🇦🇺 Shipping to Australia from the USA
Nothing due at the border under A$1,000, but that does not mean GST-free, and biosecurity decides what gets through
Quick answer
- How long: 3 to 5 days by express and 6 to 10 by USPS Priority Mail International. Add days for WA and regional addresses.
- What's charged: goods at or under A$1,000 (about US$700) pay no duty or GST at the border, except alcohol and tobacco. Larger overseas sellers must charge 10% GST at checkout on those goods.
- Over A$1,000: an import declaration, duty, GST and processing charges apply.
- Biggest risk: biosecurity. Food, seeds, wood and animal products may be seized.
Border limit
Duty and GST
GST
Often at checkout
Delivery
Express to postal
Local post
Handles USPS
Shipping Rates to Australia
| Carrier & Service | 1 lb | 5 lbs | 10 lbs | 20 lbs | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS First-Class Intl | $41.25 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 10-20 days |
| USPS Priority Mail Intl | $70.65 | $106.65 | $166.15 | $258.80 | 6-10 days |
| USPS Priority Mail Express Intl | $95.40 | $127.70 | $186.80 | $284.05 | 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 |
USPS prices are official retail rates from Notice 123 (effective October 4, 2026). UPS, FedEx, and DHL figures are rough list-price estimates before fuel and other surcharges, not quotes, and a live quote can be much higher or lower. Delivery times exclude customs delays unless stated.
Reference list-price estimates before fuel and demand surcharges, duties and taxes, not quotes. Remote-area surcharges are extra on courier services.
How long shipping to Australia takes
Sydney and Melbourne usually get express parcels in 3 to 5 business days, and Brisbane and Adelaide about a day later. Perth often adds another day or two because of the distance from east coast gateways. Regional WA, the NT and mining towns can take longer, and Tasmania needs a further hop. USPS parcels pass to Australia Post after customs and biosecurity screening. Parcels that need a biosecurity check can sit for days without a tracking update. The Christmas peak matters here too, and summer heat affects chocolate, cosmetics and batteries.
Compare with the mail delivery times guide.
GST and duty, as they really work
A common mistake is to call A$1,000 a tax-free threshold. It is a border threshold. Since July 2018, overseas vendors, marketplaces and redeliverers with Australian sales of A$75,000 or more a year must register and charge GST on low-value goods at the sale. The Australian Border Force buying-online page covers the border side, and the ATO's GST on low-value imported goods page covers sellers.
| Parcel | At checkout | At the border |
|---|---|---|
| A$600 from a registered seller or marketplace | A$60 GST | Nothing |
| A$600 from a small seller not registered | Nothing | Nothing |
| A$600 private gift | Not applicable | Nothing |
| A$1,500 item | Usually no GST | Duty (often 5%, frequently 0% for US-origin goods under AUSFTA), GST at 10%, import declaration charges |
| Alcohol or tobacco at any value | Not applicable | Duty, tax and declaration; tobacco is tightly limited |
GST on a shipment over the threshold is charged on customs value plus duty, transport and insurance, so a A$1,500 duty-free item shipped for A$100 pays about A$160 GST plus processing. Parcels known to be part of one order are treated as one consignment, so splitting will not help. If GST was charged twice, the refund comes from the vendor, not the ATO or ABF. There is no separate gift concession above A$1,000. See duties and taxes.
Biosecurity comes first
Every parcel is screened. Items that fail may be treated, re-exported or destroyed, at the recipient's cost, and false declarations can bring penalties. Use the BICON import conditions database to check a specific item.
Usually refused
- Meat, poultry and eggs in most forms
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds
- Honey and bee products
- Soil, and items with soil on them
- Live plants
Check first
- Dairy and egg-containing food
- Wood, bamboo and craft items
- Feathers, skins and leather
- Used camping and sports gear: must be clean
- Medicines and vapes: separate TGA and border rules
Tips for Australia
- Describe contents exactly: "chocolate-covered almonds, sealed retail pack" tells an officer more than "food."
- Clean used gear: boots, tents and bikes with soil are a classic hold.
- Include a mobile number: carriers text about delivery, and clearance agents may need to contact the recipient.
- Use Parcel Lockers: Australia Post lockers suit recipients who are out during the day.
- Check remote fees: a Pilbara postcode can add a surcharge to a courier label.
From elsewhere?
The A$1,000 rule covers all origins. From the UK, express takes about 3 to 6 days. From New Zealand, freight is often next-day or two. From Asia, transit is shorter than from the US. Sellers in any country reach the same A$75,000 registration line. Compare with Japan and the Philippines for other Pacific lanes.
Australia shipping questions
Can I send food to Australia?
Some shop-bought, shelf-stable items are allowed, but rules vary by ingredient. Check BICON. Homemade food, jerky, nuts and seeds are risky.
Is a gift taxed?
At A$1,000 or less, no duty or GST arises at the border. Above that, tax applies as on any other import.
Which carrier is best?
USPS Priority Mail International is good value on small parcels. Heavier ones can be close on price to express at list rates; see all carriers compared.
Are customs officials really that strict?
On biosecurity, yes. Australia protects agriculture free of many pests, which is why rules seem stricter than the tax side.