China FTA 'seal of approval' for Aust: PM

The China-Australia free trade agreement will not only cut tariffs but is a "seal of approval" for Australian exports, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told parliament.

The enacting laws for the historic agreement passed the Senate on Monday night.

"Not only is it resulting in significant formal reductions in trade barriers - it amounts to essentially a good housekeeping seal of approval on Australia and Australian exports from the Chinese government," Mr Turnbull said on Tuesday.