Shipping to Australia: complete guide


Are you looking to send parcels from the Netherlands to Australia? Understanding the logistics, options, and regulations is crucial for a smooth shipping experience. Below, we provide comprehensive information on various shipping methods, estimated transit times, costs, customs regulations, and more.


Chantal van Thiel

Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.

Air transport to Australia

  • Route: Goods are typically flown from major Dutch airports like Amsterdam Schiphol to Australian hubs such as Sydney or Melbourne airports. Final delivery is handled via local transportation.

  • Transit Time: Approximately 3-6 days.

  • Cost: Expedited air shipping is quicker but generally more expensive, ideal for urgent or smaller shipments.

Advantages of air transport to Australia

  • Speed: Fastest option for time-sensitive deliveries.

  • Reliability: Consistent schedules and fewer delays.

For more detailed information on air transport services, you can visit the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport official website.

Sea and road transport to Australia

Route: Goods are shipped from major Dutch ports such as Rotterdam to Australian ports like Sydney or Melbourne, then delivered inland via road transport.

Transit Time: Approximately 20-30 days (depending on origin and specific destination within Australia). This method offers a cost-effective solution for larger shipments with longer transit times.

Cost: Generally lower compared to air transport, making it suitable for bulk shipments.

Advantages of sea transport to Australia

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Best for large, heavy items.

  • Volume: Ability to ship larger quantities at once.

For more information on sea transport options, check out the Port of Rotterdam's official site.

Cost estimation 

Use our shipping cost calculator to instantly determine rates for shipments to Australia. Compare rates from carriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx to select the most cost-effective or fastest delivery option. Arrange for same-day pickup at any location in the Netherlands, with our support team monitoring your shipment for prompt delivery.

Factors affecting shipping costs

  • Weight and Dimensions: Larger and heavier packages cost more.

  • Shipping Method: Air transport is generally more expensive than sea or rail.

  • Insurance: Additional coverage can increase costs but offers peace of mind. More information about insurance can be found here.

Customs regulations for Australia

Documentation for shipments to Australia

Ensure all necessary documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping labels, are correctly filled out. Incorrect documentation can lead to delays. Australia is outside the European Union, so a customs invoice is required. This document details all goods being shipped, including their English description, value, and weight. The contents must be specified by product type to prevent delays at customs.

We provide free assistance in preparing a customs invoice for all your shipments to Australia. Easily create a customs invoice through our shipping platform, automatically generated based on the content specified during your booking.

Duties and taxes

Shipments to Australia are subject to customs duties and taxes. It's important to check the latest customs regulations on the Australian Border Force website.

Prohibited and restricted items

Australia prohibits the import of certain items like pets, agricultural products, dairy, plants, soil, diamonds, pesticides, tobacco, toys, weapons, drugs, and explosives. Check the Australian customs regulations for a comprehensive list.

Biosecurity and import permits

As an island nation, Australia imposes stringent biosecurity measures to protect its ecosystem from diseases and pests. 

  • Common items requiring import permits are: Dried herbs, bamboo, and various food-related products.Certain goods require an import permit to enter the country. Verify if your shipment needs such a permit by checking the BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) website.

Logging and timber regulations

Australia has strict laws to prevent the importation of illegal timber and related products. If you are shipping wood, pulp, or paper products, you must ensure that the timber in your product is legally sourced. Detailed guidelines can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources' website.

Regulated products in Australia

Several products face strict regulations when being shipped to Australia, including:

  • Medicines and Medical Devices: Compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines is mandatory. Refer to the TGA website for specific requirements.

  • Asbestos-Containing Items: Australia bans all six types of asbestos. Suppliers must declare on the commercial invoice that their products are asbestos-free. Items like screws, crayons, and tiles containing asbestos are prohibited. 

Clearance process

If you choose for FedEx to send your shipment to Australia, you'll need to arrange for a customs broker/agent to clear your goods. Learn about import duties and the clearance process by contacting our customer service. We can answer all your questions and offer help through the entire process.

Ready to ship to Australia?

ParcelParcel simplifies international shipping to Australia with reliable services to your needs. For personalized assistance or to take the first step of shipment, contact our team directly at +31 85 877 16 56 (Netherlands) or +32 38 087 099 (Belgium). Use the code PP10 to get a 10% discount on your first shipping!

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