The EU-Australia trade agreement offers opportunities — but are you also insured internationally?

After eight years of negotiations, it is finally here. On 24 March 2026, the EU and Australia reached a free trade agreement in Canberra, finalised by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. RVO

For Belgian companies, this opens up prospects for one of the most stable economies in the world. But anyone considering the step to Australia would do well to review not only their export strategy, but also their insurance package.

The opportunities are real

The agreement provides for the abolition of more than 99% of import duties on EU goods exported to Australia, saving companies around 1 billion euros in import duties annually. Europa, that is no small thing.

Sectors such as chemicals, machinery, transport equipment, food and high-tech equipment will benefit from this, according to Voka CEO Frank Beckx. Landbouwleven

The news is also positive for West Flemish companies: Voka West-Vlaanderen sees the agreement as a positive opportunity for West Flemish companies, especially in a context of geopolitical uncertainty. Made in

Nevertheless, there is also a nuance. The agreement opens doors, but companies must step through them themselves. Success in the Australian market will depend on innovation, quality and a well-considered export strategy. Voka

Beyond customs: the insurance question

Many entrepreneurs focus, in international business, on the commercial and logistical side. Import tariffs (partly) disappear, the market becomes more accessible, that is clear. But anyone who becomes active in Australia is suddenly also confronted with new risks.

Risks that your current insurance package may not cover, or that fall under regulations you are not familiar with.

A Belgian policy is in most cases not simply valid in Australia. Australia is not an EU country, which means you cannot fall back on the European Freedom of Services arrangement that applies, for example, within the EU.

Anyone who deploys activities in Australia from Belgium, whether it concerns goods, services, personnel or a local entity, in principle needs local coverage that complies with Australian regulations.

Are you thinking of exporting products? Then you run product liability risks in a different legal system.

Do you send employees to Australia temporarily? Then their occupational accident and health insurance is not automatically adapted to the situation. Do you work with a local partner or distributor? Then liability for damage caused by third parties deserves explicit attention in your policy, or you at least need help with your contract management.

An international programme as a solution

The most robust approach for companies active internationally is an integrated international insurance programme: an overarching policy from Belgium, supplemented with local policies that comply with the legislation of the country in question.

This way you retain the overview, avoid gaps in coverage and are compliant with local regulations.

Via the Uniba network, one of the largest independent insurance networks in the world, we work with local partners in Australia.

This means that we can guide your file from A to Z: from the analysis of your activities across the border to the issuance of the correct local policies, and claims handling on site in the local language.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong

The trade agreement still has to be ratified by the European Council and the European Parliament.

So there is still time to prepare. Use that time not only to refine your export strategy, but also to map out your risks.

Doing business internationally is an opportunity. But an opportunity best seized with the right protection.

Would you like to know how your company can be insured internationally for activities in Australia or other countries outside the EU? Contact us for a no-obligation conversation.