Importing disability equipment

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Q: I can't find a wheelchair sold in Australia that's right for me. There is one sold by a company overseas that doesn't have an agent in Australia. Will I have to pay import duty and GST if I bring it in myself?

A: Products that are made solely for people with disabilities are duty and GST free.

In this particular instance, Schedule 3 of the Customs Tarriff Act 1995 lists types of products and the amount of tarriff that applies. Section 17 Chapter 87/1 R - 8713 specifies the exemption for "Carriages for disabled persons, whether or not motorised or otherwise mechanically propelled".

GST is not levied on certain medical aids and appliances. The list is in Schedule 3 of the GST Act, and includes a wide range of products, from wheelchairs to continence equipment, specialist switches to page turners. The list is found @ www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5350.

Spare parts are also exempt.

However generic equipment and parts are not exempt. For example, a wheelchair battery that can also be used in a golf cart; a computer or an air conditioner, even though you might need them due to your disability.

The exception to this - there always is one - is the GST exemption for a car that a person with a mobility disability uses to get to and from work. Spare parts are also GST free. But remember, your mechanic's labour charge is not GST free. And you have to have your application for the exemption approved before you buy. Click here for information on how to apply.

And don't pay for anything before you know that GST isn't being charged ... you won't get a refund.


I run a business selling 4x4 stair climbing wheelchairs worldwide. Just to let people know we offer free worldwide shipping and do not charge GST. Please visit www.at4x4.co.uk

Posted by: SteveK on 09 Feb 2010 11:26pm

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Not enough community educatiun and not enough imformation on avalible servises given to the professonals who deal with people who need assistance with their dissability and do not know their rights or what they are legily allowed to apply for or how to contact these servises. Also thay do not know and understand that they to have a right to adveocat or know what an adveocat is and how theycan help them to access these servises.

Posted by: marie53 on 13 Oct 2009 7:54am

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I always import my wheelchair parts from USA as I get them within 7 days and even with the low AUD it is still betteer value. A good tip is to use a company that has insurance and wait until you have a large order this saves on postage. Eg, for the first time I imported a tilite zra, as I used the company I order parts from I was able to have them open and add to the wheelchair ordered. In total it cost me just under $3000 AUD. I get the same backup when I have had a faulty item. A new one is shipped at no cost. It is well worth it. As an example I wanted schwalbe marathon plus tires in Aus it would cost me over $100 per tire and a minimum purchase, it cost me $59 for the pair of tires $30 postage. Even on todays AUD dollar this is a major saving. I say stop buying from Australia and force the dealers into giving fair prices and a wider range of products. If we all did this it would not take long for them to react.

Posted by: Michael on 19 Mar 2009 6:34am

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