Less-than-Container-Load | Affordable International Shipping | 7-Step Guide

Shipping Goods from the USA to Australia

Australia Import Regulations: A Complete Guide for U.S. Shippers

If you're preparing for international shipping to Australia—whether you're a business or an individual—understanding import procedures is crucial to avoiding fines, cargo delays, or even the destruction of your goods. Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws, so it’s essential to get it right the first time.

This guide is written for those shipping from the United States. It covers what to expect when working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Whether you're sending household goods, commercial freight, or time-sensitive cargo, this guide can help you minimize your international shipping costs and avoid compliance issues.

Key Facts About Importing to Australia

All goods entering Australia must be declared, and many are subject to quarantine inspection.
Imports valued over AUD \$1,000 require a formal customs declaration through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
Duties and taxes are charged on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).
U.S.-origin goods may qualify for reduced duties under the AUSFTA (Australia–U.S. Free Trade Agreement).
Australia enforces strict rules on wood packaging and seasonal pest control.

An experienced international shipping company can guide you through the process and help you access affordable shipping services without delays.

Step-by-Step: Importing into Australia

1. Register for an ABN or Client ID

Businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to import.
Individuals can apply for a Client ID number from the Australian Border Force.
Apply via abf.gov.au/help-and-support/contact-us/client-id

2. Declare Goods Using the Integrated Cargo System (ICS)

All shipments must be declared through ICS:

Full Import Declaration (FID) – required for goods over AUD \$1,000
Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) – used for personal imports or goods under AUD \$1,000

Your customs broker or international shipping company typically handles these declarations.

3. Pay Import Duties and Taxes

Customs duty: Generally 5% (varies by product classification)
GST (Goods and Services Tax): 10% on most goods

These are calculated based on the CIF value, which includes international shipping and insurance.

Many U.S.-origin goods may qualify for duty-free import under the Australia–U.S. Free Trade Agreement, but only if you provide a valid Certificate of Origin.

4. Biosecurity & Quarantine Inspection (DAFF)

Australia is vigilant about preventing pests and diseases. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) may inspect your shipment, especially if it contains:

Wood or timber items
Food or plant-based products
Soil, seeds, straw, or animal-origin materials
Secondhand or personal effects

Your international shipping company should pre-alert you if your cargo is likely to be targeted.

ISPM 15 Wood Packaging Restrictions

All wood packaging materials, including pallets, crates, dunnage, and wooden boxes, must comply with ISPM 15 standards.

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) requires wood packaging to be:

Heat-treated or fumigated
Marked with the IPPC stamp showing country code, treatment method, and certifying agency

Non-compliant wooden packaging will either be treated, re-exported, or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Ask your international shipping company to confirm that all packing materials meet the requirements of ISPM 15 before departure.

BMSB Seasonal Fumigation Requirement

Between September 1 and April 30 (Australia’s stink bug season), certain goods shipped from the USA are subject to mandatory fumigation or heat treatment for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).

BMSB treatment applies to:

High-risk goods such as vehicles, machinery, engines, parts, and furniture
Containerized or break-bulk cargo from designated countries (including the USA)

Approved fumigation methods:

Methyl bromide (fumigation)
Heat treatment
Sulfuryl fluoride (limited use)

Failure to comply may result in:

Cargo is being held at a port
Re-export at your cost
Destruction by Australian authorities

Many international shipping companies partner with approved BMSB treatment facilities and can issue certified treatment documentation before arrival in Australia.

Personal Effects and Household Goods

If you’re not a business but instead shipping from the U.S. for personal use or relocation:

You may be eligible for duty and GST exemptions if:

Items are used personal effects (owned for 12+ months)
You're relocating or returning to Australia
You submit a complete Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) declaration

Documents you’ll need:

Inventory or packing list
Copy of passport and visa/residency documents
Evidence of ownership and length of use

All personal effects are still subject to quarantine inspection, particularly if they include:

Wood (e.g., furniture, frames)
Outdoor gear (e.g., bicycles, camping equipment)
Items with visible dirt or soil

Australian Product Labeling & Compliance

Some products require specific compliance approvals and labeling:

Electrical items must comply with RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) standards
Food and beverages must meet Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Medical devices and cosmetics require approval by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
All products must feature labels in English, including safety and usage instructions

Before sending regulated products, consult with your broker or international shipping company for guidance on compliance and required permits.

Who Can Help You?

To simplify the import process, consider working with a Licensed Australian Customs Broker. They can:

File declarations through ICS
Ensure BMSB and ISPM 15 compliance
Arrange quarantine inspection appointments
Help you claim AUSFTA benefits and exemptions

Or choose an international shipping company that offers comprehensive logistics solutions — the easiest route to ensure smooth and affordable shipping from the U.S.

Final Import Checklist for Australia

Requirement	Applies to	Action
ABN or Client ID	Businesses or individuals	Apply through the Australian Border Force before importing
ICS declaration	All shipments	Lodged by a customs broker or an international shipping company
Import duties	Most commercial goods	Usually 5% unless exempt under AUSFTA
GST (10%)	Goods over AUD $1,000	Calculated on CIF + duty value
ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging	Pallets, crates, wood dunnage	Must be stamped and treated; non-compliance may lead to destruction
BMSB fumigation (seasonal)	Vehicles, machinery, furniture	Required Sept–April; treatment certificate must be provided
Biosecurity clearance (DAFF)	Wood, food, and used items	May require inspection or an import permit
Certificate of Origin (AUSFTA)	U.S.-origin goods	Required to access reduced or duty-free status
English labeling & compliance	Consumer products	Must meet Australian standards; labeling in English
Unaccompanied Personal Effects	Individuals relocating or sending used goods	Submit UPE declaration, packing list, ID, and visa documents

Conclusion: Ship Confidently to Australia

From wood packing and pest fumigation to tax exemptions and labeling standards, Australia enforces a wide range of import regulations. Planning ahead and working with a knowledgeable international shipping company can help you stay compliant while reducing your international shipping costs.

Whether you’re a business or a household shipping from the USA, partnering with professionals ensures smoother clearance, fewer surprises, and more affordable shipping overall.