Export to Australia
Whether you’re an e-commerce business that needs to ship parcels regularly to Australia or you’re sending a one-off package, choosing the right courier and shipping method makes all the difference.
At Freight Broker, we make it easy to find and compare courier and freight services for parcels, pallets, and larger commercial shipments for a smooth and easy process.
We’ll help you find a service that matches your budget, timescale, and shipment requirements so you can ship business supplies, trade stock, or specialist cargo. You can enjoy access to trusted courier and freight options in one place.
How much does it cost to export to Australia?
Here’s what can affect the cost of sending parcels to Australia:
1. Collection and delivery addresses
Prices can vary depending on where your goods are collected in the UK and where they are being delivered in Australia. Parcels sent to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne will differ from those sent to remote areas.
2. Parcel dimensions and weight
Carriers calculate prices based on the actual weight and volumetric weight of your parcel, so a larger, lightweight box could cost less to ship than a small, heavy box.
3. Goods description and value
A clear description of the goods and an accurate declared value are essential for customs, as they help determine the right paperwork, duties, taxes, and whether any import restrictions apply.
4. Transit time
Faster delivery services, such as air freight to Australia, cost more than sea freight to Australia, as they help deliver urgent parcels, while sea freight is more suitable for less time-sensitive cargo.
5. Specialist requirements
High-value items, oversized goods, fragile parcels, and palletised freight all require careful handling, which is why they can cost more to ship overseas.
Customers may also incur other charges, such as customs clearance fees, fuel surcharges, remote-area fees, biosecurity inspections, storage costs, duties, taxes, and onwards delivery charges.
We can help you find the most cost-effective shipping method for you at Freight Broker.
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How to send parcels to Australia
Choosing the right delivery method - Our team will help you compare the most relevant service for your goods, whether that’s courier delivery for smaller parcels, air freight for urgent packages, or ocean freight for larger loads.
Preparing the correct documents- You will usually need a commercial invoice, recipient details, a full description of the goods, declared value, country of origin, and the correct commodity or HS code.
Packaging and labelling -
Parcels should be securely packed, accurately labelled and protected for long-distance international transit. Australia's import rules also state that goods should be clean, correctly declared, and free from soil, pests, or prohibited materials.
Customs and biosecurity checks - Before sending, check whether your goods are restricted, prohibited, or subject to import conditions in Australia. The Australian Government recommends using BICON to check import conditions for goods entering Australia.
Shipment tracking - Once collected, tracking is usually handled by the chosen carrier, giving you visibility from dispatch through to delivery, so you and your receiver stay updated.
Additional duties, taxes, and charges may be payable at the border when you export to Australia. Make sure you have all the paperwork ready for proof of details.
Types of Freight
Air freight to Australia
If you need to ship a parcel over to Australia from the UK quickly, then air freight is your best option. Many people also use this for fragile items, replacement parts, e-commerce orders, and sensitive goods.
Transit times: Air and express courier services are generally faster than sea freight and can take 3-10 days, depending on whether it’s express shipping or standard air freight.
Rates: These are typically priced based on weight, dimensions, volumetric weight, destination, service speed, and handling requirements. It may be more expensive than ocean freight, but it’s more practical for urgent shipments.
At Freight Broker, you can compare air freight and courier services from trusted providers based on your budget and time constraints.
Sea Freight to Australia
Sea freight is usually the better option if you want to ship large parcels or you’re not too constrained by time. That’s why it’s often the go-to for wholesale stock, machinery, commercial supplies, palletised goods, and equipment.
Transit times: Ocean freight is slower than air freight and can vary depending on availability, schedules, and ports, but it usually takes around 40-60 days to ship parcels from the UK to Australia.
Rates: Costs vary depending on cargo size, weight, route, container space, collection, documentation, and customs clearance, but it usually offers a lower cost per kilo or cubic metre for larger shipments.
We can help you compare suitable ocean freight options, including Less-than-Container-Load and Full-Container-Load services. Just get in touch today!
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What can you export to Australia?
However, Australia has strict rules on restricted and prohibited items, so some goods may require permits, treatment, inspections, or additional paperwork before they can enter the country.
Here’s a list of common prohibited and restricted items:
Prohibited/highly controlled items
- Certain weapons, firearms, and ammunition
- Explosives, fireworks, and dangerous goods without approval
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Obscene or prohibited materials
- Some animal products
- Goods made from protected wildlife or endangered species
- Items that pose a biosecurity risk
- Certain fresh foods, plants, seeds, soil or untreated natural materials
Restricted items
- Medicines, supplements, and healthcare products
- Timber, wooden articles, and bamboo products
- Plant products, seeds, and live plants
- Animal products, biological materials, and veterinary goods
- Machinery, tools, or equipment that may contain soil or contamination
- Electronics with lithium batteries
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Food and drink products
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