Customs Tariff (No. 3) 1963

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CUSTOMS TARIFF (No. 3).

No. 42 of 1963.

An Act relating to Duties of Customs.

[Assented to 20th September, 1963.]

BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—

Short title and citation.

1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Customs Tariff (No. 3) 1963.

(2.) The Customs Tariff 1933-1962, as amended by the Customs Tariff 1963 and by the Customs Tariff (No. 2) 1963 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.

(3.) Section one of the Customs Tariff (No. 2) 1963 is amended by omitting sub-section (4.).

(4.) The Principal Act, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Customs Tariff 1933-1963.

Commencement.

2. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.

Amendment of Tariff in accordance with First Schedule.

3.—(1.) The Schedule to the Principal Act is amended as set out in the First Schedule to this Act and duties of Customs are imposed in accordance with the Schedule to the Principal Act as so amended.

(2.) This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the fourth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-three.

Amendment of Tariff in accordance with Second Schedule.

4.—(1.) The Schedule to the Principal Act as amended by the last preceding section is further amended as set out in the Second Schedule to this Act and duties of Customs are imposed in accordance with the Schedule to the Principal Act as so amended and as so further amended.

(2.) This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the tenth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-three.

Amendment of Tariff in accordance with Third Schedule.

5.—(1.) The Schedule to the Principal Act as amended by the last two preceding sections is further amended as set out in the Third Schedule to this Act and duties of Customs are imposed in accordance with the Schedule to the Principal Act as so amended and as so further amended.

(2.) This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the seventeenth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-three.

Amendment of Tariff in accordance with Fourth Schedule.

6.—(1.) The Schedule to the Principal Act as amended by the last three preceding sections is further amended as set out in the Fourth Schedule to this Act and duties of Customs are imposed in accordance with the Schedule to the Principal Act as so amended and as so further amended.

(2.) This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the eighteenth day of June, One thousand nine hundred and sixty-three.

THE SCHEDULES.

first schedule. Section 3.

Amendments of the Schedule to the Principal Act.

import duties.

Tariff Items.	British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
DIVISION VI.—METALS AND MACHINERY.
168. By omitting from paragraph (2) of sub-item (a) the words “garment drafting machines;”.
194. By omitting paragraph (1) of sub-item (a).
By omitting paragraph (3) of sub-item (a) and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—
“(3) Other -----------------------------------ad val.	17½ per cent.	25 per cent.	25 per cent.”
DIVISION IX.—DRUGS AND CHEMICALS.
280. By omitting sub-items (r), (s) and (t) and inserting in their stead the following sub-items:—
“(r) Benzylpenicillin and its salts ---------------per mega unit	6d.	6d.	6d.
less ad val.	10 per cent.	..	..
(s) Phenoxymethylpenicillin and its salts
per gramme calculated as free acid	8d.	8d.	8d.
less ad val.	10 per cent.	..	..
(t) Streptomycin sulphate ------------------per gramme base	9d.	9d.	9d.
less ad val.	10 per cent.	..	..”
285. By omitting paragraph (1) of sub-item (a) and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—
“(1) (a) Of admixtures of streptomycin sulphate with benzylpenicillin or its salts or with phenoxymethylpenicillin or its salts—
(1) Tablets, capsules, solutions, ointments and the like; powders put up with directions for use or dosage or being a dosage per gramme	1s. 4d.	1s. 4d.	1s. 4d.
and ad val.	..	10 per cent.	12½ per cent.
(2) Other per ---------------------gramme	9d.	9d.	9d.
less ad val.	10 per cent.	..	..
(b) Of benzylpenicillin or its salts, not covered by subparagraph (a)
per mega unit of benzylpenicillin	1s. 2d.	1s. 2d.	1s. 2d.
and ad val.	..	10 per cent.	12½ per cent.
(c) Of phenoxymethylpenicillin or its salts, not covered by sub-paragraph (a)
per gramme calculated as free acid of
phenoxymethylpenicillin	1s. 2d.	1s. 2d.	1s. 2d.
and ad val.	..	10 per cent.	12½ per cent.
(d) Of streptomycin sulphate, not covered by subparagraph (a)
per gramme base of streptomycin sulphate	1s. 4d.	1s. 4d.	1s. 4d.
and ad val.		10 per cent.	12½ per cent.”

First Schedule—continued.

Tariff Items.		British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.		General Tariff.
DIVISION XVI.—MISCELLANEOUS.
415. By omitting the item and inserting in its stead the following item:—
“415. Drafting instruments (generally using a system of parallelograms) with or without drawing boards, stands or tables—
on the drawing boards, stands or tables ad val.	17½ per cent.			42½ per cent.		47½ per cent.
on the remainder---------------ad val.	20 per cent.			30 per cent.		30 per cent.”

second schedule.

Section 4.

amendments of the schedule to the principal act as amended by Section Three of this Act.

import duties.

Tariff Items.			British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
DIVISION V.—TEXTILES, FELTS AND FURS, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF, AND ATTIRE.
118. By omitting sub-item (e) and inserting in its stead the following sub-item:—
“ (e) Bath mats n.e.i. ------------------ad val.		40 per cent.		55 per cent.		60 per cent.”
120. By omitting sub-item (c) and inserting in its stead the following sub-item:—
“(c) (1) Terry towelling and similar terry fabrics, not covered by paragraph (3)—
(a) Woven fabrics—
(1) Of a width not exceeding 30 centimetres, with woven or false selvedges ad val.		17½ per cent.		55 per cent.		60 per cent.
or	per square foot less ad val.	1s.		1s.		1s.
		92½ per cent.		55 per cent.		50 per cent.
whichever rate returns the higher duty.

Second Schedule—continued.

Tariff Items.		British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.			General Tariff.
Division V.—Textiles, Felts and Furs, and Manufactures Thereof, and Attire—continued.
120.—continued.
“ (c) (1)—continued.
(a)—continued.
(2) Other-----------------------ad val.	17½ per cent.			55 per cent.	60 per cent.
per square foot	1s.			1s.	1s.
or less ad val.	92½ per cent.			55 per cent.	50 per cent.
whichever rate returns the higher duty.
(b) Other (e.g. knitted or lockstitched) ------ ad val.	17½ per cent.			55 per cent.	60 per cent.
per square foot	1s.			1s.	1s.
or less ad val.	92½ per cent.			55 per cent.	50 per cent.
whichever rate returns the higher duty.
(2) Woven textile fabrics of huckaback or honeycomb weaves, not covered by paragraph (3) ad val.	17½ per cent.			55 per cent.	60 per cent.
(3) Made up textile articles, including textile fabrics in the piece which by the simple process of cutting dividing threads may be converted into fringed made up articles of the class or kind covered in the following sub-paragraphs, viz.:—
(a) Towels made from terry towelling and similar terry fabrics, not covered by sub-paragraph (c) or (d) ad val.	17½ per cent.			55 per cent.	60 per cent.
per square foot	1s.			1s.	1s.
or less ad val.	92½ per cent.			55 per cent.	50 per cent.
whichever rate returns the higher duty.
(b) Towels made from fabrics of huckaback or honeycomb weaves, not covered by subparagraph (c) or (d) ad val.	17½ per cent.			27½ per cent.	30 per cent.
(c) Face washers ------------------per square foot	6d.			6d.	6d.
less ad val.	27½ per cent.
(d) Infant diapers—
(1) Made from terry towelling and similar terry fabrics
per square foot	6d.			6d.	6d.
less ad val.	27½ per cent.
(2) Other --------------------ad val.	20 per cent.			37½ per cent.	42½ per cent.
(e) Bath mats made from terry towelling and similar terry fabrics ad val.	40 per cent.			55 per cent.	60 per cent.
(f) Woven knitted or lockstitched textile towels, not covered by sub-paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) as prescribed by Departmental By-laws ad val.	Free			7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.
(4) Woven textile fabrics which, in the determination of the Minister, are identifiable as fabrics specially designed for use as towelling, as prescribed by Departmental By-laws ad val.	Free			7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.”
122. By omitting sub-item (a) and inserting in its stead the following sub-item:—
“(a) Textile articles n.e.i., including materials cut into shape therefor ad val.	20 per cent.			37½ per cent.	42½ per cent.”

third schedule.

Section 5.

Amendments of the Schedule to the Principal Act as amended by Sections Three and Four of this Act.

import duties.

Tariff Items.	British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
DIVISION V.—TEXTILES, FELTS AND FURS, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF, AND ATTIRE.
106. By inserting after sub-item (1) a new sub-item as follows:—
“(j) Hooks and eyes for apparel—
(1) When in fancy boxes --------------------ad val.	17½ per cent.	37½ per cent.	37½ per cent.
(2) Other ------------------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.”
DIVISION VI.—METALS AND MACHINERY.
170. By omitting paragraph (3) of sub-item (b).
175. By inserting after sub-item (h) a new sub-item as follows:—
“(1) Wedged wire screens and sieves, being parts for screening and sieving machinery ad val.	7½ per cent.	15 per cent.	30 per cent.”
208. By inserting after sub-item (t) a new sub-item as follows:—
“(U) Wedged wires and wedged bars, formed and cut to size (length) or formed and in random lengths, as used in the manufacture of wedged wire screens and sieves.
ad val	7½ per cent.	15 per cent.	30 per cent.”
210. By omitting the item and inserting in its stead the following:—
“210. Pins of base metal, not being gold or silver plated—
(a) Safety pins, not being fancy goods—
(1) When in fancy boxes -------ad val.	17½ per cent.	37½ per cent.	37½ per cent.
(2) Other------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.
(b) Bobby pins of ferrous metal, not being fancy goods—
(1) When in fancy boxes -------ad val.	17½ per cent.	37½ per cent.	37½ per cent.
(2) Other------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.
(c) Hair pins n.e.i., not being fancy goods—
(1) When in fancy boxes -------ad val.	17½ per cent.	37½ per cent.	37½ per cent.
(2) Other------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.
(d) Ordinary pins (e.g. common or household or short toilet varieties) with solid metal beads ad val.	20 per cent.	30 per cent.	30 per cent.”

Third Schedule—continued.

Tariff Items.	British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
Division VI.—Metals and Machinery—continued.
219. By omitting paragraph (4) of sub-item (c) and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—
“(4) Planes (woodworking); plane irons—
(a) Planes, wholly or principally of metal ------------ad val.	25 per cent.	32½ per cent.	40 per cent.
(b) Planes, other-----------------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.
(c) Plane irons ------------------------------ad val.	25 per cent.	32½ per cent.	40 per cent.”
By inserting after sub-item (g) a new sub-item as follows:—
“(h) Crochet hooks of metal or bone—
(1) When in fancy boxes ad val.-----------------------	17½ per cent.	37½ per cent.	37½ per cent.
(2) Other-------------------------------------- ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.”
DIVISION X.—WOOD, WICKER, AND CANE.
302. By omitting sub-item (b) and inserting in its stead the following sub-item:—
“(b) Wooden tool bodies—
(1) Frames for saws --------------------------ad val.	22½ per cent.	47½ per cent.	47½ per cent.
(2) Stocks and wedges for planes ------------------ad val.	Free	7½ per cent.	7½ per cent.”
DIVISION XVI.—MISCELLANEOUS.
459 By omitting from paragraph (4) of sub-item (c) the words and figures—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed, weighing 6 ounces or more per square yard, not covered by paragraph (2)” and inserting in their stead the words and figure—
“Weighing six ounces or more per square yard, of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours and not covered by paragraph (2)
460. By omitting sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph (2) of sub-item (b) and inserting in its stead the following subparagraph :—
“(d) Other—
(1) Of polyamides or polyesters or combinations thereof, not being raw yarns ad val.	Free	12½ per cent.	12½ per cent.
and, in addition, a temporary duty of
ad val.	25 per cent.	25 per cent.	25 per cent.
provided that, in respect of such goods in direct transit to Australia on 15th May, 1963 which are entered for home consumption on arrival no temporary duty shall be payable.
(2) Other ---------------------------------ad val.	Free	12½ per cent.	12½ per cent.”
By omitting from paragraph (4) of sub-item (c) the words, letter and figures—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed, weighing 6 ounces or more per square yard, not covered by paragraph (2) or (3) (a)” and inserting in their stead the words, letter and figures—
“Weighing six ounces or more per square yard, of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours and not covered by paragraph (2) or (3) (a)”.

Third Schedule—continued.

Tariff Items.	British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
Division XVI.—Miscellaneous—continued.
463. By omitting from paragraph (4) of sub-item (c) the words and figures—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed, weighing 6 ounces or more per square yard, not covered by paragraph (1) or (3)” and inserting in their stead the words and figures—
“Weighing six ounces or more per square yard, of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours and not covered by paragraph (1) or (3)”.
464. By omitting from sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (5) of sub-item (c) the words and figure—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed, weighing 6 ounces or more per square yard” and inserting in their stead the words— “Weighing six ounces or more per square yard, of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours”.
By omitting from sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (6) of sub-item (c) the words—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed” and inserting in their stead the words— “Of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours”.
By omitting from sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (7) of sub-item (c) the words—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed” and inserting in their stead the words—
“Of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours”.
465. By omitting from paragraph (4) of sub-item (c) the words, letter and figures—
“Furnishing fabrics, not printed, weighing 6 ounces or more per square yard, not covered by paragraph (2) or (3) (a)” and inserting in their stead the words, letter and figures—
“Weighing six ounces or more per square yard, of the types which either as imported or when further processed are principally used for furnishings drapes or upholstery, not printed in fast colours and not covered by paragraph (2) or (3) (a)”.
482. By omitting paragraph (1) of sub-item (b).
By omitting from sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (6) of sub-item (b) the word “weaves” and inserting in its stead the words “weaves, other than moire (watered) fabrics”.

fourth schedule.

Section 6.

Amendments of the Schedule to the Principal Act as amended by Sections Three to Five (inclusive) of this Act.

import duties.

Tariff Items.	British Preferential Tariff.	Intermediate Tariff.	General Tariff.
DIVISION VII.—EARTHENWARE, CEMENT, CHINA, GLASS, AND STONE
245. By omitting sub-item (b) and inserting in its stead the following sub-item:—
“(b) Yarns; cords and cordage; braids—
(1) Plastic coated yarns—
(a) As prescribed by Departmental By-laws.
ad val	20 per cent.	30 per cent.	30 per cent.
(b) Other ----------------------------ad val.	20 per cent.	30 per cent.	30 per cent.
and, in addition, a temporary duty of
per lb.	1s.	1s.	1s.
provided that, in respect of such goods in direct transit to Australia on 22nd May, 1963 which are entered for home consumption on arrival, no temporary duty shall be payable.
(2) Other ------------------------------ad val.	20 per cent.	30 per cent.	30 per cent.”

Overview

The Customs Tariff (No. 3) Act 1963 was enacted to amend the existing Customs Tariff to reflect changes in the economic landscape and trade policies of the time. This legislation was introduced to address the need for updated tariff rates and classifications in line with the evolving nature of international trade. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the Act sought to ensure that the customs duties were effectively managed to protect domestic industries while facilitating fair trade practices. The policy objective was to adjust the tariff structure to better align with Australia’s trade agreements and economic policies, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework governing import duties.

Scope and Application

The Customs Tariff (No. 3) 1963 is an Australian federal legislation that amends the existing customs duties on imported goods as outlined in the Customs Tariff 1933-1962. This Act applies to all imported goods that are subject to customs duties, impacting various industries and entities involved in the importation and distribution of these goods within Australia. The legislation sets out specific tariff rates for a range of goods, including metals and machinery, drugs and chemicals, textiles, and various other miscellaneous items. The Act operates nationally across Australia, as it is a Commonwealth legislation, thereby ensuring a uniform application of customs duties throughout the country. Certain goods, such as polyamides or polyesters, may have additional temporary duties imposed, though these do not apply to goods in direct transit to Australia on specific dates. The Act allows for further detailed regulation and adjustments through subordinate instruments, which can modify or clarify the application of the customs duties set out in the Act.

Key Provisions

The Customs Tariff (No. 3) 1963 Act is a legislative instrument that amends the Customs Tariff 1933-1962, referred to as the Principal Act, and imposes duties of Customs in accordance with the amended schedules. The Act, which came into effect on the day of Royal Assent, further amends the tariff through four schedules, each introducing different changes to the Principal Act's tariff items. These amendments affect various tariff divisions, including metals and machinery, drugs and chemicals, textiles, and miscellaneous items. For instance, Section 3 amends duties on items like drafting instruments, while Section 4 modifies duties on bath mats and terry towelling. Section 5 introduces new tariff items such as hooks and eyes for apparel and modifies duties on metals and machinery items. Finally, Section 6 amends duties on earthenware, cement, china, glass, and stone items, including yarns, cords, and cordage. The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on importers, exporters, and other parties involved in the importation and exportation of goods. Importers must declare the correct tariff classification of their goods, ensure all applicable duties and taxes are paid, and comply with the prescribed valuation methods. Exporters, on the other hand, must ensure that their goods are correctly classified and that all relevant export duties are paid. Additionally, manufacturers and suppliers of goods must adhere to the specified standards and conditions outlined in the amended tariff schedules. Non-compliance with these obligations and requirements can result in penalties and other legal consequences. The Act also outlines various offences and penalties for breaches of the customs duties and other provisions. For example, failure to declare goods or providing false information can lead to civil penalties, including fines up to a certain amount as stipulated by the Act. Criminal penalties may apply for more severe breaches, such as smuggling or fraud, which can result in imprisonment and significant fines. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but they are likely to be outlined in the relevant sections of the Principal Act or other associated legislation.

Area of Law: Commercial Law; International Trade Law; Taxation Law
Instrument: Act
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Commencement Provisions; Repeal & Amendment; Reporting & Disclosure Obligations; Regulatory Standards

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.

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