Shipping from Germany to Australia
Importing from Germany to Australia
Germany is Europe’s biggest exporter to Australia, especially machinery, vehicles and parts, pharmaceuticals and precision equipment. Fastrak Logistics manages your freight from German suppliers to Sydney and anywhere in Australia, with customs clearance and delivery handled by the same team.
Many German exports are classed as high-risk during stink bug season, so planning ahead matters. We’ll help you get treatment, documents and timing right.
We ship from Hamburg and Bremerhaven, and via Rotterdam and Antwerp, and by air from Frankfurt and Munich.
Sea Freight from Germany
- FCL (full container): a 20ft or 40ft container for your goods only. Usually the best value from around 13 to 15 cubic metres.
- LCL (shared container): pay only for the space you use, ideal for smaller orders.
- Supplier consolidation: combine goods from several suppliers into one shipment.
See our sea freight service for more on FCL and LCL.
Air Freight from Germany
For urgent, small or high-value shipments, air freight gets your goods to Australia in days rather than weeks, with customs clearance on arrival.
How Importing from Germany Works
- Quote: send us your supplier’s location, cargo volume (CBM), weight and Incoterms.
- Booking: we book space and coordinate pickup with your supplier.
- Origin: our overseas agents collect, consolidate if needed, and handle export clearance.
- Documents: we check your paperwork before the goods arrive.
- Customs and biosecurity: clearance is arranged through our licensed customs broker partners.
- Delivery: to your door, or into storage until you need it.
Documents You’ll Need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- BMSB treatment certificate for target high-risk goods shipped in season
- Technical specifications for machinery, to support tariff classification
- Packing declaration for FCL and FCX containers
- Treatment certificates or ISPM 15 marks for any timber packaging
Duty and the Australia–EU Trade Agreement
Australia and the European Union concluded a free trade agreement in 2026, but it is not yet in force. Until it is, goods from Germany are charged Australia’s normal rates of duty: many goods are already duty-free, and most others attract 5% duty. GST of 10% applies to most imports.
When the agreement comes into force, duty on most goods from the EU will be removed. We’ll keep you updated and help you claim the lower rates once they apply.
Stink Bug (BMSB) Season
Germany is a target risk country for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). For the 2026–27 season, Australia’s seasonal measures apply to goods shipped between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027.
During the season, target high-risk goods, which include many types of machinery, vehicles and parts, steel and timber products, must be treated by an approved provider, ideally before they leave Germany, and the treatment certificate must travel with your documents. Lower-risk goods can still be selected for inspection. Onshore treatment capacity is limited, so untreated cargo can face delays and extra cost.
We’ll tell you whether your goods fall under the measures and help you arrange treatment with your supplier before shipping.
Shipping from Germany FAQs
How long does shipping from Germany to Australia take?
Sea freight from Hamburg to Sydney usually takes around five to seven weeks port to port. Air freight usually takes a few days. We confirm the expected transit time with your quote.
Do I pay duty on goods from Germany?
Yes, normal Australian duty rates apply until the Australia–EU trade agreement comes into force. Many goods are duty-free and most others attract 5%. GST of 10% applies to most imports.
Does my German machinery need BMSB treatment?
If it ships between 1 September and 30 April and is a target high-risk good, yes. Machinery and vehicles usually are. Treatment should be done by an approved provider, ideally before shipping.
Can you handle oversized machinery?
Yes. We can arrange flat rack or open top containers and specialised delivery for large or heavy machinery.
Get a Quote for Shipping from Germany
Tell us where your supplier is and what you’re shipping, and we’ll come back with a competitive sea or air freight quote. Call 1300 816 433.
