Overview
Goods you import into Australia require classification under the Customs Tariff Act 1995.
- Importers need to self-assess the correct tariff classification of goods they import. Penalties may apply for incorrect or misleading information.
- The Department has a range of information and resources that will assist you to classify goods.
- The tariff advice service provides advice free of charge on goods you intend to import.
- Individuals who are importing goods on a one-off basis can get help from the Department.
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Working Tariff - current version This page gives you access to an online version of the Department document 'Combined Australian Customs Tariff Nomenclature and Statistical Classification'. It is commonly known as the Working Tariff Pages.
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Working Tariff - 2017 version This page gives you access to a PDF version of the Department document 'Combined Australian Customs Tariff Nomenclature and Statistical Classification'. It is commonly known as the Working Tariff Pages.
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Tariff public advice products This page gives you access to public advice issued by the Department on the classification of goods, and other classification issues.
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Tariff Advice System This page provides information on using the Tariff Advice System to get advance rulings on specific goods before you import them.
Help for first-time or infrequent individual importer
If you are seeking general tariff classification information or are an individual wishing to import goods on a one-off basis, please contact general enquiries.
Using the Tariff
Importers are required to self-assess their goods, including the tariff classification of their goods. Importers have a legal obligation to correctly assess their goods, and penalties may apply for incorrect or misleading information provided to the Department.
Importers are encouraged to use the services of a licensed customs broker if they are unsure of how to classify their goods. Customs brokers charge for the services they provide. To find a customs broker, search online or in your local Yellow Pages. Customs brokers are licensed by the Department.
Additional advice
The Department provide a tariff advice service, which is provided free of charge.
The Department provides advice on goods you intend to import, helping you to make business decisions. The advice is for specific goods from specific manufacturers, and once you receive the advice you must follow it or penalties may apply.
The Department standard for the tariff advice service is 30 days. However, at times it may take longer, depending on the demand for this service.
The Department does not provide advice on goods you have already imported.
If you use a broker or other service provider to apply for the tariff advice, they charge for their services, including for seeking a tariff advice. These charges are not within the control of the Department .
