INTERNATIONAL
International Air Freight
Explore how Australian exporters connect their goods with international markets through global air freight networks.
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AIR CARGO EXPORTS
Exporting Goods from Australia by Air
Air cargo exports give Australian businesses a fast and connected way to send products, commercial goods and valuable shipments to international markets.
UNDERSTANDING AIR EXPORTS
How Australian goods move into international markets.
Exporting goods by air involves more than placing a shipment on an aircraft. The process can involve exporters, freight forwarders, airlines, cargo terminals, customs authorities, security providers and overseas recipients.
Depending on the goods and destination, exporters may need to consider documentation, customs reporting, permits, security requirements, packaging, transportation and delivery arrangements.
Air freight can be particularly useful when the shipment is time-sensitive, valuable or needs reliable international connectivity.
Explore International Air Freight →THE EXPORT JOURNEY
From Australian supplier to overseas customer.
An air cargo export generally begins with the exporter preparing the goods and arranging transportation to the appropriate cargo facility or airport. The shipment then moves through reporting, security and export clearance processes before departure.
Once the cargo leaves Australia, the international transportation stage begins. The shipment may travel directly to its destination or through one or more international cargo gateways before reaching the final consignee.
01
Goods prepared
02
Export documentation
03
Cargo security & clearance
04
International delivery
AIR CARGO EXPORT KNOWLEDGE
Key Areas to Understand
Understanding the main parts of the export process can help Australian businesses prepare shipments more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.
01
Export Documentation
Accurate documentation helps identify the goods, exporter, consignee, shipment details and other information required during the export process.
02Air Cargo Airports
Australian airports provide important gateways for international exports, connecting local businesses with overseas markets and global freight networks.
03Air Freight Services
Different freight services can support different export requirements, from standard commercial shipments to urgent, valuable and time-sensitive cargo.
04Export Freight Costs
Air freight pricing can depend on shipment dimensions, weight, destination, service level, handling requirements and other transportation considerations.
05Cargo Tracking
Shipment tracking allows exporters and recipients to monitor cargo as it moves from an Australian origin through international transportation and delivery.
06Export Logistics
Successful exports depend on coordination between suppliers, freight providers, cargo facilities, airlines and overseas delivery networks.
EXPORTING FROM AUSTRALIA
What Exporters Should Consider
Planning an international air shipment requires attention to the goods, destination, documentation and transportation arrangements.
01
Know the Goods
The type and nature of goods can affect export requirements, documentation, permits, packaging and handling arrangements before the shipment leaves Australia.
02
Check Export Requirements
Some goods may require an Export Declaration, while certain products can also be subject to specific permits, restrictions or additional government requirements.
03
Prepare the Shipment
Proper packaging, labelling and preparation help ensure cargo is suitable for transportation and can move efficiently through the freight network.
04
Understand the Destination
Australian exporters also need to consider the import requirements of the destination country because overseas customs and regulatory rules can differ significantly.
EXPORT CLEARANCE
Export Declarations and Customs
Australian export reporting is an important part of moving goods through the international freight system.
Australian Border Force states that goods exported from Australia must be reported using an Export Declaration or an applicable exemption code. Certain goods require an Export Declaration based on their value or other circumstances.
For goods that require an Export Declaration, the declaration provides information about the goods and export transaction. It can be lodged electronically through the Integrated Cargo System or through the applicable manual process.
Exporters should check the current requirements for their specific shipment before arranging transportation, particularly where permits or controlled goods are involved.
View Australian Border Force Export Requirements →
A$2,000+
Value threshold relevant to many export declarations
01
Export Declaration
02
Export permissions
03
Cargo security
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Related Air Cargo Topics
Continue exploring Australian air freight, international transportation, customs and logistics.
FREIGHT
Air Freight Services
Understand the different types of air freight services available for businesses with varying transportation requirements.
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COSTS
Understanding Air Freight Costs
Learn about the variables that can influence the cost of moving cargo by air from Australia to international destinations.
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TRACKING
Tracking International Cargo
Discover how shipment tracking helps exporters follow cargo throughout the international transportation process.
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SAFETY
Dangerous Goods by Air
Understand why certain products require additional controls, packaging, documentation and handling when transported by air.
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INDUSTRY
The Australian Air Cargo Industry
Explore the broader industry and the trends influencing Australia's role in international air cargo and freight.
Read Article →STAY INFORMED
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