Introduction: Reducing Import Costs for Australian Apparel Buyers

In a country like Australia, where most apparel is imported, managing import duties is a critical part of any sourcing strategy. For buyers looking beyond Asia, sourcing from Madagascar offers a compelling opportunity—especially under the DCD system, which allows for duty-free imports from eligible developing countries.

At Festival Factory, we help Australian fashion brands, retailers, and costume suppliers reduce their landed costs by leveraging the Duty Credit Document (DCD) when shipping apparel from Madagascar.

What is the DCD?

The Duty Credit Document (DCD) is a system that enables duty-free or reduced-duty access to the Australian market for goods originating from least developed countries. The goal is to promote trade with developing economies while offering Australian importers cost-effective alternatives to traditional sourcing hubs.

Madagascar is recognized under this system, making Festival Factory’s goods eligible for duty exemption upon arrival in Australia.

Key Benefits for Australian Importers

Working with Festival Factory under the DCD system provides:

  • Zero import duties on eligible apparel

  • Lower overall costs per unit

  • Shorter supply chains than Asia or Latin America

  • Access to a unique, ethical manufacturing partner in the Indian Ocean

Whether you’re a boutique fashion brand, a seasonal costume distributor, or an e-commerce startup, DCD can make your business more profitable.

Products Eligible for DCD Duty-Free Entry

Festival Factory manufactures a wide range of apparel that qualifies for DCD benefits:

  • Children’s dress-up costumes

  • School and festival wear

  • Hospitality uniforms

  • Lightweight promotional clothing

  • Custom branded garments

We also provide all necessary export documentation to support duty-free status under DCD and assist your customs broker with compliance.

Why Choose Madagascar for Sourcing?

While Australia traditionally imports from China and Southeast Asia, Madagascar offers:

  • DCD-enabled duty-free shipping

  • High-quality garment production with ethical labor practices

  • Competitive lead times for small-to-mid-volume orders

  • Direct ocean freight access to Australian ports

Festival Factory’s Expertise for the Australian Market

We understand the needs of Australian importers and provide:

  • English-speaking account management

  • Custom sampling and development services

  • Reliable production and quality control

  • Seamless coordination with international freight forwarders

Ready to Source Smarter?

Our team is here to help you unlock DCD advantages and grow your business in Australia with duty-free imports from Madagascar.

Get in touch for product eligibility and pricing information.