Shipping from Canada to Australia
A simple guide to help you ship your products to Australia quickly and easily
At FlagShip, we strive to make sure our policies, information and guidelines on our website are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. However, we are not customs brokers and this information is to be used as a guide. PLEASE consult your customs broker directly before shipping as customs laws and procedures often change without warning.
For many Canadian businesses who ship products from Canada to Australia, securing an efficient and cost-effective courier service is critical to business success. At times, the process and paperwork may seem daunting but don’t worry; FlagShip has years of experience.
We’ve created easy-to-follow guidelines to help you navigate through shipping from Canada to Australia with our shipping service.
At FlagShip, our dedicated team can facilitate all your Canada to Australia shipping needs, here are just a few of the ways we can help:
- By giving you the most affordable rates available
- Explaining regulations for shipments going to Australia
- Sharing procedures and guidelines
All our information is compliant with the Australian Trade Commission, Government of Canada and other government resources to ensure we are up-to-date on all rules and regulations.
Everything you need to know aBout shipping TO AUSTRALIA FROM Canada
Courier rates to Australia
Start the process of shipping your goods from Canada to Australia by reviewing and comparing the best rates and service options from the most reliable carrier companies in the world.
Learn more about saving money on shipping from Canada to Australia
What are you shipping from Canada to Australia?
FlagShip is ready to help you deliver your shipment to Australia easier, faster and hassle-free. Here are some examples and guidelines for common products to simplify your shipment processing.
To learn more click on any of the following:
- Birthday
- Promotional gift
- Shipment value amount: 0.00 Australian Dollar AUD
- Shipment type: no gift exemption
- Exemption rule: no gift exemption
There is no gift exemption in Australia however except for alcohol, tobacco and prohibited items, when the Free on Board (FOB) value of the shipment is less than the 1,000.00 AUD, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
The destination country or territory considers the following items as document shipments. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet the criteria to be considered a document shipment.
Advertising Literature – Must be business related, Airline Tickets, Annual Reports, Bids, Blueprints, Brochures, Business Cards, Cash Letters, Catalogs, Charts, Checks, Computer Print-Outs, Credit Cards / Gift Cards, Discs / Diskette – Must contain data, Drawings, Graphs, Greeting Cards, Invitations, Intercompany Data on CD-Rom/Disk, Intercompany Mail, Magazines, Manuals (Technical), Manuscripts, Maps, Microfilm, Microfiche, Negotiable Bond, Drafts, Newsletters (Company), Newspapers, Pamphlets, Passports, Periodicals, Photographs, Price Lists, Proposals, Publications, Specifications Sheets, Tapes (Audio, Video, Magnetic), Transparencies, Visa Applications
- Restrictions will depend on the product itself. All goods containing meat, dairy, fish, bee product, etc., will require permits to import. Quarantine charges apply for food importation. Restrictions in relation to commerce marking also apply. Must have manufacturer, distributor, importer, quantity, ingredients, and country or territory of manufacture on the packaging.
- Any shipments that arrive in old fruit boxes will be repacked. The boxes are then destroyed. Clearance delays will occur.
- Any food will be quarantine inspected and the charges billed to the consignee. Suspicion of foods will be fumigated by Australian Quarantine Authorities.
- The minimum quarantine fee is 36 AUD.
Items left behind, items being shipped after moving. You will need proof of purchase depending on the value.
Swatches, proofs for approval, sampling of products. The invoice must state the material composition of the sample. Samples without clear description will be subject to quarantine inspection. All quarantine costs are charged to the importer, unless the shipment is Free Domicile, which will result in charges to the shipper. There is a typical minimum 1 day delay.
Must indicate INTERCOMPANY TRANSFER
Items for conference, promotional items and the left over will be returning
Items bought personally or commercial.
Items being maintenance or returned FOR or FROM repairs.
Special stipulations on the following commodities
There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Australia. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.
If these skins are covered by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, they will be seized by Customs, unless a valid Export Permit and Import Permit is in place at time of importation and presented to Customs at such time.
- All clothing must contain labels. The labels must state the material composition and country or territory of origin. This label must be sewn into the garment, where the customer can see the markings, if the garments are packaged. If the packaging is not transparent, the markings must also be on the packaging.
- Under Trade Marking requirements shoes must be individually marked in a permanent manner with the country or territory of origin and their content material(s).
- Textiles must be labeled with composition of fabric and country or territory of origin.
Green coffee beans require Import Permit from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Subject to censorship for objectionable material.
Shipments of cosmetic products more than 250mg/kg of lead, require approval from the Ministry for Justice and Customs. This does not apply to those designed for use in hair treatments.
Requires an import permit from Dept of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Subject to censorship for objectionable material.
Jewelry shipments with a value less than $1000.00 AUD require Evidence of Price Paid or Sale. This can be in the form of Bank Statements showing proof of payment for the goods, or Credit Card statements or other Receipts showing the actual monetary transaction for the goods.
The importation of medicines into Australia is regulated under the “Therapeutic Goods Act”. If the medicines are not registered with the “Therapeutic Administration” then they are not permitted entry into Australia. Permits to import are required for certain goods such as steroids.
Personal imports of prescription medicines can be imported if the importer is a person, the supply is for less than 3 months and they have a prescription from an Australian doctor.
A full listing of ingredients is required on the invoice. Customs and Quarantine will hold all shipments until ingredients can be verified. Shipments containing ingredients that cannot be verified or are prohibited, will be seized by Customs. Quarantine inspection charges will apply.
http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/import/biological/therapeutic-foods-dietary
The list of prohibited ingredients can be found in the Australian Government – Department of Health website
Refer to Department of Health – Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website for more information on importing personal shipments to Australia
Straw is strictly prohibited (non-compliance will result in longer delays). All packages containing straw will be stopped and the straw will be removed. This will be done at the importer’s expense and with delays ranging from 48 hours to 2 weeks. The cost for this and the delay time will be based on the size of the package.
Require import permit from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
All software shipments must include the value of the CD-Rom/diskette and the intellectual property/programming. If the goods are blank CD-roms or disks, then the description on the invoice must mention the fact. Software shipments without the intellectual property/programming value which should be determined by the shipper, may be subject to further Customs checks, resulting in delays.
Ceramic tableware may be taken for lead cadnium testing.
Portable telephones require an Import Permit.
The manufacturer must issue a certificate certifying that the tire is free from mosquitoes and/or their larvae.
- Tobacco products now require written permission to be shipped.must have a valid import permit before goods arrive in AU.
- If the goods arrive in AU and you dont have a Valid Import Permit you cant apply for one after the goods arrived they will get seized you cant return them and cant transship them.
- Certain types of tobacco products are exempt from this regulation (smokeless tobacco, cigars and unmanufactured tobacco).
Any painted item must be labelled with the words “Paint not containing lead”.
Quarantine will hold and inspect all used goods. Minimum quarantine charge of 36 AUD applies.
Require import permit from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Subject to censorship for objectionable material.
Full ingredient listing must be provided on the invoice. Customs may hold shipments for inspection.
Wooden furniture and other wooden products should be fumigated prior to export. Shipments should include a Fumigation Certificate issued by a fumigation inspector to avoid delays. The Fumigation Certificate should be attached to the shipping documentation. All items made of wood, cane, bamboo and rattan imported into Australia must undergo quarantine checks, which could add 1 to 2 days of delay.
For solid wood packing and dunnage, AQIS will require mandatory compliance with ISPM 15. This can either be in the form of a phytosanitary certificate or an IPPC logo.
In the event of non-compliance , the package will be treated, destroyed or re-exported. Charges will apply in these instances.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
The Australian Government prohibits the import and export of certain goods to and from Australia. You can access the list of prohibited items based on the Australian Border Force for shipping from Canada to Australia – click here for the complete list of prohibited goods. It’s important to keep in mind that this list is always changing, so it’s always best to check back at the time of shipping.
The Australian Government prohibits the import and export of certain goods to and from Australia. You can import or export most prohibited goods with written permission, provided you meet certain conditions and requirements. Some goods are under absolute prohibition, where you are not allowed to import or export the goods in any circumstance. See the list of prohibited goods here: List of prohibited items
Some prohibited items to highlight:
Alcoholic Beverages
- Import of Alcoholic beverages into Australia is permitted via ISC contract service.
- UPS only delivers to New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
- UPS cannot deliver to Queensland and Northern Territories due to certain communities local alcohol regulations.
- Importation of Alcohol products to Australia does not include the de-minims value rule, All Alcohol products are subject to high rates of duties rates (excise and WET tax) and GST upon importation at Australian Border regardless of the importation value declared.
- UPS requires the alcoholic percentages of the products to be declared on the commercial invoice with Consignor / Consignee sale transaction.
Electrical Equipment and Machinery
An “Electromechanical Device” greater than one kilogram in weight that incorporates an electric motor, must not be brought, into Australian territory If it has originated, transited or transferred through, the Republic of Turkey.
Electronic Cigarette / Vaping Product
- Can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.
- Can only be imported into Australia for personal consumption only-not for commercial purposes. For more information on personal consumption click on the following link: http://www.tga.gov.au/consumers/personal-importation-scheme.htm
- If E-Cigarettes are detected at the border appearing to make a therapeutic claim, the goods may be referred to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA will advise whether further action is warranted, whether any claims made are classed as therapeutic, and whether seizure is appropriate under their Act.
- If no therapeutic claim is made, or the TGA determines that no action is warranted, the goods are released, as they are not controlled on importation.
- The onus is on the purchaser of goods from offshore websites to ensure that any goods they purchase are legal to import and possess under Commonwealth and State and Territory laws.
- Goods of this nature are not tobacco or tobacco products, and therefore are not subject to duty or GST if the Customs value is at or below the low value goods threshold of A$1,000.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT:
- Prohibited goods are destroyed.
- If the goods require treatment against a biosecurity threat, then $75 AUD (about $70 CDN) per item will be charged to the importer.
- If the goods are returned to Canada, then $95 AUD (about $90 CDN) per item will be charged.
Call 1-866-320-8383 or email at support@flagshipcompany.com
All our customer service representatives (CSRs) are live every day during 8:00am – 5:00pm EST to help with all your questions about shipping from Canada to Australia (and other destinations around the world)! They are trained, certified and experienced in international shipping business procedures.
Special Clearance Requirements
Embassy or diplomatic shipments require a B615 Consular and Diplomatic Clearance Form. Typical delay is 1 day.
Personal Military Effects
Personal effects such as private military souvenirs (including trench art), firearms, weapons, ballistic vests or dangerous items not owned by the military are subject to normal Customs and Border Protection control requirements. These goods must be manifested and declared to Customs. Items may require a permit, police authorization and safety testing before importation/exportation.
Military Issue Weaponry
Permits are not required to be submitted for military owned weapons that are imported or exported as part of an official military deployment. This includes where military personnel are travelling to or returning from overseas with their personal service weapons. These items should be listed on the manifest.
UPS Carried Unaccompanied Military Personal Effects
Normal duty and taxes apply to alcohol, tobacco and motor vehicles.
Military personnel and their family arriving in Australia for an official posting may bring in their own unaccompanied effects duty and GST free provided they have owned them for 12 months.
Full technical details can be found on www.customs.gov.au ByLaw 9940005 (Item 8)
At export, the invoice should indicate the following:
- A clear and detailed description of the goods
- Serial Number
- Model Number
- Clear indication that it is a Repair and Return shipment
- Country or Territory of origin of goods
- Value of goods
Upon completion of repair works, at re-import, the invoice should indicate:
- A clear and detailed description of the goods
- Serial Number
- Model Number
- Clear indication that it is a repair and return shipment
- Country or Territory of origin of goods
- Value of goods
- Statement stating whether goods are or are not under warranty
- Warranty certificate or letter (if under warranty)
- Repair charges (if not under warranty)
If the shipment is under warranty, repair charges should be indicated on invoice. Duty and tax will be exempted.
If the shipment is not under warranty, duty will be applied to the total cost of the repair and 10% GST will be applied to the total cost of the repair and freight charges.
If the repaired goods are used, then Quarantine Inspection is required and inspection fees may apply. The words “Repaired Goods” and the country or territory of origin must be on the invoice. Duties and taxes apply on the value of the repair.
If the returned goods are used, then Quarantine Inspection is required and inspection fees may apply. The words “Returned Goods” and the country or territory of origin must be on the invoice.
New requirements have been implemented for both small package and WWEF shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled “Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade”. ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.
Duties and Taxes
For goods with a value of AUD1000 or less
There are generally no duties, taxes, or charges to pay at the border for any shipment value of AUD 1000 or less. However, From 1 July 2018, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) may be collected by overseas vendors of such low value goods when imported from overseas by consumers in Australia. GST will be charged at the point of sale and not at the border.
For goods with a value over AUD1000, you will need to fill out an Import Declaration, and pay duties, taxes and charges at the border. You will need to pay duties and taxes on some goods (like tobacco or alcohol) regardless of their value.
Tracking your shipments
If you encounter any difficulty tracking your shipment, please to contact us to resolve the problem.
We are there to guide and assist.
Call 1-866-320-8383 or email at support@flagshipcompany.com
General Information
Clearance Comments
The Australian Customs Service randomly holds 5 percent of all formal entry shipments for a documentary and physical examination of the goods. This process can cause delays of 24 to 72 hours.
Customs Clearance Process
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service screens all goods that are imported into Australia. The shipping documents for all regulated or non-compliant shipments are inspected. Incomplete invoices as well as goods requiring an import permit and inspection are charged an inspection fee. Using the following words to describe a shipment will incur Quarantine inspections and fees: wood, sample, gift, present, sporting goods, used goods, food, and nutritional supplements. Quarantine inspections delay Customs clearance.
Note: All used items are Quarantine inspected.
High Weight with Low Value Imports
Australian Customs will request for Evidence of Money Price Paid (EMPP) if the total weight or number of packages relative to the value declared seems unrealistic. (for example: A shipment with 5 packages of Printed Advertising material that weighs 100 kg and costs $50.00 AUD. If the Advertising material is provided free of charge, the import paperwork must declare the fair market value or actual cost of the goods in the country or territory of export.)
Failure to comply will cause delays.
Import value limits to Australia
Deminimis Value
Private Shipments
1000.00 Australian Dollar (AUD)
With the exception of alcohol, tobacco and prohibited items, when the Free on Board (FOB) value of the shipment is less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
Commercial Shipments
1000.00 Australian Dollar (AUD)
With the exception of alcohol, tobacco and prohibited items, when the Free on Board (FOB) value of the shipment is less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
Weight and Size Limits
Maximum weight:
70 kg (150 lbs.) per package
Maximum length:
274.00 cm (107.9 in.) per package
Maximum dimensions:
419.10 cm (165.0 in.) per package
Length and girth combined
FAQ
How do I use a tariff code?
Tariff codes must come from the Australian government: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/tariff-classification
Can I ship medication?
The importation of medicines into Australia is regulated under the “Therapeutic Goods Act”. If the medicines are not registered with the “Therapeutic Administration” then they are not permitted entry into Australia. Permits to import are required for certain goods such as steroids.
Personal imports of prescription medicines can be imported if the importer is a person, the supply is for less than 3 months and they have a prescription from an Australian doctor.
What happens if items are of Taiwan origin?
Increased quarantine measures are being applied for products produced in Taiwan as a result of the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.
Import Permits and applications for products with more than 10% of dairy content; semen, embryos and other biological products of susceptible species are to be assessed and appropriate measures or suspension in line with new requirements as a result of the outbreak will be imposed. All affected business will be informed of changes affecting their Import Permits.
Further, import for the following products will be assessed on a case by case basis depending on manufacturing processing and other treatment being sufficient to manage the risk of Foot and Mouth Disease:
- Used farming equipment
- Saddlery, harnesses & tacks
- Scoured wool, animal hair and leather products
- Processed canned and dried pet food
- Biological Products from non-susceptible species
- Processed meat of dairy products (for example, chocolate and confectionary, highly processed cheese; shelf stable hermetically sealed/retorted meat and dairy products)