Selling in Australia from overseas starts with one choice: ship each order from home, or hold stock locally with an Australian 3PL. Once sales are steady, local stock is usually cheaper and much faster. To import stock you need an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Customs Client Identifier (CCID), a customs broker, a plan for GST and duty, and packaging that meets Australia’s strict biosecurity rules.
Australia is a wealthy, online-savvy market, but it is a long way from everywhere and has its own tax, customs and biosecurity rules. This guide covers what overseas brands need to know about selling in Australia: the fulfillment options, importing stock, how GST works and the steps to get set up.
General information as at October 2026, not tax or customs advice.
What are the options for selling in Australia from overseas?
| Option | How it works | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship from overseas | Each order ships internationally from your home warehouse | Testing demand, low volumes, light high-value products | A week or more in transit, high parcel costs, harder returns |
| Marketplace fulfillment | Stock held by a marketplace such as Amazon Australia | Brands selling mainly through that marketplace | Only covers that channel; storage limits and fees |
| Australian 3PL | You ship stock in bulk to a local 3PL, which fulfils all your channels | Brands with steady Australian sales | You need an importer setup, GST registration and stock planning |
Most of Australia’s population lives on the east coast, so one 3PL in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane covers most customers in one to three business days. See our Australian 3PL page for locations.
What do I need to import stock into Australia?
- An importer identity: an ABN, or a CCID from Australian Border Force if you don’t have an ABN.
- A customs broker to lodge import declarations and handle clearance.
- Duty and GST: goods worth more than A$1,000 need a full import declaration, with customs duty (often 5%, or nil under many free trade agreements) and 10% GST.
- Free trade agreements: Australia has agreements with the US, UK, NZ, China, Japan, Korea and others. Check whether your goods qualify for reduced duty and keep proof of origin.
- Biosecurity: timber pallets and packaging must be treated or replaced, and food, plants, animal products and some cosmetic ingredients have strict import conditions.
- Product rules: Australian Consumer Law guarantees, product safety standards and labelling requirements apply whether you are local or overseas.
When we priced five Australian 3PLs against six months of real orders for an online apparel brand, shipping made up 60–67% of each 3PL’s total cost. Delivery is the biggest cost of selling in Australia, which is why moving stock onshore usually saves more than any storage or handling rate negotiation.
How does GST work when selling in Australia?
- Low-value goods (A$1,000 or less): overseas sellers with A$75,000 or more in Australian sales must register for GST and collect 10% GST at checkout on goods sold to Australian consumers. Marketplaces collect it for sales made through them.
- Bulk imports (over A$1,000): GST is paid at the border. If you are registered for GST, you can generally claim it back as an input tax credit.
- Sales from local stock: once your stock is in Australia, you charge GST on domestic sales like any Australian business.
The Australian Taxation Office has guidance for overseas businesses, and it is worth getting local tax advice before you start.
How do I set up local fulfillment for selling in Australia?
- Check demand: confirm Australian orders justify holding local stock.
- Register: ABN or CCID, and GST if required.
- Choose a 3PL near your customers and your port of entry. We can match you with one; see our Australian 3PL page.
- Appoint a customs broker and check biosecurity requirements for your products and packaging.
- Connect your store and marketplaces to the 3PL’s system.
- Ship your first stock by sea or air, then switch Australian orders to local fulfillment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Australian company for selling in Australia?
No. Overseas businesses can import using a CCID or ABN and register for GST without an Australian company. Take advice on your tax position.
How long does sea freight to Australia take?
Typically three to six weeks from Asia, and longer from Europe or the US east coast. Allow for customs clearance and receiving at the 3PL.
Can I serve New Zealand from Australia?
Yes, many brands start that way. As New Zealand sales grow, a local New Zealand 3PL usually gives faster delivery and fewer customs issues.
Which carriers deliver in Australia?
Australia Post and StarTrack are the largest, alongside couriers such as Aramex, CouriersPlease and TNT/FedEx. The best mix depends on your parcel sizes and customer locations.
What does a 3PL cost in Australia?
See our 3PL cost guide for typical charges, then get quotes priced on your own order data.
Planning to sell in Australia?
Warenous matches overseas brands with pre-screened Australian 3PLs and compares their quotes on your real orders, for free.
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