Customs Duty Dubai to Australia: How It Works
Updated 13 August 2026
When a parcel arrives in Australia from the UAE, the key number is AUD 1,000. Goods valued at or under AUD 1,000 usually clear without customs duty, though 10% GST can still apply. Above AUD 1,000, customs duty plus 10% GST plus a processing charge apply. Australia also has strict biosecurity rules on food, plants and wood.
Read this first: every number below is an indicative 2026 estimate to show how the maths works. Real charges depend on your exact HS code and the value customs assign. Always confirm with the Australian Border Force or a broker before committing.
How Australia import charges are built up
Australia treats parcels differently above and below AUD 1,000. Below the threshold, most goods are duty-free but GST may still be collected; above it, a full import declaration with duty, GST and a processing charge applies.
| Layer | How it is calculated | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|---|
| Customs value | Item value (the goods value) in AUD | Base for duty |
| Customs duty | 0% at/under AUD 1,000; by tariff above | Often 0–5% for consumer goods |
| GST | 10% of (value + duty + transport & insurance) | Standard 10% |
| Import processing charge | Flat fee on consignments over AUD 1,000 | A fixed charge, not a tax |
In order: for goods over AUD 1,000 the ABF work out the customs value, apply customs duty by tariff, then charge 10% GST on the value plus duty plus freight, plus a fixed import processing charge. For goods at or under AUD 1,000, duty is generally nil and GST on low-value imported goods is usually collected by the seller or platform at checkout.
The AUD 1,000 threshold
Australia's low-value threshold is AUD 1,000. As an indicative 2026 position, goods valued at or under AUD 1,000 are generally free of customs duty at the border.
However, 10% GST still applies to most low-value imported goods — it is usually charged by the overseas seller or platform at the point of sale under the GST on low-value imported goods rules. Above AUD 1,000, you pay duty, GST and a processing charge on a full import declaration. Confirm current rules with the ABF.
Worked example table
Here is roughly how charges scale with value for typical consumer goods. These are rounded estimates — your product's HS code may add or remove duty.
| Item value | Basis | Approx. total charge |
|---|---|---|
| AED 300 (~AUD 125) | Under AUD 1,000 — no duty; 10% GST (often at checkout) | ~AUD 12 GST |
| AED 1,200 (~AUD 500) | Under AUD 1,000 — no duty; 10% GST | ~AUD 50 GST |
| AED 2,600 (~AUD 1,080) | Over AUD 1,000 — duty (say 5%) + 10% GST + processing | ~AUD 170–200 |
| AED 6,000 (~AUD 2,500) | Over AUD 1,000 — duty + 10% GST + processing | ~AUD 380–430 |
AED to AUD conversions are approximate. GST on low-value goods is often collected at checkout by the seller. Figures are illustrative for 2026 only.
ABN and biosecurity: personal vs commercial
For most personal parcels you do not need an importer number, but businesses do — and everyone must respect Australia's strict biosecurity rules.
- Personal / gift shipments to an individual under AUD 1,000 usually clear with GST only, no duty and no import number needed.
- Commercial shipments and consignments over AUD 1,000 need a full import declaration; businesses should hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and may register for GST to claim it back.
Biosecurity matters as much as duty: food, seeds, plant material, wood and animal products are tightly controlled by DAFF and can be seized or destroyed. Declare them honestly and check the rules before shipping.
How to keep duty predictable
You cannot avoid legitimate charges, but you can stop them becoming a surprise that kills the sale.
- Get the HS code right — it sets the duty (and often the tax) rate. A wrong code means a wrong quote.
- Declare the honest value — under-declaring risks penalties and reassessment by customs.
- Check biosecurity first — a food or wood item that fails Australian biosecurity costs you the whole shipment, not just duty.
- Decide who pays — shipping DDP means you cover duty and tax so your buyer is not surprised. Compare in our DDP vs DAP guide.
Note: every figure here is indicative for 2026 and rounded to explain the method. Confirm current rates with Australia customs before you quote a landed price.
Want a landed-cost estimate for your shipment?
Send us the item, value and destination and we will estimate the duty and total landed cost, prepare the paperwork, and ship it on discounted rates. We handle the HS code and Certificate of Origin for you.
Related guides: UAE export documentation checklist · DDP vs DAP explained · all guides · Shipping Dubai to Australia