How to Send a Parcel from the UK to Australia

Australia is the sixth-largest country, home to over 26 million people and the 11th-largest eCommerce market, worth more than $46 billion. With such a strong market, robust economy, and a thriving expat community, it’s an important destination for both personal and commercial parcel deliveries.

Whether you’re a business looking to expand into the Australian market or an individual sending gifts, understanding the process of shipping parcels from the UK to Australia is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from shipping times and courier options to navigating Australian customs.

Shipping to Australia: An overview

• Australia may be 10,000 miles away, but it’s surprisingly easy to send goods down under thanks to a wealth of carrier options and well-developed trade networks. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider the following factors before you ship.

• Delivery times: Australia is far from the UK, and delivery times can vary based on your selected service. It’s important to know rough timelines to decide whether to choose an express or economical option.
• Courier services: Selecting a reliable courier service is crucial. Logistic partners that are familiar with Australian customs and delivery routes will help avoid unnecessary delays.

• Australian customs: Australia has strict customs regulations, particularly regarding biosecurity. Knowing what’s allowed and prohibited can save you from delays, extra charges, or even the seizure of your parcel.

Each of these points will be detailed below, ensuring that you have a smooth experience when sending parcels to Australia.

How long does it take to send a parcel to Australia?

The delivery time for parcels sent from the UK to Australia depends on your chosen shipping service. Australia’s geographic isolation means that delivery times can vary significantly based on your choice of courier, the size of your parcel, and the delivery service option.

1. Express Delivery: Opt for an express delivery service and your parcel can arrive in as little as three to four working days. Express services are ideal for urgent packages like business documents, important gifts, or time-sensitive e-commerce deliveries.
2. Standard Delivery: A more economical option, standard delivery typically takes three to eight working days. This service is generally suitable for personal parcels and non-urgent items that do not require immediate delivery.
3. Economy Shipping: If you're looking for the cheapest shipping option, economy services may take 10-15 working days or more. This is the slowest service, but it is ideal for low-priority or heavy items where cost is more important than speed.

It’s important to note these are just guidelines and several factors can impact your total delivery time, including:

• Customs clearance: Delays can occur at customs if your paperwork is incomplete or if the goods you are sending are subject to inspection.
• Rural or remote areas: Deliveries to major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane are faster compared to rural or outback locations, where courier services may be less frequent.

• Weather conditions: Australia is prone to extreme weather conditions, such as bushfires and floods, which may impact delivery times in affected areas.

• Holiday periods: As with any international shipping, the holiday season, particularly around Christmas, can lead to longer delivery times due to increased shipping volumes.

Australian customs: What do you need to know?

Australia’s strict customs regulations reflect its focus on protecting the country’s unique environment and agricultural industries. When shipping from the UK to Australia, understanding the customs process is vital to ensure your parcel clears customs without any issues. Here’s what you need to know and do:

Customs declaration forms:

You’ll need one of two custom declaration forms depending on the value of your parcel:

• CN22 (for items under £270): This form is used for low-value items and requires details about the package’s contents and value. You must accurately describe the goods and provide an honest valuation.

• CN23 (for items over £270): For higher-value shipments, the CN23 form is required. This form asks for additional information, including a detailed description of each item, weight, and the value of each product. Incorrect or incomplete forms can lead to delays.

Commercial invoice

A commercial invoice is required for most shipments and acts as a contract of sale between the buyer and the seller. It includes important details such as:

• The value of the items being shipped.

• The sender’s and recipient’s addresses.

• Descriptions of each item in the parcel.

• A unique invoice number and date of sale. Customs officials use this document to assess whether duties and taxes are applicable.

Import duties and taxes

For parcels valued under $1,000 AUD (about £740), no duties or taxes apply unless your parcel contains alcohol or other restricted items. These lower-value parcels pass through customs quickly.

For parcels valued above $1,000 AUD, the recipient will need to lodge an Import Declaration. Customs will assess the parcel for duties and taxes, which must be paid before the parcel can be released for delivery.

Restricted and prohibited items

Australia is highly protective of its agricultural industry and natural environment. The following items are prohibited or highly regulated:

• Meat and dairy products.

• Plants, seeds, and soil.

• Used outdoor equipment, such as camping gear or gardening tools.

• Items made from animal products, including leather and wool, may be subject to quarantine or inspection.

• Certain electronics or goods with high value may also require additional documentation.

Always check the Australian Border Force website or your courier’s restricted items list before shipping to avoid issues.

How to format an Australian address

Correct address formatting is crucial to ensure that your parcel arrives at the correct location in Australia. Although similar to UK addresses, Australian addresses include some distinct differences.

Here’s what you need to include:

• Recipient’s name: Include the full name of the recipient.

• Street Address: Include the apartment or suite number, building number, and street name.

○ Example: 8/13 North Close (where "8" is the apartment number, and "13" is the building number).

• City, State, and Postcode: Australian addresses must include the suburb (town), state abbreviation (e.g., NSW for New South Wales, QLD for Queensland), and a four-digit postcode. These must all be on the same line and in capitals.

○ Example: ROBERTSON NSW 4757

• Country: Write "AUSTRALIA" in capital letters on the final line.

Here’s an example address:

Mr. P. Sherman

42 Wallaby Way

SYDNEY NSW 2774

AUSTRALIA

Failing to format the address correctly could result in delays or a return of the parcel. Always double-check the details before shipping.

Australian public holidays to note

It is essential to account for public holidays in Australia when sending parcels, as delivery services may be limited during these periods. Below is a list of key holidays that could affect delivery times:

• Australia Day (26th January): National holiday celebrating the founding of Australia.
• Anzac Day (25th April): Commemorates Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members who fought in World War I.

• Christmas Day (25th December): Like the UK, Christmas is widely celebrated in Australia, and postal services are often busy during this period.

• Easter: Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays across Australia.

Planning around these holidays will help ensure your parcel arrives on time, especially if shipping is close to major holidays such as Christmas or Easter.

How can you track your Australian parcel delivery?

If you’re looking for an easy way to send and track parcels from the UK to Australia, choose a service like Pro Carrier.

We offer an intuitive tracking portal that lets you track your parcel’s progress from anywhere in the world. Your customers can do the same. After placing an order, they’ll receive a unique tracking number, which can be entered into the Pro Carrier tracking portal to:

• Monitor the parcel’s journey.

• View detailed reports on delivery stages.

• Receive real-time updates on delays or issues with customs.

And because we understand the importance of keeping your customers abreast of their delivery, we promise a minimum of six notifications throughout the delivery process.

Ship to Australia with Pro Carrier

It’s easy to start shipping to Australia with Pro Carrier. Our cross-border service integrates seamlessly with your existing e-commerce platform, allowing you to manage orders, monitor shipments, and track deliveries all in one place.

With Pro Carrier, you’ll benefit from:

• Real-time shipment visibility: Keep track of your parcels at every stage.

• A carrier-agnostic approach: We partner with various couriers to ensure the best delivery method for your needs.

• Advanced reporting tools: Use our reports to analyse delivery performance and identify areas for improvement.

If you want to learn more about entering the Australian market with Pro Carrier, speak to an expert today.