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

Australia has no FTA with Taiwan, meaning MFN tariff rates apply to all Chapter 90 goods; the most critical compliance obligation is confirming TGA ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic medical devices before shipment, as ABF will seize unregistered goods at the border regardless of correct tariff classification.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 90

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Verify ARTG registration for any therapeutic or diagnostic device prior to booking shipment from Taiwan.
  • ⚠Confirm radiation-emitting devices such as dental X-ray units have ARPANSA or relevant state radiation authority approval before import.
  • ⚠Ensure electrical measuring instruments carry RCM marking or a valid supplier declaration to satisfy ACMA EMC and electrical safety requirements.
  • ⚠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 Taiwan, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all goods; a commercial invoice or suppliers declaration confirming Taiwanese origin is sufficient for customs entry but no preferential certificate of origin is required or applicable
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures are in force on certain Taiwanese goods including steel reinforcing bar, hollow structural sections, and aluminium extrusions - importers must check the Anti-Dumping Commission notice register and pay any applicable dumping duty margin at time of entry
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulations under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and Telecommunications Act 1997, including mandatory supplier declarations of conformity and RCM marking before goods can be sold in Australia
  • ⚠All goods of animal or plant origin, timber products, and machinery with soil or biological material risk are subject to strict Australian Border Force biosecurity inspection under the Biosecurity Act 2015, and importers should obtain import permits in advance for regulated goods to avoid costly delays or destruction orders

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

Calculate Landed CostFind HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Taiwan

Ch.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.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereofCh.39Plastics and articles thereofCh.73Articles of iron or steelCh.95Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof