🇬🇧Shipping from United Kingdom to Australia🇦🇺
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Royal Mail
$21.63/kg
7-21 days
Fastest option
Evri (formerly Hermes)
3-5 days
$35.01/kg
Duty-free under
$700
VAT / Sales Tax: 10%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$16.22
Royal Mail
7-21 d
Clothing 2kg
$31.37
Royal Mail
Box 5kg
$54.08
Royal Mail
Heavy 10kg
$90.85
Royal Mail
from $21.63/kgfrom 3 days4 carriersde minimis $700
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
Sort:
Type:
4 results
Royal Mail✓ VerifiedCheapest4.0 ★postal
International Tracked
★ 1.5(22.1K)Delivery Time
5–7 days
Estimated Price
$21.63
Tracking: Yes
Royal Mail✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
International Standard
★ 1.5(22.1K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$21.63
Tracking: No
EMS✓ VerifiedFastest4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
Evri (formerly Hermes)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$35.01
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 15, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $700 USD
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal MailInternational Tracked | $23.36 | $21.63 | -7.4% |
| Royal MailInternational Standard | $23.36 | $21.63 | -7.4% |
| EMSEMS Express | $31.82 | $32.14 | +1% |
| Evri (formerly Hermes)Standard | $32.56 | $35.01 | +7.5% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: Australia
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-5% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 5% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 0-10% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-5% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-5% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 0-5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-5% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Australian Border Force (ABF) uses the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Goods under A$1000 are generally duty-free but GST applies. Full import declarations required above A$1000. Strict biosecurity checks by DAFF for food, plant, and animal products.
Processing time1-4 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for AU: $650. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for Australia →Australian customs is efficient but strict on biosecurity. A$1000 duty-free threshold is generous. GST of 10% applies to all imported goods regardless of value (vendor-collected for low-value goods). Biosecurity inspections can add days for food/plant items.
Required Documents
✓For export from GB: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration (CN23 for postal)
✓certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates)
✓import license (for restricted goods)
✓For import into AU: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration
✓biosecurity import permit (for food/plant/animal products)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: ACCI (Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under AUSFTA, RCEP, CPTPP, AANZFTA. Self-certification accepted under newer agreements. Import licenses: Import permits required for biosecurity-sensitive goods (food, plants, animals, biological materials). Therapeutic goods require TGA approval. Firearms, weapons, and certain chemicals need specific permits.
Trade: United Kingdom & Australia
Limited direct trade data between GB and AU. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into AU: Vehicles, petroleum, electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, clothing, furniture, telecommunications equipment. Key exports from GB: Machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, precious metals, financial services equipment, whisky. Australia charges 10% GST on ALL imported goods (no de minimis for GST since 2018). Customs duty applies on goods over AUD 1,000. Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws - all food, plant, and animal products must be declared. Australia Post handles most last-mile deliveries.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from GB to AU in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from GB: Illegal drugs
⚠offensive weapons
⚠indecent/obscene materials
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
⚠fireworks
⚠Prohibited for import into AU: Narcotics
⚠firearms
⚠certain food/plant/animal products (strict biosecurity)
⚠performance-enhancing drugs
⚠asbestos products
⚠dog/cat fur products
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
GB and AU are both members of the following trade agreements: CPTPP, UK-Australia FTA, WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 10% GST. Applies to: CIF value + duty. GST collected by vendor for B2C shipments under A$1000, otherwise at border.
Shipping from United Kingdom to Australia: Overview
We found 4 shipping options from United Kingdom to Australia. The cheapest option is Royal Mail (International Tracked) starting from $21.63 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is EMS in 3–7 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
Also ship from United Kingdom to:
Ship to Australia
Carriers
More Shipping Routes
Ship from United Kingdom
Carriers on This Route
Import rules for Australia
Duty-free threshold
$700
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
Average duty rate
5%
Note: De minimis A$1000 (~$700 USD). GST 10% applies to all online purchases via vendor collection model
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United Kingdom to Australia?
The most affordable option for shipping from United Kingdom to Australia is typically Royal Mail (International Tracked), starting from approximately $21.63 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United Kingdom to Australia take?
Delivery times from United Kingdom to Australia range from 3 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United Kingdom to Australia?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United Kingdom to Australia. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to Australia?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Australia. The duty-free threshold is $700. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (10%) and import duties (average 5%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to AU?
Items prohibited for import into AU include: Narcotics, firearms, certain food/plant/animal products (strict biosecurity), performance-enhancing drugs, asbestos products, dog/cat fur products. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from GB to AU?
To ship from GB to AU you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import declaration, biosecurity import permit (for food/plant/animal products). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between GB and AU?
Yes, GB and AU share the following trade agreements: CPTPP, UK-Australia FTA, WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to AU?
Australia charges 10% GST on ALL imported goods (no de minimis for GST since 2018). Customs duty applies on goods over AUD 1,000. Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws - all food, plant, and animal products must be declared. Australia Post handles most last-mile deliveries. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for AU?
The de minimis threshold for AU is $650. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into AU?
VAT/GST rate: 10% GST. CIF value + duty. GST collected by vendor for B2C shipments under A$1000, otherwise at border.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
Learn more about shipping
Looking for a different route?
Compare rates for 45,000+ routes between 213 countries
Find a Route