How long does it take to air freight from Xiamen to Australia? The latest timeliness, cost and customs clearance guide in 2024

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australia Encyclopedia! Recently, I have received many inquiries from cross-border e-commerce practitioners and international students about "how long does it take to airfreight from Xiamen to Australia?" This question seems simple, but it actually involves multiple dimensions such as route selection, customs clearance policy, and logistics solutions. This article will combine the latest industry data in 2024 to conduct a comprehensive analysis from the perspectives of timeliness, cost, and operation procedures to help you master the core points of cross-border transportation.

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### 1. Full analysis of air transport time efficiency
The air freight time from Xiamen to Australia is affected by three key factors:
1. **Route Type**
- **Direct flights** (Xiamen→Sydney/Melbourne): 3-5 natural days (including customs clearance)
- **Transit routes** (via Hong Kong/Singapore): 5-7 calendar days
*In 2024, a new direct cargo charter flight from Xiamen to Brisbane will be launched, with the flight time shortened to within 72 hours*

2. **Comparison of service types**
| Service Type| Time Limit| Suitable for People |
|---------|------|---------|
| International Express (DHL/UPS) | 3-4 days | Urgent documents/small items |
| Air Freight | 5-7 days | Bulk cargo |
| Sea Freight/Air Delivery| 10-12 days| Cost-effective choice for heavy cargo |

3. **Customs clearance time**
According to the latest regulations of the Australian Border Force (ABF):
- Electronic customs clearance for general cargo: 4-8 hours
- Items subject to quarantine (such as wooden products): 1-3 additional working days
- Cargo that does not conform to the declaration: may be detained for more than 7 days

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### 2. Cost calculation and money-saving tips
#### 1. Air freight price system in 2024
1. **Basic billing standards**:
- Volumetric weight vs actual weight, take the larger value (formula: length x width x height (cm)/6000)
- Current market price: First weight ¥85/kg + Additional weight ¥45/kg (negotiable for weights above 100kg)

2. **Additional fee details**:
- Fuel surcharge: 15%-22% of freight rate (adjusted monthly)
- Peak season surcharge: 20% will be added from November to February of the following year
- Special handling fee: Dangerous goods declaration ¥300/ticket, GST tax payment service ¥150/ticket

#### 2. Practical strategies for saving money
1. **CLS Tips**: Combine shipments with other customers to reduce 30% costs
2. **Tariff optimization**: Goods below AUD 1,000 are exempt from GST (pro forma invoice required)
3. **Time period selection**: Avoid the peak shipping period before Christmas (November 15th - December 20th)

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### 3. Full process operation guide
#### Step 1: Cargo preparation
- List of prohibited items for transportation:
✅ Categories strictly inspected in Australia: seeds, meat products, Chinese herbal medicines
❌ Absolutely prohibited: power banks (over 100Wh), flammable liquids

#### Step 2: File preparation
1. Commercial invoice (HS CODE must be indicated)
2. Packing list (accurate to the number of items)
3. Air Waybill (AWB)
4. Certificate of Origin (COO, required for bulk goods)

#### Step 3: Customs clearance points
- **Tariff calculation example**:
Mechanical equipment with a declared value of $5000
GST = 5000×10% = $500
Tariff = 5000×5% (specific tax rate depends on HS CODE)

- **Tips for Fast Clearing**:
Register your ABN number in advance and use the Customs Integrated Cargo System to declare online

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### 4. Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: Can food be shipped to Australia by air? **
✅ Shipping is allowed but with restrictions:
- Packaged food must have English labels (including ingredient list)
- Meat products must come from certified factories (provide veterinary certificate)
- Milk powder is limited to 6 cans per person and must be commercially sterilized

**Q2: What should I do if there is a delay in customs clearance? **
1. Contact the customs clearance agent immediately to obtain the ABF tracking code
2. Prepare supplementary materials (such as product test reports)
3. In case of emergency, you can apply for Priority Clearance (additional payment of $88)

**Q3: How to choose a reliable logistics company? **
Recognize the following qualifications:
- Certified by China Air Transport Association (CATA)
- Australian Customs Broker License
- Own bonded warehouse (such as 4PX's 20,000㎡ smart warehouse in Sydney)

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### 5. Special reminder
1. **Insurance Purchase**: It is recommended to purchase aviation insurance with a value of 110% (rate is about 0.3%)
2. **Tracking system**: Formal companies should provide GPS positioning + real-time updates on customs clearance status
3. **Emergency plan**: Learn about Australia’s local truck delivery network in advance (Toll, StarTrack, etc.)

Australian Encyclopedia Assistant suggests: With the recent entry into force of the upgraded version of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, cross-border e-commerce sellers can focus on the preferential policies of the three major airports in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If you need the latest version of the "China-Australia Air Transport White Paper" or recommend a high-quality logistics service provider, please leave a message in the comment area for consultation!

Thank you for reading. I hope this guide can open a fast channel to the Australian market for you. Follow us to get more practical tips on cross-border trade! (Bonus at the end of the article: reply to the keyword "air freight quotation" to get the latest price comparison table in 2024)