapter 44

Free Trade Agreement

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 44 goods originating in Malaysia may qualify for preferential duty rates under AANZFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AANZFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

  • Obtain Malaysian legal timber documentation (e.g. MTCC or PEFC chain-of-custody certificates) to satisfy Illegal Logging due diligence obligations.
  • Ensure all wood packaging and pallets carry valid ISPM 15 heat treatment markings — DAFF biosecurity inspection is mandatory on arrival.
  • Verify whether timber species (e.g. merbau or ramin) require CITES permits from both Malaysian authorities and DAFF before shipment.
  • All unprocessed or semi-processed timber and wood products are subject to strict DAFF biosecurity inspection on arrival — heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation certificates to ISPM 15 standard are mandatory for wood packaging and pallets
  • Australia's Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 requires importers to conduct due diligence confirming timber was legally harvested in the country of origin — failure to maintain documented supply chain records is a criminal offence with significant penalties
  • Certain timber species (e.g. rosewood, merbau, ebony) may be subject to CITES permits under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act — both export permits from origin country and DAFF import permits are required before shipment
  • Anti-dumping measures are currently in force on particular wood products from specific countries including certain plywood and engineered wood panels from China — check the ABF Anti-Dumping Commission register before lodging an import declaration
  • Engineered wood products such as MDF and particleboard must comply with Australian formaldehyde emission standards (AS/NZS 2098) and may be subject to ACCC scrutiny if used in domestic furniture or cabinetry
  • A back-to-back Certificate of Origin or Form AANZ must be presented to claim AANZFTA preferential tariff rates, and goods must meet the applicable Rules of Origin including regional value content or change in tariff classification criteria
  • Electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety standards, with mandatory RCM marking required prior to supply in the Australian market
  • Biosecurity Act 2015 requirements apply strictly to timber, wood products, palm-based materials and any goods with plant or organic content, with DAFF biosecurity inspections and potential treatment orders at the Australian border
  • Anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures administered by the Australian Border Force may apply to certain aluminium extrusions and other manufactured goods originating from Malaysia, and importers should check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before lodging entries

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice with species name (common and scientific), country of harvest, and volume in cubic metres
  • phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organisation of the exporting country
  • ISPM 15 compliant heat treatment or fumigation certificate for all wood packaging material
  • due diligence documentation under the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act (supplier declarations, chain of custody certificates such as FSC or PEFC)
  • CITES export and import permit (required for Appendix I and II listed timber species)

Import tip

Declare the timber species by scientific name on the commercial invoice before shipment — DAFF biosecurity officers may place a hold on consignments where species cannot be confirmed, and reclassification disputes at the border over hardwood versus softwood tariff subheadings are far easier to resolve with pre-arrival documentation than after goods are detained in a biosecurity facility.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 44 goods from Malaysia — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from Malaysia