Overview
The Australia Post MyPost Business app provides comprehensive support for international shipping, including automatic customs declarations, export documentation, and country-specific requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping orders overseas.Prerequisites for International Shipping
Before shipping internationally, ensure you have:- Valid Australia Post account with international shipping enabled
- Product information including HS codes and country of origin
- Export documentation for high-value shipments
- Compliance knowledge for destination country requirements
International Shipping Process
1
Order Selection
Select orders with international shipping addresses
2
Customs Declaration
Complete required customs information for each item
3
Export Documentation
Add export declaration numbers for high-value shipments
4
Service Selection
Choose appropriate international shipping service
5
Label Generation
Generate and print international shipping labels
Customs Declarations
Required Information
For every international shipment, you must provide:HS Codes
Harmonized System classification codes for each item
Item Descriptions
Detailed descriptions of goods being shipped
Country of Origin
Where the goods were manufactured or produced
Export Reason
Purpose of export (sale, gift, return, other)
HS Code Management
HS (Harmonized System) codes are international classification codes:Finding HS Codes
Finding HS Codes
- Product databases: Use online HS code lookup tools - Supplier information: Check with your product suppliers - Customs websites: Official government resources - Industry guides: Sector-specific classification guides
Code Format
Code Format
- 6-10 digits: Most countries use 6-digit codes, some require 8-10 - Format: XXXX.XX.XX (e.g., 1234.56.78) - Specificity: More digits = more specific classification
Common Examples
Common Examples
- Electronics: 8517.12.00 (Mobile phones) - Clothing: 6203.42.40 (Men’s trousers) - Books: 4901.99.00 (Printed books) - Jewelry: 7113.19.50 (Precious metal jewelry)
Export Declaration Numbers (EDN)
For shipments over certain values, you need an Export Declaration Number:EDN is mandatory for shipments over $2,000 AUD in value.
- Shipments valued over $2,000 AUD
- Certain restricted or controlled goods
- Destination country requirements
- Register with Australian Border Force
- Complete export declaration online
- Receive EDN for your shipment
- Enter EDN in the app when creating labels
Country-Specific Requirements
Popular Destinations
United States
United States
Requirements: - HS codes required for all items - Detailed item
descriptions - Country of origin mandatory - FDA approval for food/cosmetics
Restrictions: - No dangerous goods - Limited alcohol shipments -
Restricted agricultural products
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Requirements: - HS codes and descriptions - Country of origin - VAT
implications for EU shipments - Brexit documentation Restrictions: - Food
and agricultural products - Certain electronics - Cultural artifacts
Canada
Canada
Requirements: - HS codes mandatory - Detailed descriptions - Country of
origin - NAFTA documentation if applicable Restrictions: - Firearms and
ammunition - Certain food products - Endangered species materials
New Zealand
New Zealand
Requirements: - HS codes and descriptions - Country of origin -
Biosecurity declarations - Food safety certificates Restrictions: -
Strict biosecurity rules - Limited food imports - Agricultural product
restrictions
Creating International Labels
Step-by-Step Process
1
Select International Order
Choose an order with an international shipping address
2
Add Item Details
For each item, provide: - HS code - Detailed description - Country of origin
- Individual value
3
Set Export Reason
Select the reason for export (sale, gift, return, other)
4
Add Export Documentation
Include EDN if required for high-value shipments
5
Review Declaration
Verify all customs information is complete and accurate
6
Generate Label
Create the international shipping label
Label Format Requirements
International shipping labels can only be printed on A4 paper due to their
size requirements.
- Paper size: A4 only
- Format: Single label per page
- Content: Includes customs declaration
- Printing: High-quality printer recommended
Common International Shipping Issues
Documentation Problems
Missing HS Codes
Missing HS Codes
Problem: Items rejected due to missing or incorrect HS codes
Solution: - Research correct HS codes for your products - Maintain a
database of product classifications - Update product information in Shopify
- Use generic codes as last resort
Incomplete Descriptions
Incomplete Descriptions
Problem: Customs reject shipments with vague descriptions Solution: -
Use specific, detailed descriptions - Include material composition - Mention
intended use - Avoid generic terms like “gift” or “merchandise”
Value Discrepancies
Value Discrepancies
Problem: Declared values don’t match customs assessment Solution: -
Use actual sale prices - Include shipping costs in total value - Provide
invoices if requested - Be consistent with previous shipments
Shipping Restrictions
Always check destination country restrictions before shipping.
- Food products: Most countries have strict food import rules
- Electronics: Some countries require special certifications
- Cosmetics: May need health department approval
- Medicines: Usually prohibited without proper licensing
- Cultural items: May require export permits
Delivery Issues
Customs Delays
Customs Delays
Causes: Incomplete documentation, restricted items, random inspections
Prevention: - Ensure all documentation is complete - Use accurate HS
codes and descriptions - Avoid shipping restricted items - Provide detailed
item information
Returned Shipments
Returned Shipments
Causes: Rejected by customs, refused by recipient, incorrect address
Prevention: - Verify recipient addresses - Include contact information -
Use appropriate packaging - Consider insurance for valuable items
Best Practices
Preparation
1
Product Database
Maintain a comprehensive database of: - HS codes for all products - Country
of origin information - Detailed product descriptions - Export restrictions
by destination
2
Documentation Templates
Create templates for: - Common export reasons - Standard item descriptions -
Country-specific requirements - Emergency contact information
3
Staff Training
Train your team on: - International shipping requirements - Customs
documentation - Restricted items lists - Emergency procedures
Ongoing Management
Regular Updates
Regular Updates
- Monitor changes in international regulations - Update HS codes as needed - Review destination country requirements - Track shipping performance and issues
Customer Communication
Customer Communication
- Set clear expectations for delivery times - Explain potential customs delays
- Provide tracking information - Handle customs duty questions
Cost Management
Cost Management
- Factor in customs duties and taxes - Consider insurance for valuable shipments - Optimize packaging for international shipping - Monitor shipping costs and performance
Troubleshooting
Common Error Messages
HS Code Required
HS Code Required
Message: “HS Code is required when declaration is not accepted”
Solution: Add valid HS codes for all items or accept the general
declaration
Export Declaration Required
Export Declaration Required
Message: “Export Declaration Number is required for orders over $2,000”
Solution: Obtain and enter the EDN for high-value shipments
Country of Origin Required
Country of Origin Required
Message: “Country of origin is required for shipments to this
destination” Solution: Specify the country where goods were manufactured
Getting Help
If you encounter issues with international shipping:- Check documentation: Ensure all required information is provided
- Verify restrictions: Confirm items can be shipped to destination
- Contact support: Reach out for assistance with complex cases
- Review regulations: Stay updated on changing international requirements