Send a parcel to Australia from only £39.77

When you send a parcel to Australia from the UK, a customs declaration (often referred to as a customs invoice) is required. This document provides Australian Customs and Border Force with essential information about the contents and value of your package for proper processing.

Our booking form simplifies this for you; we automatically gather the necessary information to generate your customs invoice, which will print along with your shipping label.

To ensure smooth and swift customs clearance, please ensure your declaration is:
 

• Detailed: Provide clear and specific descriptions of each item (e.g., "Men's cotton t-shirt, size M" rather than just "clothing"). Vague or generic descriptions are a common cause of delays and may lead to inspection or seizure, especially by Australian Quarantine (Biosecurity).
  •    Accurate: Declare the true value of your items. Misdeclarations can lead to significant delays, fines, or seizure of your parcel.
  •    Recipient's Details (e.g., ABN): If you are a business sending to a business in Australia, providing your recipient's ABN (Australian Business Number) or importer code can significantly speed up customs clearance. For private individuals, ensure full contact details are provided

DUTIES, TAXES, AND IMPORT FEES

All goods imported into Australia from the UK are now subject to Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) (currently 10%), regardless of value. Additionally, customs duties may be applied depending on the item's value, type, and origin. Parcels may also incur examination and administration fees from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) for biosecurity checks.

Any outstanding charges (GST, duties, and handling/AQIS fees) will be applied by Australian Customs and will need to be paid by your recipient before the parcel can be delivered. If these charges are not paid, the parcel may, unfortunately, be returned to the sender or destroyed.

SENDING UNACCOMPANIED PERSONAL EFFECTS (UPE)

Sending a friend or loved one some of their things, or personal effects, from the UK  - to make them feel more at home?

UPE refers to goods that are owned by you and that you have personally used or possessed in the UK for a period of at least 12 months, and which you are now importing for your own personal use in Australia.

If you intend to send Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) to Australia, you must take special care in declaring the contents accurately and fully.

Personal effects shipments must be declared to the Australian Border Force on a B534 Form, which must be completed by the owner of the goods. In addition to the B534 Form, you'll also need to provide:

• An invoice or detailed packing list for all contents
• A photocopy of the owner’s passport photo page
• Proof of residency in Australia (e.g., visa, utility bill)

Important Note on Fees and Delays: All UPE shipments are subject to examination by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) for biosecurity purposes. This will attract additional fees, typically in the region of around $165 AUD, plus any additional administration fees and GST (around $150 AUD). Please expect customs clearance delays of approximately four to five days for UPE shipments.

We'll help you by generating the necessary customs invoice and shipping labels from the information you provide on your booking form. You will then need to print and sign these documents, place them in an envelope marked ‘Customs Documents,’ and attach them securely to the outside of your package along with the completed B534 form.

For further information on tax and customs considerations for Australia, you can consult the official HM Revenue & Customs website.

WHAT ITEMS CAN'T I SEND TO AUSTRALIA?

Australia has extremely strict import regulations, particularly concerning biosecurity (food, plant, and animal products), to protect its unique environment. To ensure your package clears Australian customs smoothly and reaches its destination without issues, it’s vital to understand what can and cannot be imported.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe consequences, including delays, significant fines, seizure, destruction, or return of your parcel (at your expense).

While this list is not exhaustive, here are some common examples of items that are prohibited or restricted for import into Australia: