Imported goods under $1000 to face GST

The federal government has introduced draft laws to apply GST on goods imported into Australia worth $1000 or less.

Australian money Source: AAP

Australians will have to pay GST on items bought from overseas that cost $1000 or less under draft laws.

Treasurer Scott Morrison on Thursday introduced a bill to parliament that extends the tax to low-value imported goods from July 1, as it applies to those sourced domestically.

"These changes are about ensuring Australian businesses, particularly small retailers, do not continue to be unfairly disadvantaged by the current GST exemption that applies to imports of low-value goods," he told parliament.