Country profile
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
HM · HMDAs of: 6/23/2026Uninhabited nature reserve / CCAMLR fishing zone
Heard Island and McDonald Islands are an uninhabited Australian external territory in the southern Indian Ocean. There is no permanent population, no port, no airport and no commercial trade. The only logistics activity is the supply of scientific expeditions by ship and the fishery (Patagonian toothfish, mackerel icefish) in the surrounding Australian EEZ, managed under CCAMLR and AFMA. The entire area is a strictly protected Commonwealth marine reserve; access is only possible with an EPBC permit issued by the Australian Antarctic Division. The currency is the Australian dollar.
Overview
Heard Island and McDonald Islands (ISO code: HM) are uninhabited subantarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, about 4,100 km southwest of Perth. They are an external territory of Australia, administered directly by the Australian Antarctic Division within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Heard Island holds Australia's only active volcanoes, including Mawson Peak on the Big Ben massif (2,745 m), the highest point in Australian territory outside the Antarctic. The islands and surrounding waters form a strictly protected Commonwealth marine reserve under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and are a UNESCO World Heritage site (inscribed 1997). There is no permanent population, no port and no airport, and no commercial trade takes place on the islands. Economic relevance is limited to scientific research and to the commercial fishery for Patagonian toothfish and mackerel icefish in the Australian exclusive economic zone, managed by AFMA under CCAMLR. The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD); access requires an EPBC permit.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
No local customs authority; Australian Border Force (ABF) responsible for Australia, territory administered by the Australian Antarctic Division (DCCEEW)Import system
No local customs operation. Uninhabited area with no port or airport infrastructure; goods arrive only by ship for research and supply. Australian external territory outside the GST zone.
Export system
No commercial exports from the islands. Fishing takes place in the Australian EEZ and is imported and exported through Australian mainland ports (Fremantle, Hobart), not through the islands.
Import VAT
- No local GST: the external territory lies outside the Australian Indirect Tax Zone (mainland GST 10 percent). As of 2026.
Import documents
- Access permit (EPBC Act permit of the Australian Antarctic Division)
- Ship manifest for supply goods
Export documents
- Fisheries: CCAMLR Catch Documentation Scheme (catch documentation for Patagonian toothfish)
- AFMA fishing licence
Origin proofs / FTA
Not relevant: no own country of origin and no local trade. Australia's free trade agreements apply to Australian goods.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Strict access and removal ban: the entire area is a Commonwealth marine reserve (EPBC Act 1999). Every activity requires a permit; introduction of foreign species and biological material is prohibited.
Export controls & sanctions
As an Australian territory, Australian sanctions apply (Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011, DFAT) as well as the defence and dual-use export controls (Defence Trade Controls Act 2012).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Rest) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments. Depending on the destination (Oceania, Middle East, or other regions), steps, pre-filings and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Top import partners
Top export partners
Top import goods
Top export goods
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Seaports / access ports
- No port infrastructure; anchorages only (Atlas Cove, Spit Bay)
Top trade lanes
- Hobart / Fremantle (AUS) - HIMI (research and supply voyages)
- HIMI EEZ - Australian mainland ports (fisheries)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Extreme remoteness (about 4'100 km southwest of Perth), no infrastructure and no rescue services on site. Active volcano Big Ben with Mawson Peak. Access only with permission.
Seasonal & weather risks
Subantarctic climate: storms, heavy swell, drift ice and glaciers year-round. Landings only in short summer windows (December to March) and highly weather-dependent.
Current logistics notes
No regular traffic. Access via the Australian Antarctic Division by ship from Hobart or Fremantle; most recent HIMI campaign 2025-26 (EPBC permit valid until 2035).
As of: 2026-06-23
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- antarctica.gov.au
- afma.gov.au
- dcceew.gov.au
- ato.gov.au
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Can goods be imported to or exported from Heard and McDonald Islands?
No. The islands are uninhabited and have no port, airport or customs operation. No commercial trade takes place. Only research expeditions are supplied by ship, and only under permit.
Who administers the territory and how do you get there?
It is an Australian external territory administered directly by the Australian Antarctic Division (DCCEEW). Access is only by ship from Hobart or Fremantle and requires an EPBC permit.
Does Australian GST or customs duty apply?
The external territory lies outside Australia's indirect tax zone, so no local GST applies (mainland rate 10 percent). With no trade or customs operation on site there are no regular import charges. As of 2026.
Is there a fishery and how is it regulated?
Yes, in the Australian EEZ around the islands. The target species are Patagonian toothfish and mackerel icefish. The fishery is managed by AFMA under CCAMLR catch limits and is MSC-certified; catches are landed on the Australian mainland.
What risks exist for vessels in the region?
Very high natural hazards: subantarctic storms, heavy seas, drift ice and glaciers, plus the active Big Ben volcano. There is no infrastructure and no rescue services on site. Landings are only possible in short summer windows.
What protection and sanctions rules apply?
The entire area is a strictly protected Commonwealth marine reserve under the EPBC Act 1999 and a UNESCO World Heritage site; every activity requires a permit. As Australian territory, Australian sanctions (DFAT) and export controls also apply.
Which trade partners are important for Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
This page links to important partner countries (based on import/export partners) for quick context.
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners