Things To Know When Shipping To Australia

Overview
Shipping from Nigeria (or any country) into Australia means you must follow rules set by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and other official agencies. This helps your package arrive safely and avoid being delayed or returned.

1. Duties, Taxes & Import Costs

• Most items entering Australia may have customs duty and Goods & Services Tax (GST). 

• In some cases, if a shipment has a value of AUD 1,000 or less, it may not incur customs duty at entry.
  

• However, a 10% Goods & Services Tax (GST) may still apply, depending on the item and how it is shipped.
  

• For goods over AUD 1,000, duty + GST may apply. The exact amount depends on what the item is, its value, and where it was made.
  

• Some items (like alcohol or tobacco) are always subject to duty/tax, even if valued under AUD 1,000.

• Duty/tax amount depends on the item’s value, what it is, and where it was made. 

2. Documents & Rules to Follow

• When you create your shipment, you must describe your items clearly (e.g., what it is, the value, country of manufacture where requested).

• All goods must meet Australia’s rules for import: correct documentation, correct classification and compliance.

• Goods that arrive without proper documentation or poor descriptions may be delayed, extra costs may apply, or they may be refused.

3. Items That Cannot Be Shipped & Others That Have Extra Rules

• Absolutely prohibited items include: illegal drugs, weapons/explosives without permits, counterfeit goods.

• Items with extra rules include: plants/seeds, food or animal products, certain cosmetics, electronics with batteries. These require special packaging or permits. 

• If you are unsure, check whether your item needs special clearance before shipping.

4. Packaging & Labelling Tips to Avoid Delays

• Use strong, clean boxes and clearly label the sender and receiver.

• Make sure items like food, plant materials or electronics are packed safely and declared properly.

• Mixed packaging (e.g., food + electronics) may result in checks at the border.

• If the packaging is poor or the description is vague (e.g., just “gift”), customs could hold or return the parcel.

5. Typical Delivery Time (Estimated)

• Air/Express shipments: around 3-5 business days (once cleared)

• Cargo (by air) or large shipments: maybe 8-15 business days or more, depending on clearance.
  

• Cargo (by sea) or large shipments: maybe 8-15 weeks or more, depending on clearance.
  

Note: These are estimates only and do not guarantee delivery time.

6. Before You Ship — A Quick Checklist

• Describe what you’re shipping clearly (for example: “Cotton children’s t-shirt, made in Nigeria”, not just “gift”).

• Declare the correct value (don’t under-value).

• Ask your Australian receiver to be ready for duties or tax if needed.

• Keep your receipt/invoice — customs may ask for proof.