Exporting From Australia Explained

Australia’s export market is a powerhouse, driving billions into the economy each year through industries like agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Whether you’re shipping premium wine to Europe or machinery to Asia, the world is eager for what Australia has to offer. But here’s the catch: getting your goods out of the country isn’t as simple as loading them onto a ship. The Australian Border Force (ABF) has strict rules in place, and navigating them can feel like a maze. That’s where freight forwarders come in—your expert guides to making exporting seamless, compliant, and stress-free.

Understanding ABF Export Basics

Duties & GST

Firstly, ABF does not impose customs duties on export, nor is the exportation of services subject to customs control. Provided that the goods (and services) in question meet certain conditions or specific rules, exporting from Australia does not incur Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Goods

GST-free if exported from Australia within 60 days of the supplier either receiving any payment (in full) or issuing an invoice for said goods. Suppliers can request an extension of this 60-day period online.

• NOTE: If the goods are paid for by instalments, the payment or invoice referred to is for the final instalment.

Services

GST-free if the recipient and use of said service is outside of Australia.

Export Declaration

The ABF keeps a close eye on everything leaving Australia’s shores. Every item you export falls under customs control, meaning it must be reported before it departs. For most businesses, this involves submitting an Export Declaration—a detailed rundown of what you’re shipping, its value, and where it’s headed etc.

All mandatory fields on the Export Declaration must be completed before the export of goods. Miss a step, and you could face delays, fines, or even a shipment stuck at the dock. The ABF, which can only provide general advice, recommends engaging the services of a customs broker or agent to manage export entries and related clearance formalities. That’s why understanding these basics is the first hurdle to clear—and why having a freight forwarder in your corner makes all the difference.

When Do You Need an Export Declaration?

Picture this: You’re exporting a container of high-quality beef to Vietnam, valued at AUD 50,000. Or maybe it’s a shipment of industrial parts worth AUD 10,000 headed to the Philippines. In both cases, you’ll need an Export Declaration because the value exceeds AUD 2,000. The same applies if your goods require permits—like hazardous chemicals and/or other dangerous goods, agricultural products, or anything on the ABF’s radar for biosecurity or safety reasons. You will also need to lodge an Export Declaration should your goods be dutiable/excisable where the duty/excise duty is unpaid, or duty drawback is being claimed.

Further Reading: Mastering Australian Export Declaration: Your Freight Forwarder’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Delays

Exemptions

Goods exempt from requiring an Export Declaration include personal effects, pets, items valued under AUD2000, certain temporarily imported goods under section 162A of the Customs Act 1901, Australia Post or diplomatic mail bags, Australian aircraft and ships’ spares, military goods owned by the Australian Government for overseas use by the Australian Defence Forces, Australian domestic cargo, and containers and ships’ stores for international cargo transport.

The declaration isn’t just paperwork; it’s your ticket to compliance. It tells the ABF what’s leaving, ensures duties are settled, and keeps trade flowing smoothly. For small shipments under AUD 2,000—like a box of artisanal goods—you might dodge the declaration, but you’ll still need to report it correctly. Either way, the rules are firm, and the stakes are high.

How Freight Forwarders Streamline the Process

Managing Export Requirements

Customs brokerage work does not end at export. In fact, the rules and regulations regarding importing can be just as, if not more daunting. For businesses new to international shipping, navigating customs regulations amidst language, time zone, and cultural differences can be akin to traversing a minefield. Fortunately, freight forwarders are well-versed in the customs requirements of different countries and can ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order.

Need an Export Declaration filed? We’ve got it covered, down to the last detail. Unsure if your shipment needs a permit? We’ll check the regulations, liaise with authorities, and secure what’s needed. Our team knows the ins and outs of customs clearance, ensuring your goods clear the docks on time, every time.

Global Logistics

Global logistics in today’s interconnected world can often involve multiple stakeholders. From air freight and/or sea freight carriers to warehousing suppliers, from trucking operators to cargo insurance providers. Co-ordinating all these pieces requires striking a delicate balance between time and accuracy, for a disruption upstream can result in catastrophic consequences as the delays cascade downstream.

This is where we shine. Arc Freights is the comprehensive, one-stop logistics solutions for businesses and individuals alike. As part of our door-to-door services, they handle route planning, customs clearance, and even last-mile delivery, eliminating the need for businesses to coordinate with multiple service providers. This consolidation of services simplifies operations and ensures a more seamless, efficient shipping process.

Partner with Experts

Exporting from Australia opens doors to global markets, but those doors come with locks—ABF locks. Trying to pick them yourself can slow you down or cost you more than you bargained for. Why risk it? With a freight forwarder by your side, you get expertise, peace of mind, and a smoother path to success.

Ready to take your exports to the next level? Contact us today. Let’s simplify your journey and get your goods where they need to go—compliantly, efficiently, and on schedule.

Arc Freights is Australia’s leading Freight Forwarder offering QUALITY & RELIABLE logistics services in more than 140 countries. Having plied our expertise in ASEAN for nearly two decades, we are the trusted partner for logistics between Australia and Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With expert knowledge, advanced technology, and a commitment to reliability, we provide seamless logistics management that helps you focus on what matters most—growing your business.