A number of categories of products are subject to import controls. Where goods are subject to import controls under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) regulations, the importers must apply to the appropriate department or agency to get a permit for import. The permission to import must be obtained before the products arriving in Australia.
Prohibited imports: drugs of dependence (such as narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, barbiturates, amphetamines and tranquillisers) have to be declared to Customs. Such weapons as spring-bladed knives, daggers, swordsticks and knuckledusters are prohibited from import to Australia. Firearms such as air, gas, flame and starting pistols and spear guns are restricted and will be subject to release on approval from the Police authorities. All firearms and ammunition imported in Australia have to be declared to Customs. Any product made from wildlife species must be checked with the OMNI agent, before shipping (they may be prohibited).Among other prohibited items are: some breeds of dogs, toys and other goods containing lead, mercury, arsenic or their components which exceed permissible levels; explosives; flamethrowers; daggers capable of being concealed; hand-held battery-operated devices designed to administer an electric shock; pistol crossbows; nunchakus; shuriken throwing irons or stars; blowpipes; protective jackets and vests; erasers resembling food; firearms, parts and ammunition (including replicas); disposable cigarette lighters etc.
Import documentation: pro-forma invoice, beneficiary’s certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, weight list, packing declaration, certificate of origin, drafts and lodgements, forward exchange.
The majority of imports to Australia require an Australian Customs Invoice. Importers can obtain the copies of the prescribed forms from certain commercial stationers. A list of suppliers is be provided by the SITPRO. Commercial cargo of relatively low value may use usual commercial invoice or other document.
Import duties: The Australian Customs Tariff determine rates of duty for imported goods. In some cases, anti-dumping or countervailing measures, which lead to additional rates of duty, may also apply.
Indirect import taxes: goods and services tax (GST) – 10% of the value of the taxable imports; wine equalisation tax (WET) - 29% of the purchase price at inwards duty free (29% of the importation cost); luxury car tax (LCT).
Labelling requirements: All imported consumer goods must be labeled in English. Product labels have to contain such information: identification data, the name of the manufacturer, product information, and standard quality levels. In addition, a lot of food products may also have to comply with hygiene and ingredients regulations.
There are a number of goods, which must clearly indicate the country of origin. | 
