If you are seeking general tariff classification information or are a private individual wishing to import goods on a one-off basis, please
contact us.
Formal Tariff Advice
The Tariff Advice System allows importers to seek an advance ruling from the Australian Border Force (ABF) on the classification of specific goods before importation. This service can assist importers making business decisions about future imports of specific goods prior to committing to importation.
A Tariff Advice (TA) is given for a specific good from a specific manufacturer only. Once a TA is given, it must be followed if those goods are imported. It should be noted that this service is designed for intended imports of new goods to allow business decisions to be made. It is not designed to deliver real-time advice on goods awaiting clearance.
The service standard for the provision of a TA under normal circumstances is 30 days and it can take longer at times of heavy demand.
The service is provided free of charge by the ABF. Where an importer employs a broker to submit a TA Application, the broker would normally charge for this service.
Applicants should provide detailed information about the goods under consideration. The ABF is unable to classify the goods where insufficient information is given.
In certain circumstances, the ABF may refuse to give a TA through the Tariff Advice System. These circumstances might include where the applicant already holds a TA for the goods, where the goods are the subject of legal action or where the classification is already being assessed as part of an active application for a Tariff Concession Order (TCO).
For further information about TCOs, see Tariff Concession System
Applying for a Tariff Advice
Brokers and others with access to the TAPIN system can electronically submit TA applications. If you submit the application through TAPIN, you must provide the application by email or by hard copy, with supporting documents, within 5 days of the creation of the request in TAPIN.
If you do not have access to the TAPIN system, you can manually request a TA by completing a Form B102 - Application for Advance Ruling (Tariff). Information on how to complete a B102 is on the back of the form, so it is important to print and view both sides.
There are also guidelines for the lodgement of Tariff Advices (Guidelines for Lodgement of Tariff Advices), which apply to both documentary and electronic lodgements.
Where to lodge a TA application or make an enquiry regarding an existing application
Send your applications and supporting information within to the National Trade Advice Centre at:
tariffclassification@abf.gov.au within 5 days of TAPIN submission
or to:
National Trade Advice Centre
Australian Border Force
GPO Box 2809
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
or to one of
our offices in your region.
If you have any enquiries about a TA applications, please email
tariffclassification@abf.gov.au.
