Reduce import duty where it’s legally possible
Import duties can significantly impact your landed costs. In some cases, those duties can be reduced or eliminated through a Tariff Concession Order (TCO). We manage TCO applications from start to finish, helping you identify opportunities and reduce unnecessary costs.
Potential duty rate
Reduced To Zero
Experience
45+ Years In Customs
Licensed brokers
13 In-House
What is a TCO?
A legal mechanism to reduce or eliminate import duty
A Tariff Concession Order allows eligible imported goods to be brought into Australia at a reduced or zero rate of duty. TCOs are granted where there are no substitutable goods manufactured in Australia that meet the same specifications.
If approved, this can result in ongoing cost savings across future imports of the same goods — not just a one-time reduction.
Many importers either aren’t aware TCOs exist, assume they won’t qualify, or avoid the process due to its complexity. As a result, they continue paying duties that could potentially be reduced or removed.
Identifying eligibility early can make a meaningful difference to your overall cost structure. We assess your goods, identify whether a TCO is viable and manage the full application process on your behalf.
Working alongside your customs strategy
Part of a broader import compliance approach
TCOs form part of a broader customs and import strategy. Because we manage customs clearance, classification and compliance, we’re able to identify opportunities early and ensure everything aligns correctly.
Our goal is to give your application the best chance of approval while minimising the time and effort required from your team. This includes preparing detailed technical descriptions, liaising with the relevant authorities and ensuring the application meets all requirements.
What’s involved
How we manage TCO applications
✓ Reviewing product specifications and classifications
✓ Assessing eligibility for a TCO
✓ Preparing detailed technical descriptions
✓ Managing the application submission
✓ Liaising with Australian Border Force
✓ Responding to queries or objections
✓ Supporting implementation once approved
Reducing cost through better classification
A TCO is often worth more than it looks
The duty saving on a single shipment can be significant. Across a full year of importing the same goods, a successful TCO application can meaningfully reduce your cost base — and once granted, it applies to every future shipment of those goods indefinitely.
✓ Savings apply to all future imports of the same goods
✓ No ongoing application required once approved
✓ Can be combined with FTA benefits where applicable
✓ We monitor for any changes that could affect your concession
If your goods aren’t commercially manufactured in Australia, a TCO may be available. The sooner you assess eligibility, the sooner savings can apply.
Industries we support
TCO applications across Australian industry
We regularly assist businesses across industries where specialised equipment or materials are imported and where TCOs are most commonly applicable.
Common questions
Tariff Concession Orders — frequently asked questions
What is a Tariff Concession Order?
A TCO allows eligible goods to be imported into Australia at a reduced or zero rate of customs duty where no substitutable goods are produced locally.
How do I know if my goods qualify for a TCO?
Eligibility depends on whether similar goods are manufactured in Australia. A detailed assessment of your product specifications is required — our team can review your classifications and advise on whether an application is worth pursuing.
How long does a TCO application take?
The process typically involves application preparation, review by authorities and a public objection period. Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the goods and whether any objections are raised.
Experienced in managing applications with Australian Border Force
Related services
Broader customs strategy
Customs & Biosecurity
Licensed brokers managing your full import clearance — classification, duty and compliance.
Learn more →
Getting goods here
Freight Forwarding
Sea and air freight coordinated from origin — managed alongside your customs and TCO strategy.
Learn more →
After clearance
Warehousing & Storage
24,600m²+ of storage across four states — goods received, unpacked and stored once cleared.
Learn more →
Want to reduce duty on your imports?
Find out whether a TCO applies to your goods
Speak with our team to assess whether a Tariff Concession Order could apply to your goods. Many businesses are paying duties they don’t need to — we can review your classifications and advise on the best path forward.
Speak with our team about your TCO eligibility
We’ll review your product classifications and advise on whether an application is worth pursuing — no obligation, no jargon.