Send your drawing. Get a quote in 1 business day.
Include your annual volume and tightest tolerance, and we can quote tooling and unit price right the first time.
Import guide
Importing metal parts from China to Australia
Under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), in force since 20 December 2015, most stamped and sheet metal parts in HS chapters 73, 76 and 85 enter Australia duty-free from China with a valid Certificate of Origin. GST of 10% still applies at import, and timber packaging must meet ISPM 15. Check details with your customs broker.
Do metal parts from China pay import duty in Australia?
For most lines in the headings our parts fall under — for example 7326 (articles of steel), 7616 (articles of aluminum), 7320 (springs) and 8538 (parts for switchgear) — ChAFTA has reduced the duty on Chinese-origin goods to zero. Without a valid claim for ChAFTA preference, the general rate applies, which for many of these lines is 5%.
To claim the preference, the goods must meet the ChAFTA rules of origin and you need proof of origin, normally a ChAFTA Certificate of Origin issued in China. Check the rate for your exact tariff classification in the Australian Customs Tariff, or with your customs broker.
How GST is calculated on imported parts
GST of 10% applies to most imports regardless of ChAFTA. It is calculated on the value of the taxable importation: the customs value, plus any duty, plus the cost of international transport and insurance to Australia.
GST-registered businesses can usually claim the GST back as an input tax credit, and some can defer it to their business activity statement under the deferred GST scheme. Ask your accountant or broker which applies to you.
| Item | Example (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Customs value of goods | 10,000 |
| Duty under ChAFTA | 0 |
| International freight and insurance | 800 |
| Value of taxable importation | 10,800 |
| GST at 10% | 1,080 |
Who handles customs clearance?
The Australian importer, usually through a licensed customs broker, lodges the import declaration with the Australian Border Force. Shipments above the low-value threshold need a full import declaration, and import processing charges apply. The importer is also responsible for tariff classification and for any biosecurity requirements.
As the exporter, we provide the commercial invoice and packing list and handle Chinese export customs under our own export license. For eligible goods we apply for the ChAFTA Certificate of Origin as the exporter; tell us when ordering that you need it.
Packaging and biosecurity: ISPM 15
- Solid timber packaging — pallets, crates, dunnage — must be treated and marked to ISPM 15, or it may be held for inspection, treatment or export at your cost.
- Processed wood such as plywood and particle board, and plastic or steel pallets, are generally not subject to ISPM 15 treatment rules.
- Your broker may also need a packing declaration describing the packaging used.
- Tell us your packaging requirements with the order; packaging is confirmed per project in the quote.
- Requirements are set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; check current conditions in BICON or with your broker.
Other checks before you import
- Anti-dumping: Australia applies dumping and countervailing duties to some steel and aluminum products from China, mostly raw or semi-finished products. Fabricated parts are usually outside these measures, but check the Anti-Dumping Commission’s register for your classification.
- Incoterms: we quote on terms agreed per project. Under FOB or CIF you are the importer of record and arrange clearance in Australia.
- Product rules: electrical safety and similar regulations apply to finished electrical products, not usually to bare metal parts, but check if you import assemblies.
Documents checklist for an Australian shipment
| Document | Provided by |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Sierxi |
| Packing list with net and gross weights | Sierxi |
| ChAFTA Certificate of Origin (eligible goods) | Sierxi applies; issued by the Chinese authority |
| Bill of lading or air waybill | Carrier or forwarder |
| Import declaration | Importer or customs broker |
| Packing declaration / ISPM 15 evidence | Sierxi supplies packaging details; broker lodges as required |
Frequently asked questions
Is there import duty on steel brackets from China?
For most lines under heading 7326, no, if you claim ChAFTA preference with a valid Certificate of Origin. Check your exact classification with your customs broker.
Do I still pay GST on ChAFTA imports?
Yes. ChAFTA removes duty, not GST. GST of 10% is charged on the value of the taxable importation.
Can you supply a ChAFTA Certificate of Origin?
Yes. For goods that meet the ChAFTA rules of origin, we apply for the certificate as the exporter. Tell us when ordering that you need one.
Do your pallets meet ISPM 15?
Tell us your packaging requirement with the order. Packaging type, including ISPM 15 marked timber or non-timber pallets, is confirmed per project in the quote.
Do you ship DDP to Australia?
We do not act as importer of record in Australia. Shipping terms are confirmed per project in the quote.
Related pages
Import guide
HS codes for sheet metal enclosures and stamped parts
Which HS code fits your sheet metal enclosure or stamped part — 7326, 7616, 8538, 8473 or 9403 — and how the choice changes duty and EU CBAM.
Import guide
EU CBAM guide for buyers of steel and aluminum parts
Which steel and aluminum parts fall under EU CBAM (Regulation 2023/956), the 50-tonne threshold, and what data a Chinese supplier can provide.
Sheet metal
Custom electrical enclosures
Control boxes, cabinets and automation-equipment housings.
Quality
Quality control and inspection
How we check your parts: ISO 9001, vision measuring, AQL sampling and 100% AOI on critical features, with dimensional reports and mill certs per shipment.