Shipping from China to Australia
Cargo transportation from China to Australia occupies an important position in trade in the Asia-Pacific region. As a highly developed economy in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s import demand for Chinese products continues to grow steadily. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Australia exceeded US$230 billion, mainly importing machinery and equipment, electronic products, clothing, household goods and building materials made in China. In order to ensure that the goods arrive safely and efficiently in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, choosing professional logistics services is particularly important.
Provide one-stop transportation solutions from China to Australia to help customers efficiently cope with various challenges in cross-border logistics. Including sea and air transportation, flexible customization of transportation solutions according to the characteristics of the customer’s goods, time requirements and budget. Provide professional customs clearance assistance to ensure that the goods pass through Australian customs smoothly, comply with relevant quarantine and safety standards, and help your business steadily expand in the Australian market.
What can we do when shipping from China to Australia?
Sea freight FCL from China to Australia
- Shipping from China to Sydney, Melbourne, Australia
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Australia
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to Australia
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Australia
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 3 to 7 days to air freight from China to Australia
Express delivery service from China to Australia
- Express delivery from China to any city in Australia
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to Australia
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to Australia
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the Australia
- Including Australia customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Australia
- Provide one-stop service from China to Australia warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to Australia
Shipping goods from China to Australia involves a variety of methods and processes, from choosing a mode of transport to handling customs clearance formalities. In order to achieve safe and efficient international transportation, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of sea and air transport and how to clear customs smoothly. Choosing the right mode of transport can not only save costs, but also optimize timeliness and ensure that the goods arrive safely at their destination in Australia.
First, you need to determine the mode of transport based on the type, volume and time requirements of the goods. For large or cost-sensitive goods, sea transport is a more economical and practical option; while for goods with high timeliness requirements or small quantities, air transport is more efficient and fast. Common shipping destinations include major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
In the preparation stage, be sure to ensure that all customs clearance documents are complete, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and compliance certificates that meet Australian inspection and quarantine requirements. Australia has strict import regulations, especially in terms of biosafety and product certification. Knowing the relevant policies in advance can help avoid customs clearance delays or additional costs.
Choosing a logistics company that is familiar with the China-Australia trade route and has rich experience will provide security for your transportation plan. Assist in arranging transportation plans and provide professional support in customs clearance, warehousing, delivery and other links. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain good communication with all parties in the supply chain and regularly confirm the progress of the goods to facilitate timely adjustment of the plan.
Ubest Shipping provides you with full-process transportation services from China to Australia. Whether it is full container, LCL, air freight or door-to-door delivery, we can customize solutions according to your specific needs to ensure that your goods are delivered safely, efficiently and on time to major cities in Australia, helping your international business to develop steadily.
Ways to Ship from China to the Australia
Choosing the right shipping method from China to Australia requires a comprehensive consideration of your cargo size, weight, delivery time, and budget. Depending on your needs, you can choose air, sea, express, or door-to-door (DDP) services. Each method has its own advantages, and the key is to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Air freight: Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation and is suitable for high-value or urgently needed items, such as electronic products, medical equipment, or urgent samples. Although the transportation cost is relatively high, its short transportation time (usually 3-7 days to reach major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne) and strong stability make it suitable for goods that require fast customs clearance and delivery.
- Sea freight: For goods that are large in size, heavy in weight and not time-sensitive, sea transportation is the most economical and practical choice. Whether it is full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), it can flexibly respond to different cargo volume requirements. Ocean freight generally takes about 15 to 30 days, which is suitable for bulk commodities, construction materials, household products, etc. Although it may be affected by external factors such as weather or port congestion, ocean freight is still the preferred method for cross-border bulk transportation.
- Express delivery: Suitable for small quantities, high value, and fast delivery of goods. It combines the speed of air transport with efficient delivery services, and can usually be delivered to any address in Australia within 3-5 days. Although the price is higher than ordinary air transport, it supports package tracking and convenient customs clearance, and is suitable for urgent delivery of samples, documents, small items, etc.
- Door-to-door (DDP) service: If you want to save all the complicated processes, DDP service is the most convenient solution. The logistics company will handle the entire process from the Chinese factory/warehouse to the Australian consignee, including pickup, transportation, customs declaration, customs clearance, tax payment and delivery. It is especially suitable for customers who are not familiar with the import and export process or companies that need one-time packaging services. Although the overall cost is slightly higher, it saves a lot of time and energy.
No matter which mode of transportation has its advantages, whether it is pursuing speed, cost saving or seeking maximum convenience, choosing the right logistics method will significantly affect your transportation experience and overall business efficiency.
Sea Freight from China to Australia
Ocean freight is the main mode of transporting bulk cargo from China to Australia, especially for customers who are cost-sensitive and have relatively flexible delivery time. The destination ports are mainly concentrated in Australia’s core ports, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Ocean freight transportation time is usually 15 to 30 days, depending on the route, port distance and transit.
When choosing ocean freight services, customers can choose different service types according to the quantity of goods and transportation needs, including full container shipping (FCL), less than container shipping (LCL), special containers, roll-on/roll-off ships (RoRo ships) and bulk cargo transportation services.
In addition, in order to reduce the risk of cargo damage, loss or delay during transportation, customers are advised to insure their goods. Ocean freight insurance is not expensive, but it can provide strong protection in the event of an emergency.
Ubest Shipping provides customers with flexible and reliable ocean freight solutions to help you choose the most suitable transportation method, route and sailing date. We have established stable cooperative relationships with many global shipping companies and can provide you with competitive freight rates and high-quality space services. At the same time, we also provide a full cargo tracking system, so that you can keep track of the cargo at any time and ensure that the cargo is delivered to Australia safely and on time.
Ocean Freight from China to Australia: FCL vs LCL
Container transport is the most commonly used mode of transport in sea transportation.How to choose FCL or LCL for ocean freight from China to Australia?
LCL Shipping from China to Australia
Less than Container Load (LCL) is a shipping method that combines the goods of multiple shippers into the same container. Each shipper only pays for the space they actually occupy. This method is very suitable for international shipping needs with small volumes and limited budgets.
LCL is the best option for cargo volume less than 15 cubic meters (CBM). It has high flexibility and can arrange shipments without waiting for the goods to fill the full container, which is very suitable for frequent small-volume purchases. Better control costs while avoiding inventory backlogs.
The cost of LCL shipping is usually calculated by cargo volume (CBM), including packing fees, destination devanning fees and proportional ocean freight. Although the cost per cubic meter may be higher than FCL shipping, LCL shipping is a cost-effective and resource-saving solution for customers with smaller volumes.
FCL Shipping from China to Australia
Full container load shipping means that the entire container is used by a single shipper. This method is more suitable for bulk goods with larger volume or weight, usually used for bulk trade.
When the volume of the goods exceeds 15 cubic meters, or you want to keep the goods independent and safer during transportation, FCL transportation is an ideal choice. FCL transportation is closed from loading to delivery, ensuring that the goods are not mixed with others. The transportation process is more controllable and safer, which can greatly reduce the risk of damage and loss.
Although the total cost of FCL may be higher than LCL, when the goods reach a certain volume, the unit cost is lower. In addition, with fewer handling times, FCL transportation can also significantly reduce potential costs such as damage to goods and mixed loading errors, and improve overall logistics efficiency.
Major Shipping Ports in the Australia
Port Botany
Located in New South Wales, Port Botany is one of the major ports in eastern Australia. It is one of Australia’s busiest container ports, with an annual throughput of more than 2.5 million TEUs and highly automated terminal facilities.
Port of Melbourne
Located in Victoria, Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container port and freight hub, with an annual throughput of more than 3.1 million TEUs. The port faces the Bass Strait directly, with a superior geographical location and a strong inland logistics network.
Port of Brisbane
Located in southeast Queensland, close to the subtropical coast, Port of Brisbane is Australia’s third largest container port, with an annual throughput of more than 1.4 million TEUs. The port focuses on the import and export of containers, agricultural products and heavy equipment.
Port of Fremantle
Located in Western Australia, it is the main port of Perth, with an annual throughput of approximately 750,000 TEUs. It is the main channel for China to export goods to the Western Australian region, especially for the transportation of mining equipment, construction materials and consumer goods.
Port of Adelaide
Located in South Australia, it is the main logistics gateway in South Australia, with an annual throughput of about 400,000 TEUs. It is suitable for transporting medium-volume commodities, food, industrial products, etc. from China.
Air Freight from China to Australia
Air freight is an ideal option for quickly transporting goods from China to Australia, especially for high-value, fragile or time-sensitive goods. Goods are usually cleared at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Brisbane International Airport. Air freight usually takes 3 to 7 days to transport, which is faster and more efficient than sea freight.
Although air freight is relatively expensive, it is still the safest, most reliable and efficient option for goods that are urgently needed or have high value, such as electronic components, medical equipment, fashion items or samples. In order to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods, customers need to prepare relevant customs clearance documents in advance, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and possible quarantine information to avoid customs clearance delays.
In addition, it is recommended to purchase insurance for air freight goods to prevent loss or damage during transportation. Although air freight time is short, air transportation involves multiple transshipment links, and reasonable risk management measures can ensure that your goods are maximized.
Ubest Shipping provides customers with air freight solutions covering the entire journey. We have established long-term partnerships with many international airlines, and are able to provide customers with flexible flight resources, emergency booking services, and door-to-door delivery options, ensuring that your goods arrive in Australia as quickly, safely, and without worries.
Major International Airports in Australia
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport
It is Australia’s busiest air cargo hub, handling more than 400,000 metric tons of cargo each year, connecting Asia Pacific, Europe and America, and is one of the most important gateways to Australia’s east coast.
Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport
As the main air cargo center in Victoria, it handles more than 350,000 metric tons of cargo annually. Melbourne Airport has strong ground logistics support and a stable international flight network. It is an important node for high-frequency cargo transportation between China and Australia.
Brisbane International Airport
Brisbane Airport is a key channel to Queensland and northeastern Australia, handling about 200,000 metric tons of cargo each year, and serving multiple industries such as agriculture, mining and high-tech manufacturing.
Perth International Airport
As the gateway to Western Australia, with an annual throughput of about 90,000 metric tons, Perth Airport mainly serves the import and export business of minerals, energy and engineering equipment.
Adelaide International Airport
Adelaide Airport is an important aviation logistics hub in southern Australia, connecting the agricultural, wine and manufacturing export chains, handling more than 30,000 metric tons of cargo annually, and is suitable for shipping goods that require temperature control.
Shipping costs from China to the Australia
The cost of shipping goods from China to Australia depends on many factors, including the mode of transport (sea or air), the size and weight of the goods, the origin and destination, the type of service (such as door to door, port to port), and whether customs clearance and taxes are included. The following is a rough range of costs for different modes of transport
Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Australia(Cost) |
|---|---|
Sea Shipping (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,050 for a 20ft container |
Sea Shipping (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,100 for a 40ft container |
Sea Shipping (LCL) | Approx. USD 110 per cubic meters (m3) |
Air Freight Shipping | Approx. USD 650 for 100kg |
DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 12 to 18 per kgs |
DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 180 to 350 per cbm (m3) |
Express Shipping | Approx. USD 15.5 per Kgs |
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Australia
The table below is the average price of container shipping from China to Australia, with the cheapest price for loading and shipping 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) of all types of cargo from major Chinese ports to Australia.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Sydney | $2050-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Sydney | $1900-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Sydney | $2000-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Melbourne | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | $1900-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Melbourne | $2050-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
| Shanghai | Brisbane | $1800-$3500 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | $1900-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Brisbane | $1850-$3350 | $3750-$4950 |
| Shanghai | Fremantle | $1950-$2450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Fremantle | $1900-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Ningbo | Fremantle | $2000-$3400 | $3500-$4800 |
How long does it take to ship from China to the Australia?
Sea transportation is the main mode of transportation for China-Australia trade. It is capable of transporting almost all types of goods. Its timeliness is affected by many factors. There are two main sea routes from China to Australia.
- East Coast Line: Extends from China’s eastern ports to Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane
- West Coast Line: Mainly extends from Ningbo and Shanghai to Fremantle
As a fast logistics channel connecting China and Australia, although air transportation costs are high, it still occupies an irreplaceable position in transporting goods with high timeliness requirements. It usually takes 3 to 7 days to complete the transportation from major airports in China to major airports in Australia.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping days |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Sydney | 15-32 days |
| Shenzhen | Sydney | 16-30 days |
| Ningbo | Sydney | 14-34 days |
| Shanghai | Melbourne | 14-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | 18-25 days |
| Ningbo | Melbourne | 14-30 days |
| Shanghai | Brisbane | 17-28 days |
| Shenzhen | Brisbane | 14-35 days |
| Ningbo | Brisbane | 15-32 days |
| Shanghai | Fremantle | 27-29 days |
| Shenzhen | Fremantle | 14-35 days |
| Ningbo | Fremantle | 15-34 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Australia
Door to Door Shipping from China to Australia is a comprehensive logistics solution that handles all aspects of the shipping process from China to the final destination in Australia
Door to Door service simplifies the shipping process, ensuring that the goods are picked up from the supplier in China and delivered directly to the consignee’s location in the Australia. The entire process is managed by a single logistics provider, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries and reducing the complexity of coordinating the various stages of transportation. It provides greater transparency and tracking capabilities to monitor the goods in real time.
Within the scope of Door to Door Shipping from China to Australia service, there are several different options to meet different shipping needs:
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under this arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, but the buyer is responsible for paying any import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive in the Australia.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): Under a DDU arrangement, the seller bears all costs of delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This option provides the greatest convenience for the buyer as all costs are paid upfront.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for businesses that have smaller shipments that don’t require a full container load. Multiple shipments are consolidated into one container, and the logistics provider ensures that each shipment is delivered to its final destination.
- Full-Container Load (FCL) Door-to-Door: For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, the FCL Door-to-Door service provides exclusive use of the container, reducing the risk of damage and contamination. The goods are picked up from the supplier, loaded into a container, and then shipped directly to the consignee.
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for businesses that need to move goods quickly. Air Freight Door-to-Door ensures that the goods are picked up, flown, and delivered to the recipient’s door within a few days, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments.
Detailed steps for shipping from China to Australia
Shipment of goods from China to Australia, whether by sea or air, involves a series of standardized and critical operational steps. The following is a detailed transportation process, suitable for both corporate and individual customers, covering the entire process from shipment preparation to customs clearance of goods:
Preparation phase
Determine the type, quantity, volume/weight of goods, select the mode of transportation and service scope: port to port, door to door (DDP) or other
Get a quote and choose a logistics service provider
Consult a logistics company to obtain a one-stop quote for transportation, customs clearance, delivery, etc. Compare quotes, service content, timeliness and professionalism before signing a transportation contract
Packaging and palletizing
Prepare appropriate packaging (wooden boxes, cartons, pallets) according to the mode of transportation and affix marks (indicating cargo information, consignor and consignee, and port of destination)
China export process
The freight forwarder arranges door-to-door pickup (such as door-to-door service) or the consignor delivers the goods to the designated warehouse (especially LCL), and the customs broker submits the documents to the customs system, and the customs releases the goods after review (sometimes they may be inspected).
Shipping and departure
Transport goods through appropriate means of transportation, provide cargo tracking numbers, and customers can check the transportation status at any time
Customs clearance in Australia
Usually, the freight forwarder or customs clearance company declares on behalf of the consignee. Customs may quarantine or inspect some goods (such as food and wood products)
Delivery and receipt
The logistics company arranges customs clearance and delivers directly to the door. Before delivery, the delivery address and unloading conditions (such as whether a tail plate or forklift is required) must be confirmed. If there is any damage or shortage, take photos in time and contact the freight forwarder to handle insurance claims
Import taxes and duties in Australia
The cost of importing goods is not just determined by shipping fees; import taxes and duties can add significantly to your total expenses. These costs vary depending on the value of the goods, their classification, and the shipping terms used.
- VAT and customs duties are the main taxes levied. For example, Australia charges a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most imported goods, which can significantly increase the total cost of shipping your goods.
- Classification of goods: The Harmonized System (HS) code determines the tariff rate. Incorrectly classifying goods can result in unexpected fees or legal disputes.
- Understanding Incoterms: These terms define shipping responsibilities and affect who pays duties and taxes. Familiarize yourself with Incoterms to avoid surprises.
| Product Category | Estimated Import Tax Rate |
| Electronics | 10% GST + 0-5% Duty |
| Clothing & Apparel | 10% GST + 5-10% Duty |
| Machinery | 10% GST + 0-5% Duty |
| Automobiles | 10% GST + 5% Duty |
| Furniture | 10% GST + 0-5% Duty |
| Toys | 10% GST + 0% Duty |
| Agricultural Products | 10% GST + 0-5% Duty |
| Food & Beverages | 10% GST + Various Duties |
Customs clearance from China to the Australia
Customs clearance is an essential step after the goods are shipped from China to the Australia. You need to prepare complete customs clearance documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc., and pay the corresponding duties and taxes.
Choosing an experienced freight forwarder will greatly simplify this process. They are familiar with the Australia customs regulations and can handle customs clearance matters efficiently. Once customs clearance is completed, the goods will be shipped to your designated destination for delivery.
Customs clearance documents for shipping from China to the Australia:
- Bill of Lading (B/L): This is a document issued by the carrier to the shipper after the carrier takes over the goods or the goods are loaded on the ship. It is a proof of the contract between the carrier and the shipper and has the legal effect of a certificate of title.
- Commercial Invoice: This is a document provided by the seller to the buyer to indicate the name, quantity, price and other information of the shipped goods. It is one of the most basic documents in international trade.
- Packing List: This is a document that lists in detail the quantity, weight, size and other contents of each box of goods, which is convenient for the consignee to check the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the origin of the goods, which helps the customs of the importing country understand the source of the goods and determine the tariff rate accordingly.
- Arrival Notice: This is a notice issued by the carrier or its agent to the consignee after the goods arrive at the unloading port, indicating that the goods have arrived at the port and requiring the consignee to come to handle the pick-up procedures.
- Fumigation Certificate: If the goods are packed in wood, a fumigation certificate is required to prove that the wood has been treated with insecticides. If wood is not used, a declaration of no wood is required.
Freight forwarder from China to Australia
Freight forwarders play a key intermediary role in international shipping. By coordinating various links such as sea freight, air freight, customs declaration and clearance, warehousing and delivery, freight forwarders help enterprises and individual customers achieve efficient, compliant and controllable logistics operations. Its core responsibilities include:
Document processing
Freight forwarders ensure that all transportation-related documents are accurate and comply with the import and export regulations of China and Australia. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc., to avoid customs clearance delays or fines due to document errors.
Customs declaration and customs clearance procedures
Experienced agencies can assist customers to quickly complete the customs clearance process for Chinese exports and Australian imports, avoiding additional costs or cargo detention caused by unfamiliar customs policies.
Cargo tracking and coordination
Agencies will provide customers with real-time cargo tracking services, coordinate possible problems in transportation in a timely manner, ensure that the goods are safe and controllable during transportation, and arrive at the destination on time.
Whether you are a small and medium-sized enterprise exporter or a cross-border e-commerce seller, Ubest Shipping can tailor efficient, reliable and safe transportation solutions for you to help your goods efficiently expand the Australian market.