Importing Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof from United States into Australia (2026)

US-origin aircraft and parts qualify for AUSFTA preferential tariff rates using a self-certified origin declaration, but importers must simultaneously satisfy CASA CASR Part 21 type acceptance requirements before the aircraft can be placed onto the VH-register — both obligations must be met before the aircraft is operational in Australia.

✓ FTA Active: AUSFTAHS Chapter 88

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 88 goods originating in United States may qualify for preferential duty rates under AUSFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AUSFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Retain self-certified AUSFTA origin declaration and supporting evidence for 5 years in case of ABF audit
⚠Lodge CASA Part 21 import certificate application early — registration on VH-register cannot proceed without it
⚠Arrange DAFF biosecurity inspection of wheel wells, holds, and cabin areas for all used aircraft arriving from USA
⚠All imported aircraft and major aeronautical products must be assessed and accepted by CASA under CASR Part 21 — a type acceptance or import certificate is required before the aircraft can be registered on the Australian civil aircraft register (VH- register)
⚠Drone imports are subject to CASA RPA regulations — commercial UAS over 250g require operator accreditation and registration; importing drones with RF transmission capability also triggers ACMA compliance requirements for radio devices
⚠Biosecurity risk is significant for used aircraft and helicopters arriving from overseas — DAFF officers may require inspection and treatment of wheel wells, cargo holds, and cabin areas for soil, insects, or organic material under the Biosecurity Act 2015
⚠Aircraft parts classified as 'aeronautical products' must carry manufacturer traceability documentation (Form 1, FAA 8130-3, or EASA Form 1) to satisfy CASA airworthiness requirements — ABF will not release goods without this documentation being available for CASA verification
⚠Export controls apply to certain aircraft, engines, and avionics under the Defence Export Controls framework (DSGL) — importers should confirm whether the goods are subject to DSGL controls, as some dual-use avionics and propulsion systems require a Defence permit
⚠A self-certified origin declaration or importers knowledge of origin is accepted under AUSFTA to claim preferential tariff rates - no formal certificate of origin is mandated but evidence must be retained for 5 years and available on ABF request
⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission apply to certain US-origin goods including some steel pipe and hollow sections - importers must check the current measures register before lodging entries
⚠Biosecurity Act 2015 imposes strict requirements on US agricultural goods, timber, machinery with soil or organic material, and animal products - BICON conditions must be checked and permits obtained prior to import, with on-arrival inspection likely for risk goods
⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and ACMA RCM marking requirements - US products designed to 110V/60Hz standards may require voltage conversion compliance evidence before sale in Australia

Key documents required

commercial invoice with full aircraft/part description, serial number, part number, and manufacturer details
airworthiness release certificate (EASA Form 1, FAA Form 8130-3, or CASA Form 1) for aeronautical products and components
CASA type acceptance or import approval documentation for complete aircraft
bill of lading or airway bill with accurate gross weight and dimensions
DAFF biosecurity pre-arrival declaration or treatment certificate for used aircraft or parts with overseas operational history

Import tip

Include the aircraft or part serial number, manufacturer part number, and airworthiness certificate reference directly on the commercial invoice — ABF and CASA cross-reference these against CASA's aircraft register and airworthiness databases, and matching them upfront can prevent holds that delay release by days or weeks.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 88 goods from United States — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed Cost Find HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from United States

Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof Ch.85Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles Ch.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof Ch.30Pharmaceutical products Ch.90Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof Ch.38Miscellaneous chemical products