Import from Thailand to Australia 2026: TAFTA

Import from Thailand to Australia 2026: TAFTA

2026 guide to importing from Thailand to Australia under TAFTA — 0% duty on most goods, GST, biosecurity, freight to Sydney/Melbourne and landed cost.

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

  1. Commercial invoice + packing list
  2. Bill of lading / AWB
  3. Certificate of Origin Form TAFTA issued by Thai Department of Foreign Trade
  4. Australian Business Number (ABN) + import declaration via ICS
  5. 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 A
05
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.