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Back to news... 21 January 2020 What can I send to Australia in a Parcel?
Sending a parcel in today’s world has become a simplified process with the rise parcel of giants such as DHL, UPS and DPD making the process as stress free as possible. If you have you ever considered sending a parcel halfway across the world, you need to be aware of what you can and can't send to Australia.
What can I send to Australia?
With Australia being the perfect place for backpackers to explore during the summer months and an attractive destination for long haul immigration, it is an already popular destination for sending parcels. Just like sending a parcel to a loved one in the UK, many things are allowed and shipping to Australia can be done with ease.
See below a list of items that you CAN send to Australia:
- Collectibles
- Car Parts
- Chocolate items (branded)
- Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Monitors
- Clothing, apparel or accessories
- Electronic items
- Furniture
- Mail & Personal Pictures
- Musical Instruments
- Printed material, leaflets, brochures, Posters, Packaging, etc
- Phones
- Toys
- Tools
- Books
Many things in the above list are items that coincide with everyday living. Due to the distance that the items will be travelling there are some recommended precautions that you should consider taking before sending:
Pack your parcel in a strong cardboard box, use bubble-wrap and chippings and ensure that your items cannot move within the box.
- Take care in completing the contents section when booking as this is used to generate customs documentation that is sent electronically.
- When choosing a courier for your parcel to Australia, consider cost, delivery time and reviews to help make your decision.
- Some items have a restricted amount that can be sent. Make sure you research as not to be stopped at customs.
- The recipient may have to pay customs duty/taxes dependent on the type and value of the items shipped.
What can I not send to Australia?
With Australia being an island, they make a massive effort to control what enters its borders. This helps raise living standards for the habitants and also protects their natural environment from diseases and pests that might come from other places around the world.
Within this control, Australia have restricted and banned the entry of certain goods. Some wrong items can even result in criminal prosecution and accrue additional charges.
See below a list of items that you CANNOT send to Australia:
- Aerosols of any kind
- Animals
- Batteries
- Counterfeit goods
- Drones
- E-cigarettes
- Firearms and ammunition
- Meat products and Milk
- Ivory or other banned products
- Perfumes and aftershaves
- Pornography
- Tobacco
This is not an extensive list, but gives you a good insight into the prohibited items. Although some more obvious than others it is recommended to check the Australian Border Agencies full restricted list to be on the safe side.
When sending something to Australia there are some additional things to consider:
Air cargo that has originated from, or transited through, Egypt or Bangladesh will be prohibited for import into Australia.
When sending common holiday gifts such as hampers they may not contain: Alcohol, Fresh Fruit, Popcorn Kernels, Plant-based decorations, Nuts and wooden ornaments.
So what can I send and what should I avoid…
So as we have discovered sending a parcel to Australia can be almost as easy as sending a parcel to a loved one in the UK. From clothes to furniture, as long as you choose a suitable courier and fill out the custom details correctly, there shouldn’t be any issues. Please be aware that although some items may be allowed, they may also come with certain restrictions that must be adhered to.
If you're interested in deliveries to Australasia, be sure to also take a look at sending a cheap parcel to New Zealand.
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