Guide to Shipping from Australia to Canada: Costs, Methods, Customs

Shipping Options from Australia to Canada: Choosing the Right Method for Your Business

With strong mutual trade relations, Australian and Canadian companies rely on cost-effective shipping strategies to maximize profitability. Thanks to the CPTPP free trade pact, qualifying goods can enter Canada from Australia completely duty-free. This guide will help you uncover the cheapest and most efficient options for shipping to Canada from Australia.

What is the cost of shipping to Canada from Australia?

The total cost to ship to Canada from Australia depends heavily on the size and weight of your shipment. Additional pricing factors include the final delivery address, fuel surcharges, and your required speed of delivery.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada from Australia?

The cheapest option for individuals shipping small packages or personal items to Canada is via Australian Post surface shipping. Conversely, companies sending container-sized shipments should leverage ocean carriers for the best rates. For a balance of speed and cost, economy air freight is available through commercial carriers.  Get a low cost spot quote for shipments as small as 20 kilograms from our team.

Are there import fees to Canada for shipments from Australia?

All commercial shipments entering Canada are subject to import fees. However, low-value shipments and goods that qualify as Australian origin under CPTPP provisions can be imported duty-free. Federal and provincial taxes will still apply to all goods. Read more about Canadian import fees.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only.

Export Declarations from Australia (EDN)

All goods valued over AUD $2,000 intended for export from Australia require formal reporting to the Australian Border Force (ABF).

Shipments Requiring an Export Declaration include:

• Shipments valued over AUD $2,000
• Restricted goods or items requiring an export permit
• Shipments where duty drawback applies
• Dutiable or excisable goods where the duty or excise remains unpaid

Note: Personal effects do not require an Australian export declaration.

Customs Clearance for Canadian Parcels

Goods imported into Canada from Australia face import duties alongside federal and provincial sales taxes. Shipments under $20 CAD can clear customs duty-free. Consignments with a value under $3,300 CAD can be imported via the expedited Low Value System (LVS) express processes.

In addition to standard duties and taxes, postal services and private carriers often charge a disbursement fee, averaging around $15 CAD per clearance.

• Importer of Record: You may need an importer number. For direct-to-consumer sales, the consumer can act as the importer of record.
• Tariff Classification: Required for all imports. Verify your codes using the Australian Tariff classification guide.
• Certifications: Health Canada approvals or Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications may apply.
• Labeling: Goods sold in Canada may require both French and English packaging.

Modes of Shipping: Australia to Canada

Your ideal shipping method depends on your shipment size, budget, and required timeline:

• Air Freight: The fastest option, offering premium door-to-door solutions.
• Ocean Freight (FCL): The most economical choice for Full Container Loads and large commercial orders.
• Air Cargo: Ideal for commercial consignments up to around 200 kg.
• Commercial Couriers: FedEx, DHL, UPS, and their affiliated partners.
• Australian Post: The best choice for sending personal, low-weight shipments.

Helpful Related Resources

• Commercial invoice guide for international shipping
• Declared value, CIF, and valuation explained
• When to include a certificate of origin
• Tariff classification basics and HS codes
• Canada importer registration for CARM

Shipping Heavy Cargo: Air Cargo vs. Ocean Freight

Transit times for ocean cargo range from two to three months, whereas air freight usually arrives within a week.

• LCL Sea Freight: Less than Container Load is perfect for shipping a few pallets. It is cost-effective but requires extra time for consolidation.
• FCL Sea Freight: Full Container Loads utilize 20-foot or 40-foot containers and represent the fastest ocean method.

For smaller commercial loads (up to roughly 100 kilograms), air cargo is often cheaper than ocean freight because it avoids heavy maritime minimum surcharges. However, as cargo weight increases, ocean freight becomes significantly more cost-effective.

Benefit from CPTPP Duty-Free Import

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) reduces trade barriers between Canada and Australia. Goods that meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the agreement can bypass Canada's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates.

Read More: Benefits of CPTPP shipping

Proof of Origin for Australian Products

To claim duty-free status, you cannot simply ship from Australia; the goods must actually originate there according to the treaty's rules. Goods are considered originating if they are entirely produced in a CPTPP country or undergo significant qualifying production there.

Shipments Valued Under $3,300 CAD

For courier consignments valued under $3,300 CAD clearing via the Low Value System (LVS), a formal proof of origin certificate is not strictly required. However, the commercial invoice must include a signed statement certifying that the goods originated from a CPTPP country.

The required certification data elements include:

• Identification of the Certifier (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
• Name, address, and contact info of the Certifier, Exporter, and Importer
• Description and HS Tariff Classification of the goods
• The specific Origin Criterion applied
• Authorized signature and date