Country guide
How do I export from India to Australia?
Everything Indian exporters need to know about selling to Australia. ECTA preferential duties, biosecurity compliance, GST, shipping logistics, payment repatriation, and e-commerce opportunities.
By Aaryan Kakani · · 9 min read
What is India-Australia trade like?
India-Australia bilateral trade exceeded $28 billion in FY 2024-25. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), effective since December 29, 2022, has accelerated this growth by eliminating duties on 85%+ of Australian tariff lines for Indian goods. Australia is India's 7th-largest trading partner and a fast-growing destination for Indian manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
What are the top Indian exports to Australia?
| Category | Key Products | Approx. Share |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Products | Refined petroleum, diesel, aviation fuel | ~30% |
| Gems & Jewelry | Cut & polished diamonds, gold jewelry | ~12% |
| Textiles & Apparel | Cotton garments, home textiles, carpets, silk | ~10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | Generic drugs, APIs, formulations, vaccines | ~8% |
| Agricultural Products | Rice, spices, tea, shrimp, sesame, cashew | ~7% |
| Engineering Goods | Iron & steel, auto parts, machinery | ~6% |
| Chemicals | Organic chemicals, dyes, agrochemicals | ~5% |
What are the key shipping routes to Australia?
| Indian Port | Australian Port | Transit Time (Sea) |
|---|---|---|
| JNPT (Nhava Sheva) | Melbourne | 18-20 days |
| Mundra | Melbourne | 18-22 days |
| Chennai | Sydney | 16-18 days |
| Chennai | Fremantle (Perth) | 14-16 days |
| Kolkata | Brisbane | 18-22 days |
What documents do I need to export to Australia?
Exporting from India to Australia requires documentation for Indian customs (export side) and Australian Border Force (import side). ECTA-eligible goods need an additional certificate of origin to claim preferential rates.
| Document | Purpose | Required By |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Goods description, quantity, value (FOB/CIF), HS codes, buyer/seller details | Both sides |
| Packing List | Itemized contents per package with weights and dimensions | Both sides |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Contract of carriage; title document for sea freight | Both sides |
| ECTA Certificate of Origin | Proves Indian origin to claim preferential duty rates; issued by EIC/FIEO/designated chambers | Australian Border Force |
| IEC (Import Export Code) | 10-digit code from DGFT; mandatory for all Indian exporters | Indian Customs |
| Shipping Bill | Indian customs export declaration filed via ICEGATE | Indian Customs |
| Biosecurity Import Permit | Required for food, plant, animal, and biological products; obtained via BICON | Dept. Of Agriculture (food/agri) |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Certifies plant products are pest-free; issued by NPPO India | Dept. Of Agriculture (food/agri) |
| Health Certificate | For processed food, seafood, dairy; issued by EIC/FSSAI | Dept. Of Agriculture (food only) |
What import duties will my goods face in Australia?
Australia's import duties are governed by the Australian Customs Tariff. Under ECTA, Indian goods enjoy preferential rates on 85%+ of tariff lines. Many at zero duty. For goods not covered by ECTA, standard MFN rates apply.
How do MFN and ECTA duty rates compare?
| Product Category | MFN Rate | ECTA Rate | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textiles & Garments | 5% | 0% | 5% |
| Gems & Jewelry | 0-5% | 0% | Up to 5% |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0-5% | 0% | Up to 5% |
| Leather & Footwear | 5% | 0% | 5% |
| Iron & Steel | 0-5% | 0% | Up to 5% |
| Auto Components | 5% | 0% | 5% |
| Agricultural Products | 0-5% | 0-5% | Varies |
| Chemicals & Dyes | 0-5% | 0% | Up to 5% |
| Electronics | 0-5% | 0% | Up to 5% |
| Plastics & Rubber | 5% | 0% | 5% |
| Petroleum Products | 0% | 0% | None (already 0%) |
| Handicrafts & Home Decor | 5% | 0% | 5% |
What is Australia's de minimis threshold?
Australia's de minimis threshold is AUD 1,000. Individual shipments with a customs value at or below AUD 1,000 are exempt from import duties (but not GST. See Section 4). This is particularly relevant for e-commerce sellers shipping individual orders directly to Australian consumers.
How does Australian GST work on imports?
Australia applies a flat 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most imported goods. Unlike India's multi-rate GST structure, Australia has a single rate with limited exemptions.
How is import GST calculated?
GST = 10% × (Customs Value + Duty + Transport + Insurance)
Example: AUD 10,000 CIF value + AUD 0 duty (ECTA) = AUD 10,000 × 10% = AUD 1,000 GST . If MFN rate applied at 5%: AUD 10,500 × 10% = AUD 1,050 GST.
What is Simplified GST for low-value goods?
Since July 2018, overseas suppliers selling low-value goods (under AUD 1,000) directly to Australian consumers must register for Simplified GST and collect 10% GST at the point of sale. This applies to:
- Online merchants and marketplaces with AUD 75,000+ annual turnover from Australian sales
- E-commerce platforms (Amazon, eBay) already collect GST on behalf of sellers for marketplace sales
- Independent Shopify/DTC sellers must register and remit GST directly to the ATO
Do I need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required for suppliers who register for GST. Foreign entities can obtain an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR) without establishing a local company. B2B suppliers providing tax invoices with their ABN allow Australian buyers to claim GST input credits.
What compliance standards does Australia require?
Australia has some of the strictest product safety and biosecurity regulations in the world. Non-compliance can result in goods being held, treated, re-exported, or destroyed at the importer's cost.
5.1 What are Australia's biosecurity and quarantine rules?
Australia's Department of Agriculture enforces biosecurity through the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON). Every product entering Australia is assessed for biosecurity risk.
BICON Requirements
- Mandatory BICON check. Before exporting any product, check BICON (bicon.agriculture.gov.au) for specific import conditions for your product and country of origin.
- Import permits. Required for most food, plant, animal, and biological products. Apply through BICON before shipment.
- Phytosanitary certificate. Mandatory for plant products (spices, rice, tea, fruit, vegetables, timber). Issued by India's NPPO.
- Fumigation/treatment. Many products require methyl bromide fumigation, heat treatment, or irradiation. Timber and wood packaging must comply with ISPM-15.
- Inspection at border. All consignments undergo documentary checks; 5-10% face physical inspection. Food/agri products face higher inspection rates.
5.2 How does the TGA regulate medicines and Ayurvedic products?
The TGA regulates medicines, medical devices, biologicals, and complementary medicines (including Ayurvedic and herbal products) in Australia.
- ARTG registration. All therapeutic goods must be listed or registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods before import.
- GMP compliance. Manufacturing facilities must meet Australian GMP standards (PIC/S aligned). TGA may audit Indian facilities.
- Ayurvedic/herbal products. Classified as complementary medicines; require ARTG listing with evidence of safety and quality.
- Sponsor requirement. An Australian-based sponsor must hold the ARTG entry. Indian exporters need a local partner or subsidiary.
5.3 What product safety standards does the ACCC enforce?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces mandatory product safety standards:
- Mandatory standards. Apply to ~40 product categories including children's toys, sunglasses, furniture, cosmetics, and electrical goods.
- Product bans. Certain products are permanently banned (e.g., certain novelty items, unsafe toys, asbestos-containing goods).
- Recall obligations. Suppliers must recall unsafe products and notify the ACCC. Failure to comply carries penalties up to AUD 10 million.
5.4 What food labeling and safety rules apply under FSANZ?
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) sets the standards for food composition, labeling, and safety:
- Food Standards Code. All imported food must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code covering additives, contaminants, and microbiological limits.
- Labeling. Must include ingredient list, allergen declarations (mandatory for 11 allergens), nutrition information panel, date marking, country of origin, and lot identification.
- Maximum residue limits (MRLs). Strict limits for pesticide residues on food products. Indian spices and tea are frequently tested.
5.5 Do my electrical products need an RCM mark?
Electrical and electronic products must carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which certifies compliance with Australian electrical safety and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) standards:
- Level 3 "declared" equipment. High-risk items (power tools, appliances, chargers) require registration with the electrical safety regulator and third-party testing.
- Level 2 & 1 equipment. Lower-risk items need self-declaration of compliance but must still meet AS/NZS standards.
- Voltage. Australia uses 230V/50Hz. Products must be designed or adapted for this standard.
5.6 What are Australia's country of origin labeling rules?
Australia has strict country of origin labeling requirements, particularly for food:
- Food products. Must display a country of origin label showing where the food was grown, produced, made, or packed, with a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients.
- Non-food products. "Made in India" or "Product of India" must be clearly marked. Misleading origin claims carry penalties under Australian Consumer Law.
How do I ship goods from India to Australia?
The India-Australia shipping corridor is well-served with direct and transshipment services. Transit times are significantly shorter than India-US routes, a meaningful advantage for inventory planning and cash flow.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 14-22 days |