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Australia Import Duty Rate for Laptops & Computers

HS 8471 · Automatic data processing machines

Australia MFN Import Duty Rate

0%

on FOB value

ITA — 0% MFN.

How duty is calculated

1

FOB value

Product transaction value at port of export

2

Import duty (0%)

Applied to FOB value. US uses FOB (transaction value).

3

GST (10%)

Applied to FOB value + duty. Collected at customs.

Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.

Worked example: laptops & computers worth US$10,000

A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. Australia charges duty on the FOB value (the price of the goods), so freight does not attract duty and the duty base is US$10,000. Customs converts the amount to AUD at the official exchange rate on the day of import.

ChargeAt 0%
Import duty$0
GST (10%)$1,090
Total paid at the border$1,090

GST is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.

Classifying laptops & computers correctly

Heading 8471 covers automatic data-processing machines; laptops and notebooks are 8471.30 (portable, under 10 kg, with at least a CPU, keyboard and display).

  • Tablets are also 8471.30, but tablets with phone functions may be 8517
  • Monitors go to 8528 and printers to 8443
  • Laptop parts and accessories go to 8473

Compliance. Most markets give laptops 0% duty under the WTO Information Technology Agreement; safety and radio approvals (CE, FCC, BIS in India, KC in Korea) and battery shipping rules still apply.

Importing into Australia: what you need

The Australian Border Force (ABF) clears goods through the Integrated Cargo System; rates are in Schedule 3 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995.

Registration. An ABN and a client registration with the ABF; most importers use a licensed customs broker.

Low-value shipments. Goods worth A$1,000 or less clear without duty or a full import declaration. 10% GST on them is charged at checkout by overseas sellers and marketplaces registered for GST.

Documents customs will ask for

  • Full Import Declaration (N10) for goods over A$1,000
  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Bill of lading or air waybill
  • Certificate or declaration of origin for FTA rates
  • Biosecurity documents and import permits from the Department of Agriculture for timber, food and plant products

Charges on top of duty

  • GST 10% on customs value + duty + international freight and insurance
  • Import Processing Charge per declaration
  • Luxury Car Tax and Wine Equalisation Tax on those goods
  • Anti-dumping duties on some steel, aluminium and food products

Watch out. Many goods face 0% duty thanks to FTAs with China, Japan, Korea, the UK and ASEAN, but only with origin evidence — without it the general 5% rate applies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty rate for Laptops & Computers in Australia?

The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Laptops & Computers (HS 8471) in Australia is 0% on the FOB value. ITA — 0% MFN.

Is GST charged on Laptops & Computers imports to Australia?

Yes. Australia charges GST at 10% on the FOB value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.

Are there FTA rates available for Laptops & Computers in Australia?

Australia has free trade agreements with AUSFTA (US), CPTPP, ChAFTA (China), KAFTA (Korea), AANZFTA (ASEAN), JAEPA (Japan), UK–Australia FTA, IAA FTA (India). Check whether your origin country qualifies for a preferential rate on HS 8471.

How is import duty calculated for Laptops & Computers entering Australia?

Duty is calculated on the FOB value of the goods. FOB value is the transaction value at the port of export. The MFN duty of 0% is applied to this value. GST (10%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.

Verify this rate

Duty rates change. Always verify the current rate at the official tariff schedule before importing.

Australian Customs Tariff (ACT) official database ↗
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