Importing Vending Machines to Australia — Tariffs, Compliance, Freight

The costs beyond the sticker price - **Duty:** vending machines land under HS 8476. Duty is typically **5%** unless from a free-trade partner (China, Korea, Japan, US — 0% under respective FTAs with correct COO paperwork). - **GST:** 10% on (goods + freight + duty). - **Sea freight (China → east coast):** AUD 800–1,600 per machine LCL, or ~AUD 4,500 for a 20ft container fitting 3–4 machines. - **Port + customs fees:** ~AUD 700–1,000. - **Trucking to warehouse:** AUD 200–500 depending on state.

Compliance you can't skip - **EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety Scheme)** — all mains-powered vending machines sold in Australia must be registered under EESS. Non-compliant machines cannot legally be resold. - **RCM mark** — Regulatory Compliance Mark on the machine plate. - **AS/NZS 60335** — safety standard for household + similar electrical appliances.

Why used imports usually fail the maths Old US or European machines land cheap ($500–$1,500) but fail EESS, need MDB retrofits for cashless, and parts are expensive to ship. By the time it's compliant and reliable, you've spent more than a local [refurbished machine](/used-vending-machines).

Better path: buy from an Australian supplier with local warranty and parts — see new vending machines.