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UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement

Did you know that you could save money on your international shipments to and from Australia?

The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement came into force on 31 May 2023 and eliminates customs duties on the majority of goods qualifying as UK and Australia originating.

Learn how you could benefit from the UK-AU FTA.

What’s in it for my business?

Cost savings

Duties on almost all products are removed and non-tariff barriers reduced.

Continued access

Simplified access to Australia and UK markets could mean new opportunities for your business.

Simplified, modern customs procedures

Modern customs processes allow for quick and easy release of your goods.

NOTE: The trade agreement applies to duties, not taxes. Any applicable VAT for imports into Australia or the UK still needs to be paid.

To benefit from reduced or 0% tariffs, products must be of ‘UK origin’. All it takes to claim preferential rate of duty at import to AU is an origin declaration. No formal certificate is required.

The origin declaration does not have to follow a prescribed format, however it must contain minimum data elements that can be found in Annex 4A.It must be signed, dated and accompanied by the following statement:

I (the exporter/the producer) declare that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I (the exporter/the producer) assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this declaration of origin.

It is important to remember that by completing the declaration, the exporter or producer is declaring that the goods are originating and they possess evidence to demonstrate this.

Declarations of origin will be valid for 12 months from the date it was made out for exports to Australia.

If you have a UK Exporter Reference Number (this is your UK EORI number) you must include it in the declaration.

Another way to claim preferential rate of duty under UK-AU FTA is to base it on Importer’s Knowledge that the product is originating.

For shipments with a value below AUD 1000.00 waiver for proof of origin can be claimed as long as it is certain that the goods are originating in the UK.

How to get an EORI number

To get an EORI number, visit the dedicated UK government website.
Please note: if you already have an EORI number and it does not start with GB, you will need to apply for a new one.

To benefit from reduced or 0% tariffs, products must be of ‘Australia origin’. All it takes to claim preferential rate of duty at import to UK is an origin declaration. No formal certificate is required.

The origin declaration does not have to follow a prescribed format, however it must contain minimum data elements that can be found in Annex 4A. It must be signed and dated and accompanied by one of the following statements, depending on who the signatory is:

I (the authorised representative of the exporter/producer) declare that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. The exporter or the producer, as the case may be, assumes responsibility for providing such representation and agrees to maintain and represent upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this declaration of origin.

It is important to remember that by completing the declaration, the exporter, producer or their authorized representative is declaring that the goods are originating and they possess evidence to demonstrate this.

Declarations of origin will be valid for at least 12 months from the date it was made out for imports from Australia.

There is no requirement for Exporter Reference No. to be declared by AU exporter/ producer or their authorized representative.

Another way to claim preferential rate of duty under UK-AU FTA is to base it on Importer’s Knowledge that the product is originating.

For shipments with a value below GBP 1000.00 waiver for proof of origin can be claimed as long as it is certain that the goods are originating in AU.

How can FedEx help?

Fast Intercontinental Shipping

We help your business reach its full potential. With our express parcel service, you can import from Australia in just 2 days and export to Australia in 4 days*.

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Easy Customs Tools

Make clearance easier thanks to our free tools. With FedEx Electronic Trade Documents, reduce the risk of customs delays by submitting your documentation electronically.

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Expert Knowledge

Take advantage of the Shipping Channel – a website containing easy-to-understand guides covering a wide range of topics. From paperwork and customs procedures to country-specific requirements.

Learn More

*Service availability and transit times may vary depending on shipment type, origin and destination. FedEx terms and conditions apply.

Always make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping.

Please review the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement for more information.

Useful links

Is my product of UK origin?

gov.uk press release

Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Australia - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

UK-Australia Free Trade agreement guidance - great.gov.uk

UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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