Import from Thailand to Australia 2026: TAFTA Advantage
The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), in force since 2005, delivers 0% duty on ~95% of tariff lines for Thai-origin goods entering Australia. This makes Thailand one of the most cost-efficient sourcing hubs for Australian importers.
1. Top imports from Thailand to Australia
Motor vehicles (Thai-built Hilux, Ranger), auto parts, machinery, gold, plastics, rubber, processed food (canned tuna, rice, sauces), furniture.
2. TAFTA & duty
Use the DFAT FTA Portal (ftaportal.dfat.gov.au) to check TAFTA rates by HS code. Almost every consumer/industrial line is 0% under TAFTA provided a valid Certificate of Origin (Form TAFTA) is presented.
Examples (all 0% under TAFTA vs MFN):
- Passenger vehicles (8703): 0% (MFN 5%)
- Rubber gloves (4015.19): 0% (MFN 5%)
- Furniture (9403): 0% (MFN 5%)
- Canned tuna (1604.14): 0% (MFN 5%)
3. Documents
- Commercial invoice + packing list
- Bill of lading / AWB
- Certificate of Origin Form TAFTA issued by Thai Department of Foreign Trade
- Australian Business Number (ABN) + import declaration via ICS
- Biosecurity docs for food, timber, plants (BICON lookup mandatory)
4. GST & charges
- GST: 10% on (customs value + duty + freight + insurance)
- Import Processing Charge: ~$88 (sea), $50 (air) for entries A,000–10,000; scales up
- Deferred GST scheme: monthly BAS filers defer GST to their next BAS — recommended for regular importers
5. Freight & timelines
- Ocean FCL Laem Chabang → Sydney/Melbourne: 14–18 days, A$2,400–3,600 per 40HQ
- Ocean FCL → Fremantle: 12–15 days
- Air freight BKK → SYD/MEL: 8–12 hrs flight, 2–4 days door: A$5.50–8.00/kg
6. Landed cost example (40HQ auto parts to Melbourne)
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| FOB Laem Chabang | A$32,000 |
| Ocean freight | A$2,900 |
| Insurance | A05 |
| Duty (0% TAFTA) | A$0 |
| GST (10%, deferred) | A$3,501 (via BAS) |
| Broker + IPC | A$310 |
| Sydney port + trucking | A$720 |
| Landed cost | A$36,035 |
FAQ
Q: Are all Thai goods duty-free into Australia? A: About 95% of tariff lines are 0% under TAFTA when accompanied by a valid Form TAFTA Certificate of Origin.
Q: What is Form TAFTA? A: The preferential Certificate of Origin issued by Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade proving Thai origin under TAFTA rules.
Q: Do I need biosecurity clearance? A: Yes for any food, timber, seeds, plants, or animal products. Check BICON (Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions) before ordering.
Q: How long is shipping from Thailand to Australia? A: 12–18 days by ocean; 2–4 days door-to-door by air.
Sourcing from Thailand for the Australian market? Contact TUSKO — TAFTA-compliant supplier vetting and Sydney/Melbourne-delivered landed cost.