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Australia Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Shopping from US retailers and shipping to

Australia

?

Here's what you'll pay in import duties,taxes, and handling fees — plus how Stackry helps you keep costs predictable before you checkout.

Overview


A 10% GST applies to imports into Australia. A key factor is where and how GST is paid, and this is where the AUD $1,000 threshold comes into play: if the value is over AUD $1,000, GST is collected at the border by Australian authorities, and you may also pay around 5% customs duty plus a government processing fee. For packages valued at AUD $1,000 or less, a 10% GST still applies; however, it is collected by Stackry before the shipment is sent, rather than at the Australian border.

Your questions answered

Q1.

Do I need to pay taxes and duties to Stackry before my shipment is sent to Australia?

Yes. For shipments to Australia with a total Customs Declared Value under A$1000, you must pay GST to Stackry before the shipment is sent, regardless of the carrier you use.

A 10% GST applies to the combined value of:
- Customs Declared Value
- Actual shipping charges
- Consolidation/repackaging fees
- Insurance costs
- Storage fees (if any)

Q2.

What is the import tax free threshold in Australia?

Australia's import duty-free threshold is AUD 1,000 for most goods. Shipments under this amount are exempt from customs duty, though the 10% GST may still apply depending on your retailer or carrier.

Q3.

How to calculate customs duty in Australia?

Customs duty in Australia is typically 5% of the FOB (Free On Board) value of your goods, and it generally only when your shipment's Customs Value exceeds AUD 1,000.

Q4.

Will I have to pay GST on my shipment to Australia?

Yes, a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most goods imported into Australia. For shipments valued at AUD 1,000 or less, this is collected by the Stackry, while higher-value items are charged by Australian Border Force upon arrival.

Q5.

Is GST calculated on just the item price or the total cost?

GST is calculated on the 'Value of the Taxable Importation' (VoTI), which includes the goods value, any applicable customs duty, and international shipping and insurance costs.

Q6.

What happens if I send multiple packages that arrive together?

If multiple shipments addressed to you arrive at the same time, Customs may combine their values to determine if they exceed the AUD 1,000 threshold. If the combined total is over AUD 1,000, duty and border-collected GST will apply to the shipment.

Q7.

How much is the customs clearance fee in Australia?

For shipments to Australia, clearance fees include an Import Processing Charge of AUD $50–$152 for goods over AUD 1,000, plus carrier disbursement fees of approximately AUD 20–30. These charges are levied when your shipment arrives and are separate from the 10% GST and customs duty.

Q8.

Who collects the taxes and duties on my shipment?

For goods over AUD 1,000, Australian Border Force collects duties and GST at the border. For lower-value items, GST is collected  by Stackry before the item ships.

Q9.

How is the value of my goods determined for tax purposes?

Australia calculates customs duty based on the FOB (Free On Board) value, which excludes international shipping costs. However, GST is calculated on the landed cost, which includes the FOB value plus duty and shipping expenses.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official Australia government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for Australia.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

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