Australia Import Duty Rate for Perfume & Fragrances
HS 3303.00 · Perfumes and toilet waters
Australia MFN Import Duty Rate
5%
AUSFTA/CPTPP: 0%
HS 3303. GST 10% applies additionally on CIF+duty.
How duty is calculated
FOB value
Product transaction value at port of export
Import duty (5%)
Applied to FOB value. US uses FOB (transaction value).
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: perfume & fragrances 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.
| Charge | At 5% |
|---|---|
| Import duty | $500 |
| GST (10%) | $1,140 |
| Total paid at the border | $1,640 |
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 perfume & fragrances correctly
Heading 3303 covers perfumes and toilet waters (eau de parfum, eau de toilette, cologne) whatever their alcohol strength.
- Body mists and deodorants go to 3307, and scented candles to 3406
- Gift sets with a bag or pouch are classified by the item that gives them their essential character
- Perfume oils without alcohol are still 3303
Compliance. Alcohol-based perfume is a flammable liquid (UN1266) for shipping, and cosmetic rules apply — the EU Cosmetics Regulation responsible person and CPNP notification, or FDA labelling rules in the US.
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 Perfume & Fragrances in Australia?
The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Perfume & Fragrances (HS 3303.00) in Australia is 5% on the FOB value. HS 3303. GST 10% applies additionally on CIF+duty.
Is GST charged on Perfume & Fragrances 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 Perfume & Fragrances in Australia?
Yes. AUSFTA/CPTPP: 0%. AUSFTA (US), CPTPP, ChAFTA (China), KAFTA (Korea), AANZFTA (ASEAN), JAEPA (Japan), UK–Australia FTA, IAA FTA (India) are the key agreements — verify origin requirements with your customs broker.
How is import duty calculated for Perfume & Fragrances 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 5% 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 ↗Perfume & Fragrances duty rates in other markets
Quick facts