Guide to Exporting from Australia to Europe in 2026

In 2024, Australia–EU trade reached around €49.4 billion, underscoring Europe as one of Australia’s most significant export destinations. Yet many smaller exporters say shipping to Europe feels costly and complex, largely due to strict EU documentation and compliance rules.

From 2026, the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and introduce clearer customs rules, which may help lower export costs for sectors such as wine, machinery, metals, and agriculture. This guide outlines the key steps, documents, tariff changes, and freight options you need to export from Australia to Europe in 2026.

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Overview: Exporting from Australia to Europe

Exporting from Australia to Europe in 2026 involves preparing the right documents, checking tariff changes under the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement, and choosing a suitable freight method for your shipment size and timeline. 

Before sending your first shipment, make sure your business is ready and your export documents are complete.

Key steps to get started:

• Pick your markets. Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy import the largest share of Australian goods, especially in manufacturing, food, and retail.
• Focus on high-demand products. Australia’s strongest exports to Europe include gold, wine, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and aluminium, according to DFAT and Austrade.
• Choose your shipping method. Most exporters use sea freight, either Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). Air freight is best for smaller or urgent shipments.
• Plan your ports. Sydney, Melbourne, and Fremantle connect directly to major European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Marseille.
• Work with a reliable freight partner. Companies like Couriers & Freight help exporters compare carrier rates, book shipments, and manage paperwork in one place.

If you’re ready to compare export rates or book a shipment to Europe, get a sea freight quote with Couriers & Freight.

Step-by-Step Process to Export from Australia to Europe

Most exporters follow the same core process when shipping goods to Europe, whether they’re sending food products, machinery, or raw materials. Each step affects how quickly your goods clear customs and reach their destination.

Step 1: Check your eligibility and register your business

Make sure your business has an Australian Business Number (ABN) and any export licences you need from the Australian Border Force or the Department of Agriculture. Confirm that your products meet EU import rules before you send anything.

Step 2: Classify your products and check tariffs

Use Harmonised System (HS) codes to classify your goods correctly. Check tariff rates under the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement to see whether your products qualify for reduced or zero duties. Rules of Origin will determine eligibility, so verify your product’s sourcing requirements early.

Step 3: Complete and check your paperwork

You’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any required health or safety certificates. Check that product names, weights, values, and quantities match across every document. Even small mismatches can delay clearance at European ports.

Step 4: Choose how to ship your goods

Select between sea and air freight based on budget and timelines. FCL suits large shipments, LCL suits smaller volumes, and air freight suits high-value or urgent goods. Compare total landed costs and delivery times before booking.

Step 5: Book and manage your shipment online

A digital freight platform, such as Couriers & Freight makes it easier to compare prices, sailing schedules, and carrier options from companies like Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC. This reduces admin work and helps prevent mistakes.

Step 6: Track your shipment and confirm delivery

Monitor your shipment from departure to arrival. Ensure your importer is ready with any customs or VAT paperwork to avoid delays when the goods land in Europe.

Following these steps helps reduce clearance issues, avoid extra costs, and keep your exports on schedule.

Exporting Under the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement

The A-EU FTA is being developed to make it easier for Australian businesses to sell goods in Europe. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) began negotiations in 2018 and has completed multiple chapters and annexes, outlining new rules that will affect product classification, documentation, and market access.

Once finalised, the agreement is expected to reduce tariffs across key sectors such as wine, dairy, machinery, metals, and agricultural goods. It will also introduce clearer customs rules and more consistent documentation standards, reducing the risk of delays at EU ports. Exporters will need to meet the agreement’s Rules of Origin criteria to qualify for any tariff benefits, so verifying product inputs early is essential.

Below is an indicative view of how tariff categories may change once the agreement takes effect. These figures are based on DFAT negotiation updates and should be used as guidance only until the final schedules are released.

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*Based on DFAT negotiation updates and indicative categories only. See DFAT A-EU FTA News for current progress.

Exporters should monitor DFAT and Austrade updates for finalised rates and documentation rules. Understanding these changes now helps businesses plan pricing, shipment timing, and product eligibility before exporting to Europe in 2026.

Choosing the Right Shipping Option for Europe

The freight mode you choose affects costs, transit times, handling risks, and how quickly your goods clear at the destination. Exporters generally choose between FCL, LCL, or air freight depending on volume, urgency, and the sensitivity of the products being shipped.

FCL (Full Container Load)

FCL is suitable for large shipments that fill most or all of a container. Because the space is not shared, goods are handled less often, reducing the chance of delays or damage. It is generally the most cost-effective option for bulk exports. Transit from Sydney or Melbourne to major European ports such as Rotterdam or Hamburg typically takes 40 to 50 days.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

LCL suits smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Goods are consolidated with other exporters’ shipments, which lowers costs but can add time due to additional loading and unloading steps. This is a practical choice for testing new markets or sending small, regular consignments. Pack products securely, as LCL cargo is handled more frequently during transit.

Air Freight

Air freight is used for urgent or high-value goods, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables. Flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam usually take two to five days. Although air freight costs more, it offers faster transit and more predictable delivery windows for time-sensitive shipments.

When comparing options, look at the total cost, not just the freight price. Sea freight can be up to 70% cheaper per kilogram than air freight, but air transport is faster and offers more predictable delivery. The best choice depends on volume, deadlines, and the handling requirements of your products.

Common Challenges Exporters Face

Even experienced exporters run into problems when sending goods to Europe. Knowing what can go wrong helps you avoid delays, extra costs, and unhappy customers.

1. Customs delays from missing or incorrect paperwork

Missing or mismatched documents are the most common reason European customs delays shipments. A Brisbane manufacturer had machinery held in Hamburg after the HS code on the invoice didn’t match the packing list. Ensure your commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin contain identical details.

2. Tariff mistakes

Incorrect HS codes can trigger higher import taxes or prevent you from accessing tariff reductions under the A-EU FTA. Check your product classification carefully or speak with a licensed customs broker before lodging documents.

3. Unexpected extra fees

Some carriers apply additional charges such as terminal handling fees, documentation fees, or port security surcharges. These can add hundreds of dollars to a shipment. Request a full cost breakdown before booking so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

4. Poor shipment visibility

It’s difficult to plan delivery schedules when you can’t see where your goods are. Use a digital freight platform with live tracking and automatic delay alerts to keep both you and your importer informed.

5. Importer readiness issues

Shipments can be delayed if the European importer hasn’t arranged VAT registration, provided an EORI number, or prepared their customs documents. Confirm importer requirements before the goods depart Australia. By identifying these issues early and planning around them, exporters can reduce clearance delays, avoid unnecessary charges, and keep shipments to Europe on schedule.

How Couriers & Freight Helps Australian Exporters Ship to Europe

For many exporters, managing quotes, schedules, and compliance across several forwarders takes significant admin time. Couriers & Freight brings these tasks into one dashboard, allowing exporters to compare carrier rates, view sailing schedules, organise documents, and track shipments bound for Europe in real time.

Before using Couriers & Freight, exporters often had to contact several forwarders just to compare prices and schedules. Now they can see live quotes from major carriers like Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, K Line, and OOCL on one screen. The platform shows exact costs, sailing dates, and delivery times so exporters can choose the best option quickly.

A Sydney food exporter previously handled all bookings manually and regularly missed cut-off times. After switching to Couriers & Freight, the company reduced booking time by 60% and improved on-time departures using real-time tracking and automated document organisation.

If you’re planning to export from Australia to Europe, Couriers & Freight helps you compare rates, manage bookings, and keep shipments organised from quoting to delivery.

Get an instant sea freight quote for your next shipment to Europe.

Book Your Next Shipment to Europe

Get transparent rates and book sea freight to the EU through Couriers & Freight’s platform.

Get a Quote Now