Home/Australian Tariffs/From Sweden/Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof

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

Importing Chapter 90 precision or medical instruments from Sweden attracts MFN duty rates with no FTA concession available, and any therapeutic or radiation-emitting device must hold a valid ARTG registration with TGA before Australian Border Force will release the goods. Swedish-origin electrical measuring instruments must also carry RCM marking or a compliant supplier declaration under ACMA requirements before entry into the Australian market.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • Verify ARTG registration for all therapeutic or diagnostic devices before shipment departs Sweden.
  • Confirm RCM marking or ACMA supplier declaration is in place for all electrical or electronic instruments.
  • Declare full MFN customs value on the commercial invoice including freight and insurance to the Australian port.
  • 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
  • No FTA exists between Australia and Sweden, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all imports; a commercial invoice and packing list are required but no preferential certificate of origin is relevant for duty reduction purposes
  • Electrical and electronic goods from Sweden must meet ACMA regulatory compliance requirements including RCM marking under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and Telecommunications Act 1997 before entry into the Australian market
  • Timber, wooden furniture, and any goods containing plant-based materials are subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection and may require a Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) assessment; untreated solid wood packaging must comply with ISPM 15 heat treatment standards
  • Pharmaceutical and medical device imports are subject to TGA registration or listing requirements under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989; Swedish medical technology and pharmaceutical products must be assessed against the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) prior to importation

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 Sweden — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Other product categories imported from Sweden