Freight and Packaging-Related Surcharges

• Misdeclaration Surcharge*: This surcharge applies when the declared weight, dimensions, or other shipment details are inaccurate. Couriers rely on accurate information to calculate shipping costs, and discrepancies may result in additional fees. The final fee, based on our team’s review of the parcel’s actual dimensions and weight, will be issued after the surcharge assessment is complete.


• Address Correction: An additional charge of $17 AUD per package or up to A$66 per shipment applies for unsuccessful deliveries due to incorrect addresses or P.O. Box destinations.


• Additional Handling Charge*: A fee of $29.90 AUD per package applies for:
  • Items not fully encased in corrugated cardboard (e.g., metal, wood, plastic).
  • Cylindrical items (e.g., barrels, drums) not fully encased in cardboard.
  • Packages with the longest side over 122 cm or the second longest side over 76 cm.
  • Packages weighing more than 25 kg.
  • Shipments with an average package weight over 25 kg without specific weights listed.


• Oversize Pallet Handling Surcharge*: For UPS Worldwide Express Freight Services, a surcharge of $474 AUD per pallet applies for pallets exceeding size or weight restrictions. For details, refer to UPS size guidelines.


• Large Package Surcharge*: A package is considered a “Large Package” if its combined length and girth exceeds 300 cm [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] but stays within the 400 cm UPS maximum. Such packages have a minimum billable weight of 40 kg and incur a surcharge of $76.90 AUD per package.


• Over Maximum Limits Fee*: If in UPS discretion, they accept shipments over their maximum limits, an Over Maximum Limits Fee of $379.10 AUD per package will apply. Below are the maximum limits:
  • Maximum weight per package of 70 kg
  • Maximum length per package of 274 cm
  • Maximum size per package of 400 cm (or over) in length and girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined


• Undeliverable Package Return Charge: Shipments refused by the consignee, or which for any other reason cannot be delivered, will be held for further instructions from the shipper. Applicable transportation costs plus a $12 AUD surcharge per undeliverable shipment, will apply to any return and will be billed to the shipper.


• Prohibited Item Fee: Any items not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or UPS’s terms and conditions of service are subject to a fee of $406.20 AUD per package.


• International Dangerous Goods: Dangerous goods are articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property if not handled and shipped in a proper manner. Surcharges apply as follows:

*Surcharges marked with an asterisk (*) are subject to a fuel surcharge.

Duty, Taxes, Clearance, and Government Fees

Understanding the surcharges that may apply to UPS services can help you avoid surprises. Below is a detailed explanation of applicable fees and charges.

Applicable to UPS Import Services

• Government Fees: These charges, including formal entry, duties, taxes, and biosecurity measures, are levied on a shipment by the regulatory authority. For more information, visit our blog on importing goods into Australia.


• Disbursement Fee: To facilitate customs clearance, UPS may pre-pay duties and taxes on your behalf. A Disbursement Fee of 3.6% of duties and taxes or $23.80 AUD + GST (whichever is higher) applies.


• Additional Tariff Lines Surcharge: Customs brokerage service includes up to five tariff lines at no charge. For each additional tariff line, a fee of $4.40 AUD applies, with a maximum charge of $421.70 AUD.


• Alternate Broker: If consignees use their own customs broker, a charge of $78.90 AUD + GST per shipment applies for transferring customs documents to the consignee or third-party broker.


• Other Government Agency (OGA) Entry: If clearance documents must be submitted to government agencies other than customs, an additional fee of $34.90 AUD per shipment is charged.

Applicable to UPS Express, UPS Express Saver, and UPS Export Express Freight

• Local Taxes and Duties: All rates on our website exclude taxes, duties, or surcharges imposed by local regulations.


• Duty/Tax Forwarding Surcharge: If the Duty/Tax Forwarding billing option is selected, a surcharge of $30 AUD will be billed to the shipper.

Important Notes

• The surcharges listed above are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.


• Additional charges not listed here may also apply.