Import duty on garments from India to Australia
Rates verified on · Updated
Dress in cotton, woven · India → Australia
0% import duty
under the Australia–India ECTA, with proof of Indian origin (normally 5%).
Plus 10% GST at import, which VAT/GST-registered importers usually recover.
Full breakdown and calculator →Duty on garments from India to Australia, by product and fabric, from Working Tariff, Schedule 3 (chapters 61–63). India has an active trade agreement with Australia (Australia–India ECTA). Choose a product for HS codes by fabric, a worked example and a calculator.
All garments at a glance
| Product | Usual HS heading | Standard (MFN) duty | With India preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | 6204.42 / 6104.43 | 5% | 0% |
| Kaftans | 6204.42 | 5% | 0% |
| Skirts | 6204.52 / 6104.53 | 0–5% | 0% |
| Scarves and stoles | 6214.90 / 6117.10 | 0% | 0% |
Australia–India ECTA: 0% on Indian garments
In force since 29 December 2022
The Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has applied since 29 December 2022. Australia removed duty on every garment line (chapters 61–63) from the first day: Customs Notice 2022/52 makes Indian-origin goods Free unless listed in Schedule 10A, and no garment line is listed. Without it, most garments pay Australia's general 5% (scarves, shawls and some knitted lines are already Free for everyone).
How your shipment gets the lower rate
Australia requires a certificate of origin for ECTA — there is no self-declaration route. The garments must meet the ECTA origin rule for textiles (a change of tariff subheading plus a minimum qualifying value content). We obtain the certificate of origin from the issuing agency in India for every qualifying shipment and send it with your documents. Consignments of AUD 1,000 or less do not need one.
Australian GST on imported garments: 10%
GST of 10% is charged on the value of the taxable importation: customs value, plus duty, plus international transport and insurance.
Getting it back with a VAT/GST registration
A GST-registered importer can join the Deferred GST scheme (monthly BAS lodgers): the GST is reported on the next BAS and claimed back as a credit on the same BAS, so nothing is paid at the border. Otherwise GST is paid at clearance and claimed as an input tax credit.
Sourcing from India? We make these garments.
KK Fashion Exports manufactures and exports kaftans, dresses, skirts, scarves and resortwear from India. We issue the certificate of origin for every qualifying shipment and help your broker claim the lower duty.
Sources
- Working Tariff, Schedule 3 (chapters 61–63) — Australian Border Force. Checked 2026-10-07.
- GST and other taxes on imported goods — Australian Border Force. Checked 2026-10-07.
- Deferred GST scheme — Australian Taxation Office. Checked 2026-10-07.
- Australia–India ECTA (entered into force 29 December 2022) — Australian Border Force. Checked 2026-10-07.
- ECTA rules of origin guide — Australian Border Force. Checked 2026-10-07.
- Australian Customs Notice 2022/52 — ECTA tariff treatment (lines not in Schedule 10A are Free) — Australian Border Force. Checked 2026-10-07.
- Certificate of Origin — Trade Connect ePlatform — DGFT, Government of India. Checked 2026-10-07.
Indicative estimate built from official tariff sources, not a customs ruling. The duty your customs authority charges depends on the exact classification, origin proof and valuation of your shipment; confirm with your customs broker before you rely on it.
