Australia Customs & Import Duty on Packages from Europe: 2026 Guide
How much does it cost to import packages from EU countries to Australia? This guide covers Australian GST on imported goods, the LVT threshold, ABF processes, and how to estimate your total landed cost from Spain, France, or Germany.
Importing packages from European stores to Australia is increasingly popular — EU fashion, LEGO, sports brands, and beauty products all offer significant savings over Australian retail prices. This guide covers exactly what you'll pay in Australian customs and taxes when receiving a shipment from Spain, France, Germany, or another EU country in 2026.
Australian GST on Imported Goods
Australia applies GST (Goods and Services Tax) at 10% to all imported goods. Since 2018, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has required overseas sellers to collect GST at the point of sale for goods valued under AUD 1,000 (the Low Value Imports threshold). For goods over AUD 1,000, GST and any applicable customs duty are collected at the border by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The AUD 1,000 Low Value Threshold
Australia's low value import threshold is AUD 1,000 (approximately €600–620 at current rates). This is the customs value of the goods — not including shipping.
- Goods valued under AUD 1,000: 10% GST is due, typically collected by the seller or forwarding service at checkout. No customs duty. The package clears customs without additional payment.
- Goods valued at AUD 1,000 or more: Both customs duty (at Australian customs tariff rates) AND 10% GST are assessed by ABF. The carrier will contact you for payment before delivery.
Most everyday EU shopping orders — clothing, beauty, toys, books, small electronics — fall well under AUD 1,000. A €300 Zara order, a €150 Sephora order, a €100 LEGO set — all under the threshold.
Australian Customs Duty Rates for Common EU Goods
For goods over AUD 1,000, Australian customs duty applies at these approximate rates (2026):
- Clothing and apparel: 10% (with some exceptions at 5%)
- Footwear: 10%
- Electronics: 0% for most categories (IT products, phones, cameras)
- Cosmetics and beauty: 0–5%
- Toys and games: 0%
- Books: 0%
- Furniture and home goods: 5%
Note: Australia has free trade agreements with several non-EU countries, but not with the EU as a whole (EU-Australia FTA negotiations are ongoing as of 2026). EU goods are therefore subject to MFN rates as listed above.
Worked Examples — EU to Australia
Example 1: €150 Zara Spain Order (Clothing)
- Goods value: €150 (~AUD 245 at 1.63 EUR/AUD)
- Under AUD 1,000: No Australian customs duty
- 10% GST: collected at Resendify checkout (~AUD 24.50)
- Forwarding from Spain to Australia: ~AUD 28–35
- Total additional costs: ~AUD 52–60
- Same items from Zara Australia: typically AUD 230–270
- Net saving: approximately AUD 40–60
Example 2: €89 LEGO Technic Set
- Goods value: €89 (~AUD 145)
- Under AUD 1,000: No customs duty
- 10% GST: ~AUD 14.50
- Forwarding: ~AUD 18–22
- Total additional costs: ~AUD 32–36
- Same set at Australian LEGO retailer: typically AUD 175–195
- Net saving: approximately AUD 35–50
What the ABF Checks
The Australian Border Force (ABF) assesses all incoming international shipments. For low-value packages (under AUD 1,000), processing is typically automated — your package clears without manual inspection unless flagged for quarantine (biosecurity) or prohibited items. For high-value packages, ABF will issue a formal duty/GST assessment via the carrier.
Biosecurity: Australia has strict biosecurity rules. Avoid importing food products, wooden items without treatment certificates, or anything that could contain soil or plant material. Fashion, electronics, LEGO, and beauty products are not subject to biosecurity concerns.
Transit Times — Europe to Australia
- Spain to Australia: 7–14 business days (standard), 4–6 business days (express)
- Germany to Australia: 8–14 business days (standard)
- France to Australia: 7–12 business days (standard)
Why Buying from EU Stores Saves Australian Shoppers Money
Australian retail prices on European brands are inflated by import costs, distributor margins, and the AUD/EUR exchange rate premium built into local pricing. Direct EU prices — even after forwarding, GST, and any duty — typically undercut Australian retail by 20–50% on fashion, 25–40% on LEGO and toys, and 15–30% on beauty. The savings are most dramatic on premium EU brands (Adidas, Nike, Zara, Sephora) that are distributed in Australia at significant markup.
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