Do I need an N10 for every import?

No. Goods valued at AUD 1,000 or less can usually be cleared with a Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC). A permit requirement, alcohol or tobacco does not by itself mean you need an N10: a long SAC can handle permit requirements, and a short SAC can handle duty and GST on alcohol and tobacco. Goods over AUD 1,000 generally need an N10, or an N20 if they are going into a licensed warehouse.

How many fields does an N10 have?

This checklist covers 28 common fields across 5 sections: Importer Details (Section A), Supplier/Exporter (Section B), Transport & Consignment (Section C), Invoice & Valuation (Section D), and Line Items & Tariff Classification (Section E). Of these, 9 are always required, and more become required depending on transport mode and goods value. Some goods need extra information, so use it to prepare and have your broker confirm the declaration is complete.

Can I lodge an N10 myself?

Yes, if you register for ICS access with the ABF. Most importers use a licensed customs broker because classification and valuation are complex. Errors can lead to penalties, delays or goods being held.

What is the difference between N10, N20, and N30?

N10 (Import Declaration) is for goods entering home consumption — the standard declaration for most imports. N20 (Warehouse Declaration) is for goods entering a licensed customs bonded warehouse, deferring duty payment until goods are removed. N30 (Ex-Warehouse Declaration) is lodged when warehoused goods are finally released for home consumption, referencing the original N20.

What happens if my N10 has errors?

The ICS system may reject declarations with invalid or missing fields. If errors are discovered after clearance, you may need to lodge an amendment. Incorrect tariff classification can result in underpaid or overpaid duty. Persistent errors may trigger ABF compliance audits. Intentional misclassification or undervaluation carries significant penalties.

What documents do I need to complete an N10?

At minimum, you need a Commercial Invoice (for value, supplier, goods description), Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (for transport details), and your Australian Business Number. Packing lists help with weight and package counts. A Certificate of Origin is needed to claim FTA preferential duty rates. Use the Import Document Checklist to organise your supporting paperwork and confirm any conditions.

What goes on an N10 declaration?

A preparation checklist of the fields an N10 needs, adjusted for your transport mode and goods value.

Transport mode

Approximate goods value (FOB)

Required

Conditional

Optional

Auto-extracted by StarShipper

Importer Details

2 required, 3 other

Details about the importing entity in Australia

Supplier / Exporter

2 required, 1 other

Details about the overseas supplier or exporter

Transport & Consignment

7 required, 2 other

Shipping and transport details for the consignment

Invoice & Valuation

5 required, 2 other

Commercial details for customs value determination

Line Items & Tariff Classification

4 required, 3 other

Individual goods lines with HS codes and values

StarShipper auto-extracts 29 of 31 N10 fields

Upload your commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list. StarShipper reads the documents, fills the fields, cross-checks for consistency, and tells you what's still missing — before you lodge.

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Declaration types

N10 vs N20 vs N30 — which do you need?

Australia has three import declaration types. Most imports use the N10.

	N10 — Import Declaration	N20 — Warehouse Declaration	N30 Ex-Warehouse
Purpose	Goods entering home consumption (standard import)	Goods entering a bonded warehouse	Goods leaving a bonded warehouse
When used	Most imports over AUD 1,000	Deferred duty payment, re-export, or storage	After N20, when goods are released from warehouse
Required fields	9 mandatory	10 mandatory (N10 + Warehouse ID)	7 mandatory (references original N20)
Duty payment	At time of declaration	Deferred until N30 lodgement	At time of warehouse release

N10 primer

What is an N10 Import Declaration?

The N10 Import Declaration is the full customs entry lodged with the Australian Border Force (ABF), generally for goods valued over AUD 1,000. Its paper version for air and sea cargo is Form B650.

An N10 declares who is importing what, from where, at what value, and under which tariff classification. The ABF uses this information to assess customs duty, GST, and whether the goods comply with Australian import regulations.

N10 declarations are lodged electronically through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), managed by the ABF. Most importers work with a licensed customs broker who prepares and lodges the declaration on their behalf. The declaration must be lodged before goods can be released from customs control.

Getting the N10 right matters. Incorrect tariff classification, undervaluation, or missing information can result in delays, penalties, or referral for physical examination. The fields above are a preparation checklist. Having them ready before lodgement saves the back-and-forth that slows down clearance. Some goods need more, so your broker still confirms the declaration is complete.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

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Import Document Checklist

Organise your supporting paperwork and confirm any conditions.

Landed Cost Calculator

Calculate customs duty, GST, and total landed cost for your goods.

Disclaimer: This tool provides general guidance on N10 Import Declaration field requirements and does not constitute professional customs or legal advice. It is a preparation checklist and does not guarantee a declaration is complete. Field requirements may vary based on specific goods, regulatory changes, or individual circumstances. For binding advice, contact the Australian Border Force or a licensed customs broker.

Import Document Checklist

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What goes on an N10 declaration?

Importer Details

ABN

CCID

Importer Name

Importer Address

Phone

Supplier / Exporter

Supplier Name

Supplier Address

Country of Origin

Transport & Consignment

Transport Mode

Vessel / Flight

Voyage Number

B/L or AWB Number

Port of Loading

Port of Discharge

Container Number

Number of Packages

Gross Weight

Invoice & Valuation

Invoice Number

Invoice Date

Customs Value (FOB)

Currency

Incoterms

Freight Cost

Insurance Cost

Line Items & Tariff Classification

Tariff Code (HS)

Goods Description

Quantity

Unit Price

Line FOB Value

Country of Origin (per item)

Net Weight (per item)

StarShipper auto-extracts 29 of 31 N10 fields

N10 vs N20 vs N30 — which do you need?

What is an N10 Import Declaration?

Frequently asked questions.

Ready to prepare your N10?

Import Document Checklist

Landed Cost Calculator

Import Document Checklist

Landed Cost Calculator