Cheapest Shipping to Australia From the UK: Ultimate Guide

Australia’s booming eCommerce market is expected to reach over £29 Billion in 2024 and explode to over £45 Billion by 2029! While this is a huge opportunity for successful online stores looking for global growth, profitable international shipping can be complex.

Efficiently managing shipping logistics from the UK to Australia can be crucial for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses. Especially if you are aiming to reduce costs while maintaining customer satisfaction.

This quick guide focuses on identifying cost-effective strategies for international shipping, ensuring that business owners can meet growing customer expectations demanding lower prices and faster deliveries.

Explore the essentials of shipping to Australia, from selecting the best shipping options to understanding the hidden costs that can impact your bottom line.

Cheapest Way to Send Parcels from the UK to Australia

Shipping to Australia from the UK? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheap shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from London to Sydney.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

• Weight of package: 1KG
• Box Dimensions: 20cm x 20cm x 10cm
• Contents for customs forms: Accessory (no-battery)
• Origin: London, UK
• Destination Country: Sydney, AU

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each UK to Australia service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers.

While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Best Courier Services

Shipping rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including the weight and size of the package, the shipping destination, and the shipping service that you choose. To get an accurate shipping rate, please use the Easyship Shipping Calculator.

Customs Clearance: UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Shipping from the UK to Australia has become easier and cheaper thanks to the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement was signed on 17 December 2021 and started on 31 May 2023. It helps UK businesses by reducing costs and making customs processes simpler.

Benefits of the A-UKFTA:

• No Import Tariffs: The FTA gets rid of all import tariffs on consumer goods from the UK to Australia provided they comply with the rules of origin outlined in the FTA.
• Simplified Customs: The FTA makes customs processes easier, cutting down delays and paperwork.
• Support for UK Businesses: Most UK businesses, even those who manufacture from imported materials and fabrics, will be able to qualify for zero tariffs for their exports to Australia

This agreement is great news for UK eCommerce stores that want to sell in Australia. It lowers costs and speeds up delivery, making it easier to compete in Australia’s growing market.

Shipping to Australia Delivery Times

When shipping parcels to Australia, delivery times can vary depending on several factors such as the courier service chosen, customs processing, and the specific destination within Australia. Understanding these factors can help ensure that your parcel arrives on time and without unexpected delays.

Royal Mail and Courier Services

Royal Mail, its subsidiary Parcel Force and various courier services like UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer a range of shipping options to Australia. Each service provides different transit times, depending on the level of service you select. For instance, economy services may take longer, while express services offer quicker delivery times but at a higher cost.

Customs Declaration and Australian Customs

When sending parcels to Australia, you must complete a customs declaration form. This form requires detailed information about the contents of your parcel, including item descriptions and values. Failure to provide accurate information can lead to delays or even fines from Australian Customs. The Australian Border Force carefully inspects shipments to ensure they comply with regulations surrounding imports, especially regarding restricted items.

Understanding Customs Charges and Transit Times

Customs charges may apply to your shipment depending on the value of the goods being sent. These charges can affect the total cost and delivery time. The time your parcel spends in customs can also vary, particularly during busy periods like bank holidays. It’s essential to account for these factors when estimating your parcel’s delivery time.

Ensuring Accurate Delivery Information

To avoid delays, ensure that the delivery information is complete and accurate. This includes the recipient's full address, such as the building number, street name, floor number, and suite number. Incorrect or incomplete addresses can result in the parcel being returned or delayed.

Affordable Shipping Options and Popular Destinations

For those looking for cheap postage, many couriers offer affordable options for shipping to popular destinations within Australia. However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may come with longer transit times. Balancing cost with delivery speed is key to meeting your shipping needs.

By paying close attention to these details and following customs advice, you can ensure that your parcel is delivered on time and in compliance with Australian regulations. Whether you are shipping documents or goods, understanding the full process from booking to delivery will help streamline your international shipments.

Summary

Shipping to Australia from the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right courier and using tools like Easyship, you can find the most affordable options that fit your needs. The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement also offers big benefits, making shipping cheaper and easier.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option, the best value, or the fastest service, this guide has given you the information you need to make a smart choice. As Australia’s online market grows, having an affordable and efficient shipping solution will be key to your success.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to send a parcel from UK to Australia?

The cheapest way to send a parcel from the UK to Australia is by using FedEx Cross Border - Intl. Connect Tracked, which costs £23.06 for a small package. This service offers a delivery time of 2 to 5 working days with basic tracking. It’s an excellent option if you want to save money and don’t require advanced tracking features.

How much to send a 20kg parcel to Australia?

The cost to send a 20kg parcel to Australia varies depending on the courier service you choose. We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers: