HS 2815Chemicals · Australia

Caustic Soda (NaOH) - HS 2815 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into Australia

Duty and tax snapshot for importing chemicals (HS 2815) into Australia. Typical MFN duty ~5%, GST 10% on CIF + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

GST

10%

Total taxes / CIF

15.5%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 50,000 FOB parcel of chemicals (HS 2815) shipped to Australia.

FOB valueUSD 50,000

Origin chargesUSD 750

FreightUSD 4,000

InsuranceUSD 250

CIFUSD 55,000

Import duty @ 5%USD 2,750

GST @ 10%USD 5,775

Destination inlandUSD 1,000

Landed cost ≈ USD 64,525

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
2815.12	Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution

Australia duty regime

MFN tariff (mostly 0% or 5%). Preferential rates under CPTPP, RCEP, ChAFTA, JAEPA, KAFTA, AANZFTA, AUKFTA, A-UAE CEPA, IA-CEPA and AUSFTA.

Customs notes

· 10-digit HS Statistical Code (HS 6 + 4 national digits) administered by ABF (Australian Border Force).
· ICS (Integrated Cargo System) is the electronic customs declaration platform.
· Duty-free threshold: AUD 1,000 for low-value goods; GST still applies on all LVG imports via the vendor-collect model for online sellers.
· AUSFTA / RCEP / CPTPP self-certification of origin is standard - no formal certificate template required.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on chemicals (HS 2815) into Australia?

Australia applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 2815 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (MFN tariff (mostly 0% or 5%)) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is GST calculated on imports of chemicals in Australia?

Australia charges GST at 10% on the CIF value plus duty. GST on VoTI (CIF+duty)

What is the landed cost of a USD 50,000 FOB shipment of chemicals into Australia?

On a USD 50,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 55,000. Applying 5% duty and 10% GST brings total taxes to about USD 8,525 (~15.5% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 64,525.

Which HS code should I use for chemicals in Australia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 2815.12 (Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution). Australia customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping chemicals to Australia?

Most importers into Australia prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and GST to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does Australia customs need to clear HS 2815?

10-digit HS Statistical Code (HS 6 + 4 national digits) administered by ABF (Australian Border Force). Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.