Care Package Ideas When Shipping Items to Australia

Australia is one of the top 20 trading partners of Hong Kong with over US$4.7 million worth of Hong Kong shipments imported there, which made 0.7% of the total Hong Kong exports. Australia has also emerged as a popular destination for higher studies because of its high quality of education, cultural diversity, and friendly locals. Many residents of Hong Kong who migrate also choose to do so due to these reasons.

A thoughtful care package is a warm and comforting reminder of home away from home. When one sends shipments abroad, they expect them to reach the destination in tip-top shape. To ensure that the package does not get damaged on the way, it needs to be packed with utmost care and attention. Below are a few tips that can help anyone who wishes to send care packages to Australia.

• The first and most important point to keep in mind is to provide enough cushioning around the item so it does not get damaged during the transit to Australia.

• Sending fragile items is also possible but they must be properly packed. For instance, you can place the item in a smaller box and then place it in a larger box. There must be maximum cushioning between the small box and the walls of the larger box to ensure the fragile items are delivered safely.

• Consider also the method of transporting your post package to Australia. There can be a big difference in prices and delivery time between land or sea transportation. For example, if the package is urgent, you may want to consider the urgent, time-sensitive delivery option with DHL.

• Understand the rules of shipping to Australia, such as what paperwork is needed, whether it is necessary to get an import license or permit to clear the goods.

When sending gifts to loved ones abroad, what better gift is there than a fashion item that reminds one of home and enables them to look stylish and trendy. These can include clothes, shoes, makeup, bags, and other similar accessories. Do keep in mind that Australia has strict consumer product guidelines in place. If you’re looking to send over fashion items made of animal skin or products, as long as they are not a specific type of cat and dog fur, you will be able to send your parcels with ease. Under regulation 4W of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, such items are prohibited unless permission is obtained.

Australia is also keen on ensuring international trade does not threaten animal or plant species with extinction. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement, of which Australia is a party. As long as one is importing products that are not included in the list of endangered animal and plant species, you can import these items without having to deal with issues at the Australian border.

2. PPE 

Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) is also a popular choice to be included in Australian care package ideas. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, particulate filter respirators, gloves and face shields are also a popular choice to be included in Australian care package ideas.

However, the Australian government has guidelines regarding the import of PPE. Before importing, it is important for you to understand your regulatory obligations and understand how your PPE is being classified, such as for personal or commercial use. This is because should you breach the import rules, the authorities may seize the PPE and you may even face charges for it. 

3. Electronics

Care package ideas also include electronics such as smartphones, e-readers, massagers, headphones, EarPods, wireless chargers, and many other things. Electronic products being imported into Australia should follow the guideline set out by the Electrical Equipment Safety Scheme (EESS) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). An important thing to note is that your electronics must still be deemed as ‘electrically safe’ by passing the Essential Safety Criteria, even if they are not particularly regulated. 

4. Household Accessories

Household accessories are also a popular choice when it comes to sending gifts to loved ones in Australia. These can include different household items that one uses on a day-to-day basis such as a table fan, decor items like photo frames, toys and games. Household accessories are subjected to the same regulations as any other goods in Australia. For a more comprehensive list of prohibited import items, check out the Australian Border Force page for more information.

5. Food

Your loved ones in Australia might be sorely missing the food from back home, whether that’s traditional Hong Kong delicacies like dried seafood or a nourishingnourshing bowl of Cantonese soup. If you’re thinking of sending dried shrimp paste or packs of freeze dried soup packs of fish maw, first check out the types of food that Australia restricts or prohibits. According to the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system, for instance, food restrictions apply to eggs, egg products, dairy products, seeds and nuts, and fresh fruit and vegetables. You need to also ensure the foods you wish to import is safe and complies with Australia New Zealand Food standards code. Depending on the type of food you import, you might need specific certificates and declaration documents