GST on low-value imports
Since July 2018, overseas sellers and marketplaces that meet the turnover threshold must collect 10% GST on low-value goods, items worth A$1,000 or less, sold to Australian consumers. DHgate therefore charges GST at checkout on most orders, and the parcel clears without a separate tax bill. Goods worth more than A$1,000 go through the border import process: customs duty (often 5% where it applies), GST on the value plus duty and shipping, and import processing charges. Australia accounts for about 720 monthly "dhgate spreadsheet" searches.
What Australian buyers pay
| Goods value | GST | Duty | Other charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to A$1,000 | 10%, at checkout | None on low-value goods | Normally none |
| Over A$1,000 | 10% at the border | Often 5% where applicable | Import processing charges, broker fees |
Almost all spreadsheet orders sit under A$1,000, so GST at checkout is the only tax most buyers see.
Delivery to Sydney
Economy lines from China typically take two to four weeks to Australian cities, with longer times to regional areas and around peak seasons. Express couriers usually deliver in about a week. Australia Post handles many final deliveries.
DHgate direct or an agent from Australia
Because GST is handled at checkout for both DHgate and many agents, the choice is mainly about shipping cost and photos. For hauls, a consolidated agent parcel usually beats several DHgate parcels on shipping; for single items, DHgate is simpler. Superbuy lists Australia among its markets; check all statuses on our index.
Border Force and prohibited items
The Australian Border Force seizes counterfeit goods. Australia also restricts certain imports that appear in some spreadsheets: nicotine vapes are only legally supplied through pharmacies with a prescription, and some weapons, including certain knives and laser pointers, are prohibited or need permits. Our electronics page covers battery and vape issues.
Product safety
Australian mandatory standards apply to items such as button batteries, children's nightwear, toys and sunglasses (AS/NZS 1067). Cheap imports often lack compliance documents. Our accessories page explains what to look for in sunglasses.
Seasons are reversed
Summer clothing for Australia peaks when the northern hemisphere is in winter, which helps: DHgate sellers often discount summer stock from September onwards. Our shorts page covers summer buys.
Returns from Australia
Australian Consumer Law protects you with Australian sellers; DHgate disputes follow DHgate's own rules, and international returns are expensive. Measure first and vet sellers with our checklist.
An Australian buyer's checklist
- Check that GST appears at checkout.
- Keep orders under A$1,000 unless you are ready for border charges.
- Avoid vapes, prohibited weapons and branded goods.
- Check safety standards on sunglasses, toys and anything with button batteries.
- Allow extra time for regional delivery.
A worked example
An A$80 DHgate order of a bag and sunglasses: GST of 10% is included at checkout and nothing more is due on arrival. An A$1,200 order, perhaps a bulk team-kit purchase, crosses the A$1,000 line: customs duty may apply at around 5% for many goods, GST is charged on the value plus duty and shipping, and import processing charges and broker fees are added. For bulk orders, ask the seller or agent about the clearance process in advance.
Shipping lines to Australia
DHgate sellers and agents offer several lines to Australia, from economy post to express couriers. Lines that state they include GST simplify clearance. Bulky items such as outerwear and shoes can be priced by volume, so ask about removing boxes on agent orders.
Plan, check, then order.
Then enjoy the parcel.
FAQ
Do I pay GST on DHgate orders in Australia?
Yes, 10% collected at checkout on goods up to A$1,000.
What happens above A$1,000?
Duty where applicable, GST and import processing charges are assessed at the border.
How long does DHgate take to Sydney?
Economy lines usually two to four weeks; couriers about a week.
Can I import vapes from DHgate to Australia?
No; nicotine vapes are only legally supplied through pharmacies with a prescription.
Can Border Force seize DHgate items?
Counterfeit goods can be seized without refund.
Do I pay duty on low-value DHgate orders to Australia?
No duty on goods up to A$1,000; GST is collected at checkout.