What documents do I need to import goods into Australia?

Every Australian import requires a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. Goods valued over AUD 1,000 (FOB) also require a formal Import Declaration (N10). Depending on the product type and origin country, you may also need a Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Health Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Dangerous Goods Declaration, or other specialised documents.

Do I need a customs broker for Australian imports?

For goods valued under AUD 1,000 (FOB), you can self-clear through the Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) facility. For goods over AUD 1,000, you need to lodge a formal Import Declaration (N10) — most importers use a licensed customs broker for this, though you can lodge directly through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) if registered.

What is an N10 import declaration?

The N10 is the formal import declaration lodged with the Australian Border Force for goods valued over AUD 1,000 (FOB). It contains details about the goods, their value, origin, HS classification, and applicable duty rates. It must be lodged through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) before goods can be released from customs control.

When do I need a Certificate of Origin?

A Certificate of Origin is needed when claiming preferential duty rates under one of Australia's 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Each FTA specifies its own certificate format — for example, ChAFTA requires an Authorised Body issued COO, while CPTPP allows self-certification. Without a valid COO, you pay the general (MFN) duty rate.

What biosecurity documents do I need for food imports?

Food and agricultural products (HS chapters 1-24) typically require a DAFF Import Permit and may need a Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant products), Health Certificate (for animal products), or Fumigation Certificate (for timber and wooden packaging). Check the DAFF BICON database for specific conditions for your product.

What biosecurity documents do I need for Australian imports?

Australia has strict biosecurity requirements enforced by DAFF. Depending on your product and origin country, you may need a Packing Declaration (all sea freight), Fumigation Certificate (timber, BMSB-risk countries), Phytosanitary Certificate (plants), Health Certificate (animal products, seafood), DAFF Import Permit (food/agriculture), or Treatment Certificate (used goods/machinery). Use this tool to see which apply to your specific import.

What is BMSB season and how does it affect my shipment?

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season runs from September to April each year. During this period, goods shipped from approximately 30 target countries (including Italy, France, Germany, USA, Japan, and China) require additional fumigation treatment and certification. Target countries and treatment requirements are published by DAFF before each season.

Import Document Checklist

What documents do you need to import into Australia?

Enter your product and origin country. Get a tailored checklist of customs, biosecurity, and trade documents — with key fields to check on each one.

What are you importing?

Country of Origin

Transport Mode

Estimated value (AUD, optional)

Determines whether a formal Import Declaration (N10) is required (threshold: AUD 1,000 FOB)

How it works

Three steps to a complete checklist.

Three steps from product description to a complete import document checklist.

Step 1

Enter your product

Search by product description or HS code. The tool identifies your product category from 97 HS chapters to determine which biosecurity and compliance documents apply.

Step 2

Select origin country

Choose where your goods are shipping from. The tool checks applicable Free Trade Agreements and country-specific certificate requirements.

Step 3

Get your checklist

Receive a categorised list of required, likely required, and recommended documents — with key fields to check on each one.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

Got your documents ready?

StarShipper extracts, validates, and cross-checks your import documents automatically — commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin.

Try StarShipper Free Upload a document to test

Disclaimer: This checklist is an informational tool based on general Australian import requirements and does not constitute professional customs or legal advice. Requirements may vary based on specific product characteristics, recent regulatory changes, or individual circumstances. For binding advice, contact the Australian Border Force, DAFF, or a licensed customs broker.

N10 Declaration Estimator

Free Tool

See exactly which fields your N10 Import Declaration needs, adjusted for transport mode and goods value.

Learn more

Landed Import Cost Calculator

Free Tool

Calculate the total landed cost of importing goods into Australia — duty, GST, IPC, biosecurity, and FTA savings across 261 countries.

Learn more

View all solutions →