Ship from Australia to the UK

Shipping from Australia to the UK can feel confusing, especially with different couriers, prices, and customs rules to navigate. One person struggled to send a 5kg package, unsure whether to use Australia Post's International Standard service or a private courier like DHL or FedEx. Another tried to send a 200g box without spending more than $30, but could not understand why some prepaid options were so expensive. Small business owners often worry about VAT rules, customs declarations, and who actually pays tax on arrival.

This guide breaks down everything you need to ship from Australia to the UK, from choosing the right courier and estimating real-world prices to completing customs forms and avoiding delays. It focuses on the practical steps that help your parcel arrive safely and on time.

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How to Ship from Australia to the UK

Successful shipping to the UK comes down to choosing the right courier, understanding costs, checking delivery timeframes, and following UK customs requirements. Most small parcels travel by air and arrive in 5–10 business days with express services like DHL and FedEx, while Australia Post usually takes 10–15 days. Prices vary by weight and size, but most 1–5kg parcels cost between $60 and $140.

Shipments valued over A$270 (£135) may attract VAT and duties, so it’s important to complete CN22/CN23 forms accurately and include a clear invoice. Most services include tracking, and the right courier largely depends on your delivery deadline and budget.

Couriers & Freight helps you compare DHL, FedEx, and Australia Post rates in one place so you can book the option that meets your timeline and budget.

Shipping from Australia to the UK: Step-by-Step

Shipping to the UK follows a predictable sequence once your parcel is booked. Here’s how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Book the Shipment

Arrange your shipment through your chosen courier’s website or customer service team. Confirm the service type, delivery timeframe, and tracking options before finalising the booking.

Step 2: Complete Documentation

Prepare the customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) and include an invoice with a clear item description and value. Make sure all details match the parcel’s contents to avoid delays during clearance.

Step 3: Pickup or Drop-Off

Schedule a pickup from your home or business, or take the parcel to a local drop-off point. Pickup availability depends on your courier and where you’re sending from.

Step 4: In Transit

Your parcel travels through the courier’s international network. Air freight is faster and more suitable for parcels, while sea freight may be used for larger commercial shipments. Couriers & Freight allows you to compare these options so you can choose based on cost, parcel size, and delivery time.

Step 5: UK Customs Clearance

Border Force reviews your forms and checks the declared value. Duties or VAT may apply depending on the item type and value. Providing accurate documentation helps prevent customs delays. 

Step 6: Final Delivery

Once cleared, the parcel re-enters the courier’s UK network for final delivery to the recipient. Major carriers such as DHL and FedEx manage this full end-to-end process, including tracking updates.

Using a platform like Couriers & Freight helps you compare carriers, book the most suitable service, and monitor each stage of the shipment in one place.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from Australia to the UK?

Shipping costs depend on the courier, service type, parcel weight, dimensions, and add-ons such as insurance. Couriers also apply dimensional weight, which means large but light parcels can cost more than expected. Rates change based on fuel surcharges and seasonal demand, so it helps to compare real-time prices before booking.

Here is a comparison of current estimates for common services:

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Express services from DHL and FedEx deliver faster but cost more. Economy options take longer but can be more affordable for non-urgent parcels. Consider your parcel’s weight, size, contents, and delivery deadline when choosing the most suitable service.

Customs, Duties, and Import Taxes for UK Shipments

When shipping from Australia to the UK, parcels valued over £135 ($270) may attract import VAT and, in some cases, customs duty. The rate depends on the type of goods and their commodity code.

Duty thresholds for personal goods and gifts:

Up to £135 ($270): VAT may apply; no customs duty.

£135–£630: Duty usually around 2.5% depending on the item.

Over £630: Duty varies by commodity code. Some items attract higher rates.

To check the correct duty for your goods, use the UK Government’s HS and tariff lookup tool.

Required Documentation:

1. A commercial invoice with a clear description and value
2. A CN22 or CN23 customs declaration
3. Proof of value (such as a receipt or purchase order)

Most couriers, including DHL, FedEx and Australia Post, handle the customs process, but you must declare your goods accurately. Missing or incorrect information can trigger customs delays, unexpected charges, or even fines.

What You Can and Can’t Send to the UK

Some items are restricted when shipping from Australia to the UK and require special permissions. Couriers may also apply their own restrictions, particularly for lithium batteries, aerosols and dangerous goods.

Restricted items (allowed with conditions):

• Alcohol and tobacco (subject to UK regulations and duty rules)
• Medicines (must meet UK safety and documentation requirements)
• Perfumes and cosmetics (some contain flammable components)
• Batteries and certain electronics (lithium batteries often require special packaging)

These items may require additional declarations, packaging standards or courier approval before shipping.

Prohibited items (not allowed under any circumstances):

• Flammable materials, aerosols and hazardous chemicals
• Perishable foods requiring refrigeration
• Weapons, firearms and ammunition
• Counterfeit items and any illegal substances

If in doubt, check the UK Government’s latest list of restricted and prohibited imports and verify the courier’s dangerous goods guidelines before sending your parcel.

How Couriers & Freight Helps You Ship from Australia to the UK

Couriers & Freight brings all major carriers together in one dashboard, making it easier to compare options and book the service that fits your parcel and delivery timeframe.

With the platform, you can:

• Compare real-time rates from DHL, FedEx and Australia Post
• Book shipments and complete customs documentation in one place
• Track every parcel from pickup to final delivery
• Access support for commercial invoices, declarations and shipping requirements

For example, a small business in Sydney sending a 5kg parcel of clothing samples to a store in London can compare DHL Express Worldwide (typically 4–6 business days) with FedEx International Economy (around 6–10 business days). They can see which service meets their delivery window, complete the customs forms online, and track the shipment from Sydney through UK customs and final delivery.

Get a quote now to compare rates and book your UK shipment.

Fast, Reliable Shipping to the UK

Compare courier rates, choose the fastest option, and track every shipment from Australia to the UK.

Get a Quote Now