Customs & Compliance

GST on Imports Australia: Everything Importers Need to Know

Complete guide to Goods and Services Tax on imports into Australia, including calculation, payment, and exemptions. Spotyard Logistics handles ABF, DAFF, and GST compliance so you clear cargo without surprises.

10 min readPublished 7 December 2025
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GST Basics

GST is 10% on most imported goods.

Calculation

GST = (CIF Value + Customs Duty) × 10%

When GST Applies

  • On all taxable imports
  • Paid at time of customs clearance
  • No GST on duty-free goods under ChAFTA

Exemptions

Some goods are exempt:

  • Basic food items
  • Medical supplies
  • Educational materials

Payment

GST is paid to ABF along with duties.

ABN Requirements

Businesses registered for GST can claim input tax credits in their BAS.

Tips

  • Include GST in landed cost calculations
  • Register for ABN if importing regularly
  • Keep records for BAS lodgement

Customs Duty Calculator | Contact Us

How Spotyard Helps

Our licensed customs brokers and compliance team handle:

  • HS code validation, tariff concession checks, and valuation memos
  • DAFF biosecurity submissions, inspection bookings, and audit support
  • Automated duty/GST calculations synced with your BAS workflow

Book a compliance review | Customs Duty Calculator