Import from India to Australia: Duty, ECTA and Biosecurity Rules (2026)
Since 1 January 2026, Australia gives duty-free access to Indian goods under the India-Australia ECTA, provided the exporter supplies a preferential Certificate of Origin. You still pay 10% GST on the value of the goods. Shipments above AUD 1,000 need a full import declaration, and food, plant, wood and animal products must meet the biosecurity conditions listed in BICON.
Who can import into Australia
Businesses import with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and lodge an import declaration with the Australian Border Force through the Integrated Cargo System, usually through a licensed customs broker. Goods valued above AUD 1,000 need a full import declaration; lower-value goods go through a simpler self-assessed clearance.
Duty under ECTA and GST
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force in December 2022, and Australia's tariff on Indian goods reached zero on all tariff lines from 1 January 2026. The preferential rate only applies when the shipment carries a valid Certificate of Origin and the goods meet the ECTA rules of origin.
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Customs duty with ECTA origin | 0% from 1 January 2026 |
| Without a Certificate of Origin | Australia's general rate, usually 0% to 5% |
| GST on import | 10% of the customs value plus duty and freight |
| Full import declaration | Required above AUD 1,000 |
Biosecurity: the step most first orders miss
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world. Before you order spices, rice, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, wooden products, cane or bamboo items, check the import conditions for that product in BICON, the Department of Agriculture's import conditions database. Some goods need an import permit, treatment such as fumigation, or a phytosanitary certificate. Wooden pallets and packaging must be ISPM 15 treated and marked. Food is also checked under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Documents to ask the Indian exporter for
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- ECTA Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary or health certificate where BICON requires it
- Fumigation or treatment certificate for timber, packaging and some plant goods
- The exporter's IEC and GST details
What Australia buys most from India
Garments and home textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, rice, spices and tea, leather products, furniture and handicrafts, and ceramics.
Frequently asked questions
Is there import duty from India to Australia?
From 1 January 2026, Indian goods enter Australia duty free under ECTA when the exporter provides a Certificate of Origin. GST of 10% still applies at the border.
Can I import Indian spices and food into Australia?
Yes, but check BICON for your product first. Many foods need treatment or certificates, and all imported food can be inspected under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
How do I find genuine Indian suppliers for Australia?
Post your requirement on BuyGenix for free. Our team reviews it and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters who can supply ECTA and biosecurity documents.
How BuyGenix helps buyers in Australia
Post what you want to buy, with quantity and target price, for free. Our team reviews every requirement and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters, so you get a few serious quotes instead of a flood of messages. We check that the supplier holds an active IEC and GST registration and help them prepare the Certificate of Origin and the documents your customs needs. See live demand from your market on buyers in Australia.
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BuyGenix Solutions verifies Indian suppliers, prepares compliant export documentation, and helps businesses in Australia source from India with confidence. Tell us the product and quantity you need, and our team connects you with suitable Indian suppliers.
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