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Home/Australian Tariffs/From South Africa/Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin

Importing Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin from South Africa into Australia (2026)

Australia has no FTA with South Africa, meaning all Chapter 71 imports attract MFN duty rates with no preferential concessions available; the most critical compliance obligation for this combination is ensuring any rough diamonds are accompanied by a valid Kimberley Process Certificate, as entry will be refused without one regardless of declared value.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 71

Compliance requirements

  • ⚠Obtain a Kimberley Process Certificate before shipment for any rough diamonds — entry cannot proceed without it.
  • ⚠If gold or precious metal shipment value exceeds AUD 10,00, confirm AUSTRAC cash transaction reporting obligations are met prior to clearance.
  • ⚠Inspect all vintage or antique jewellery pieces for wildlife-derived materials such as coral, ivory or tortoiseshell and secure CITES permits if required.
  • ⚠Rough diamonds must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 — entry will be refused without it regardless of declared value
  • ⚠Gold and precious metals above AUD 10,000 in value may trigger AUSTRAC cash transaction reporting obligations on the importer or their agent
  • ⚠Antique jewellery or items containing wildlife-derived materials (coral, ivory, tortoiseshell) require a CITES permit under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 — commonly overlooked on vintage pieces
  • ⚠Imitation jewellery containing nickel in components that contact skin may face product safety scrutiny under the Australian Consumer Law; no formal standard currently mandates testing but liability exposure exists if consumer harm occurs
  • ⚠No duty-free concession under ITCA applies automatically to all Chapter 71 goods — general rate for most jewellery is free, but some articles clad with precious metal attract 5% duty; always verify the specific 8-digit tariff classification before assuming a nil rate
  • ⚠No FTA exists between Australia and South Africa, so MFN (general) duty rates apply to all imports; a commercial invoice with accurate country of origin declaration is required for tariff classification purposes but no preferential origin certificate is needed
  • ⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission may apply to certain steel and aluminium products from South Africa; importers should check the public register prior to lodging entries to avoid unexpected duty liabilities
  • ⚠Biosecurity requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2015 are strictly enforced for South African goods including fresh fruit, timber, plant material, animal products and soil-contaminated machinery; import permits, phytosanitary certificates and mandatory treatment or inspection on arrival are commonly required given South Africas pest and disease risk profile
  • ⚠Electrical and electronic goods must comply with Australian mandatory safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System and ACMA frameworks; products such as appliances, cables and switchgear require supplier declarations of conformity and may need registration on the EESS database before being offered for sale in Australia

Key documents required

  • commercial invoice with precise stone specifications (carat weight, cut, colour, clarity) and metal fineness (e.g. 18ct, 925 sterling)
  • Kimberley Process Certificate (mandatory for rough diamonds — both exporter and importer country certificates required)
  • CITES import/export permit (for coral, ivory or other wildlife-derived materials in vintage or antique pieces)
  • gemological laboratory certificate (GIA, IGI or equivalent) for high-value loose diamonds or coloured stones — speeds ABF valuation
  • insurance certificate or declared customs value statement for high-value shipments, as ABF frequently queries undervaluation on jewellery consignments

Import tip

Request a detailed breakdown of stone weights, metal weights and labour costs on the supplier invoice before shipment — ABF routinely queries jewellery valuation and having this breakdown on the original commercial invoice avoids costly amendments, delays and potential under-valuation investigations after lodgement.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 71 goods from South Africa — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

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Other product categories imported from South Africa

Ch.26Ores, slag and ashCh.72Iron and steelCh.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereofCh.22Beverages, spirits and vinegarCh.8Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melonsCh.87Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof