The Australian Border Force (ABF) has issued Australian Customs Notice No. 2020/02, re: Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Hong Kong, China – Entry into Force
The Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Hong Kong, China (A-HKFTA) entered into force on 17 January 2020, making it easier to do business with Hong Kong, a significant trading partner.
A-HKFTA and the associated Investment Agreement provide increased certainty for Australian business by locking in Australia’s zero-tariff access to the Hong Kong market and by providing continued access for services providers and investors.Â
Hong Kong originating goods are those that meet the requirements of Division 1M of Part VIII of the Customs Act 1901. The Australian Border Force will publish further information about determining the originating status of goods and materials on the A-HKFTA webpage.
Schedule 13 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 (Customs Tariff Act) sets out the preferential customs duty rates that apply to Hong Kong originating goods. Goods classified to tariff subheadings not listed in Schedule 13 have a ‘Free’ rate of duty from the date A-HKFTA enters into force.
On entry into force, all Hong Kong originating goods are entitled to a ‘Free’ rate of duty, except for excise-equivalent goods. The customs duties applied to Hong Kong originating excise-equivalent goods are listed in Schedule 13 and will be indexed consistent with the equivalent rates listed in Schedule 3 to the Customs Tariff Act.
The Customs Online Tariff will reflect the updated rates for Hong Kong originating goods from commencement.
As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders based in Brisbane, Colless Young Pty Ltd offers you professional advice on all international trade and shipping activities, both import and export, between Australia and Hong Kong / China.
