🇦🇺 Shipping to Australia from the USA

Your complete guide to shipping Down Under - Navigate strict biosecurity and GST rules

De Minimis

AUD $1000

GST threshold

GST Rate

10%

Goods & Services Tax

Delivery Time

6-12 days

From USA

Best Carrier

FedEx

Speed & reliability

🚫 Biosecurity Alert: Australia has the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Many organic materials (wood, seeds, food, leather) are prohibited or require treatment. Violations result in package destruction and fines up to AUD $2,664. Declare everything accurately!

Shipping Rates to Australia

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time
USPS First-Class $22.50 N/A N/A N/A 10-20 days
USPS Priority Mail $42.50 $78.50 $118.50 $198.50 6-10 days
USPS Priority Express $68.95 $138.95 $218.95 $378.95 3-5 days
UPS Expedited $85.00 $135.00 $215.00 $375.00 4-7 days
FedEx International Priority $88.00 $142.00 $232.00 $402.00 3-5 days
DHL Express $82.00 $128.00 $208.00 $368.00 3-5 days

Australia Customs & Import Information

  • GST threshold: AUD $1000 (approx USD $650)
  • GST rate: 10% on value over $1000
  • Duty threshold: AUD $1000
  • Processing fee: AUD $50-90 if GST/duty owed
  • Required forms: CN22/CN23 + customs declaration
  • Biosecurity inspection: All packages scanned
  • ABN for business: Australian Business Number helps
  • Payment: Before delivery if charges apply

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Strictly Prohibited:

  • 🌱 Seeds and plant material
  • 🥜 Nuts (most types)
  • 🍖 Meat products (any type)
  • 🥚 Egg products
  • 🧀 Dairy products
  • 🪵 Untreated wood products
  • 🍯 Honey and bee products
  • 🌾 Grains and cereals
  • 🦎 Animal products (fur, feathers)

Restricted:

  • Leather goods (must be clean)
  • Cosmetics (ingredients checked)
  • Medications (prescription needed)
  • Alcohol (duties apply)
  • Tobacco (very high taxes)

How Australian Import Charges Work

Example Calculations:

Item Value (USD) AUD Equivalent GST (10%) Duty Processing Total Charges
$100 AUD $155 AUD $0 AUD $0 AUD $0 AUD $0
$650 AUD $1000 AUD $0 AUD $0 AUD $0 AUD $0
$800 AUD $1230 AUD $123 AUD $0-50 AUD $50 AUD $173-223

Note: High threshold of AUD $1000 means most personal shipments are duty-free. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 1.54 AUD

Tips for Shipping to Australia

  1. Biosecurity is serious: Never lie about contents - packages are X-rayed and inspected
  2. Avoid organic materials: No food, wood, seeds, or natural products
  3. Clean everything: Even shoes must be visibly clean of dirt
  4. Use express for Christmas: Australia Post gets overwhelmed December-January
  5. Include phone number: Required for delivery and customs contact
  6. Remote area surcharges: Much of Australia is "remote" - check addresses
  7. Business hours delivery: Most residential deliveries require signature
  8. Parcel lockers popular: Many Aussies use parcel lockers for convenience
  9. Consider the heat: Chocolates and cosmetics may melt in transit
  10. High GST threshold: Take advantage - most packages under $650 USD are tax-free

Australian Regional Considerations

Region/City Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
Sydney 3-6 days Main entry point, fastest All carriers good
Melbourne 3-6 days Second hub, efficient FedEx/DHL
Brisbane 4-7 days Good infrastructure FedEx/UPS
Perth 5-9 days West coast, extra transit DHL/FedEx
Adelaide 4-7 days Smaller hub FedEx/USPS
Canberra 4-7 days Capital, good service All carriers
Tasmania 6-10 days Island state, extra day Australia Post/USPS
Regional/Rural 7-15 days Remote surcharges common Australia Post
Mining Towns 8-16 days Very remote, expensive DHL/FedEx

Frequently Asked Questions - Australia Shipping

Why is Australia so strict about biosecurity?

Australia is an island continent with unique ecosystems. They've avoided many agricultural pests and diseases that devastate other countries. One contaminated package could cause billions in damage to agriculture.

Can I send food to Australia?

Very limited. Commercially packaged items like candy, chocolate (no nuts), coffee, and tea might be okay. No meat, dairy, eggs, honey, fresh produce, or homemade items. When in doubt, don't send it.

What happens if biosecurity finds prohibited items?

Best case: items removed and package delivered. Usual case: entire package destroyed at your expense. Worst case: fines up to AUD $2,664 and blacklisting.

Is the AUD $1000 threshold really that high?

Yes! Australia has one of the world's highest de minimis thresholds. Packages under AUD $1000 (about USD $650) pay no GST or duties. Great for shoppers!

Which carrier is best for Australia?

FedEx and DHL are most reliable for express service. USPS/Australia Post is economical but slower. During peak season (December-January), use express carriers to avoid delays.

Calculate Shipping to Australia View Other Countries