If you’re importing aluminium doors or windows from China, your margins could be under immediate threat.
The Australian Trade Remedies Commission (ATRC) has issued a Preliminary Affirmative Determination under Investigation 691. Made effective on 15 October 2026, importers of affected goods entered for home consumption must now provide securities against potential dumping and countervailing duties, with published effective rates ranging from 5.3% to 73.3% depending on the exporter.
If you haven’t reviewed your supply chain risk this week, you could face unexpected border costs before your next shipment clears customs.
Case 691 Explained: What Australian Importers Need to Know
Under Case 691, the ATRC, formally known as the Anti-Dumping Commission, is conducting a major investigation into aluminium windows and doors imported from China.
Initiated following an application by local industry players Ventora Group Pty Ltd and the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), the inquiry investigates whether these finished products are being exported at dumped or subsidised prices, causing material injury to Australian manufacturing.
Key Investigation Takeaways
- Scope of Goods: Covers fully or partially assembled aluminium windows and doors (including frames, panels and sashes up to specified height and width limits). Curtain wall systems are explicitly excluded.
- First of Its Kind: While raw aluminium extrusions have faced trade measures for years, Case 691 is the first major inquiry directly targeting fully and partially fabricated fenestration assemblies.
- Effective Date: As of 15 October 2026, importers entering affected goods for home consumption must provide securities against potential dumping and countervailing duties.
- The Critical Trigger: Securities apply based on the date goods are entered for home consumption, not the original purchase date, sailing date or port arrival date. Shipments currently in transit are directly affected.
Which Products are Affected?
The investigation targets specific dimensions and product profiles under tariff classification 7610.10.00 (statistical code 12), though tariff classification alone does not determine coverage.
- Windows & Partial Assemblies (frames, panels, sashes): Up to 3.0 m high × 4.0 m wide
- Doors & Partial Assemblies (frames, panels, sashes): Up to 3.0 m high × 7.0 m wide
Action Recommended for Importers
If you have aluminium windows, doors or associated assemblies from China currently on order, in transit or awaiting border clearance, take these immediate operational steps:
- Audit Pending Shipments: Review all outstanding orders to identify goods entering home consumption on or after 15 October 2026.
- Verify Legal Exporter Names: Obtain the exact registered legal name of your exporting entity, especially when trading companies and manufacturers are separate entities.
- Cross-Check SEF 691 Table 6: Confirm whether your supplier qualifies for an individual rate, the 24.4% residual rate or defaults to the 73.3% uncooperative rate.
- Gather Technical Documentation: Secure architectural shop drawings, product specifications and installation diagrams for any border shipments particularly involving window wall or curtain wall systems.
- Recalculate Landed Costs: Adjust cash-flow planning to account for immediate security liabilities payable upon customs entry prior to final clearance.
Protect Your Supply Chain with Bullocks Freightmasters International
Navigating trade remedy investigations requires more than just tracking policy notices. At Bullocks Freightmasters International, our licensed customs brokers help Australian importers stay ahead of changing trade regulations. From verifying exporter classifications and tariff documentation to managing customs entries and door-to-door transport, we ensure your shipments clear customs smoothly, without costly surprises. Contact the Bullocks Freightmasters team today.
