HS 8517Electronics · Australia

Set-Top Boxes - HS 8517 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into Australia

Duty and tax snapshot for importing electronics (HS 8517) into Australia. Typical MFN duty ~2%, 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

12.2%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 40,000 FOB parcel of electronics (HS 8517) shipped to Australia.

FOB valueUSD 40,000

Origin chargesUSD 600

FreightUSD 3,200

InsuranceUSD 200

CIFUSD 44,000

Import duty @ 2%USD 880

GST @ 10%USD 4,488

Destination inlandUSD 800

Landed cost ≈ USD 50,168

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

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
8528.71	Reception apparatus without display
8548.00	Electrical parts of machinery, n.e.s.

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 electronics (HS 8517) into Australia?

Australia applies an MFN duty of about 2% on HS chapter 8517 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 electronics 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 40,000 FOB shipment of electronics into Australia?

On a USD 40,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 44,000. Applying 2% duty and 10% GST brings total taxes to about USD 5,368 (~12.2% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 50,168.

Which HS code should I use for electronics in Australia?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 8528.71 (Reception apparatus without display). 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 electronics 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 8517?

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.