WooCommerce International Shipping With Australia Post eParcel

In today’s global marketplace, offering international shipping is essential for expanding your WooCommerce store’s reach. One of the most reliable solutions for shipping internationally is Australia Post eParcel. This service not only provides efficient and cost-effective shipping options but also offers features that enhance the customer experience. With eParcel, WooCommerce store owners can easily manage their international orders, track shipments, and provide accurate shipping rates at checkout.

In this article, we’ll explore how to set up Australia Post eParcel for international shipping in your WooCommerce store, ensuring you can deliver a seamless shopping experience to customers around the world.

The Importance of Efficient International Shipping in eCommerce

Efficient international shipping is essential for eCommerce success, especially for WooCommerce merchants looking to expand globally. Here’s why it matters:

• Global Reach: Enables delivery to customers worldwide, expanding market presence.
• Timely Deliveries: Ensures packages arrive as expected across the border, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Customs Compliance: Accurate documentation, like the CN23 form, prevents delays at customs.
• Cost Efficiency: Streamlined processes manage logistics costs, allowing competitive rates.

Australia Post eParcel international shipping services

• International Standard / Pack & Track: This economical choice offers basic tracking for international orders, making it ideal for budget-conscious customers. Deliveries typically take 6–10 business days.
• International Express Merchandise: This option ensures faster delivery for international orders, with transit times of just 2–4 business days.

Both options come with reliable tracking capabilities, enabling you and your customers to monitor shipments throughout their journey.

Customs Clearance with Australia Post eParcel

Customs clearance is essential for moving goods across international borders while adhering to the regulations of the destination country. Proper customs clearance helps avoid delays, penalties, or even the seizure of goods, ensuring timely delivery to customers.

This process typically involves submitting the necessary documentation, paying duties and taxes, and meeting various regulatory standards. This is where CN22 and CN23 Forms come into play. The CN22 and CN23 forms are crucial customs declarations required for international shipments through Australia Post.

Overview of CN22 and CN23 Forms

• CN22 Form: This form is used for items valued under a certain threshold. It provides a simple declaration of the contents, their value, and other relevant information.
• CN23 Form: This form is necessary for items exceeding the value threshold. It includes detailed information about the contents, including their value, origin, and classification, along with an invoice.

Note: By default, the CN23 form will be printed for your shipment. If you need to print the CN22 form instead, certain criteria must be met regarding the shipment’s value and nature. For more detailed information on the requirements and guidelines, please refer to this link: Australia Post CN22 Changes.

Detailed Breakdown of the CN23 Form:

Generally, the label and customs declaration comes on one page for CN23 form.

1. Sender Information: It contains details such as the sender’s Name, Company Name, Address, Telephone, Email, and ABN/ACN.

2. Recipient Information: It includes the recipient’s Name, Company Name, Address, and Contact Number.

3. Customs Declaration: It requires the Full Description of Goods, Value (AUD), Category of Item, HS Tariff No., and Country of Origin.

Full Description of Goods: A detailed description of the item being shipped is required for customs assessment.

Quantities: The number of items

Net Weight: Net weight of the goods

Value (AUD $): Declared value of goods is important for customs assessment and determining applicable duties.

Category of Item: Document, Gift, Commercial Sample, Returned Goods, Other. Specifies what type of item is being shipped; in this case, it might be categorized under “Other”.

HS Tariff No.: This code helps classify goods internationally for customs purposes.

Country of Origin: Indicates where the goods were manufactured or produced, impacting tariffs and import regulations.

4. Export Clearance Number: It is required for goods valued over $2,000 AUD.
Comments: It allows for any additional notes or restrictions.
Licenses/Certificates/Invoice: It includes any relevant documents for shipping specific goods.

5. Barcode and Tracking Number: The barcode with the tracking number (e.g. CH 104 736 875 AU) allows both sender and recipient to track the shipment throughout its journey.

6. Limitations of Liability: A disclaimer indicating that Australia Post is not a common carrier and outlines limitations on liability regarding lost or damaged items during transit.

7. In Case of Non-Delivery: It outlines procedures for undelivered packages.
Return Procedures: It specifies instructions for returning undelivered packages.
Amount of Extra Cover: It indicates whether extra insurance is requested.

8. Office Use Only: reserved for postal staff to record any relevant information during processing, such as weight checks and internal references.
Weight Checked: Indicates the total weight of the package, which is crucial for shipping calculations and compliance with regulations.
‘A’ Scan Completed: Confirms that the scanning process for tracking has been completed, indicating that the package is ready for shipment.

9. Service Type: It indicates the shipping method used for the parcel.

10. Importer’s Details: A reference number and Contact details of the importer.

11. Sender’s Declaration and Signature: It acknowledges that the information provided is true and correct.

Note: Packages without a completed CN22/CN23 form will not be delivered, highlighting its importance for compliance with international shipping regulations.

Key Considerations before International Shipping with Australia Post eParcel on WooCommerce

1. Install and Activate the Plugin:

Download the WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin and activate it on your WooCommerce store. Once activated, register the plugin and start the setup process. For detailed instructions, follow this setup guide.

2. Australia Post eParcel Account:

An Australia Post eParcel account is necessary to connect the carrier with the plugin. If you don’t have an account, contact Australia Post Shipping experts to get one.

3. Label Size and Format:

Configure the label type and size,

• Go to Shipping → Settings → Carriers → Australia Post → Other Details

Adjust the Label format and Label layout according to your requirement.

4. Update WooCommerce Order Status:

Make sure your WooCommerce orders are set to the “Processing” status, as only orders in this stage will be imported into the plugin for label printing. For orders not yet marked as “Processing,” manually update their status accordingly.

How to Set up WooCommerce International Shipping With Australia Post eParcel

To display Australia Post eParcel international shipping Rates at check out and generate label,

• Click on Start to go to the Carriers page
• Or, Go to Shipping → Settings → Carrier (+)

• Select Australia Post from the carrier options
• Click on Add Account

• Enter your account credential and click on Add to connect

• The plugin automatically generates shipping rules for the carriers you add, helping you select which services will appear in your WooCommerce store.
• Go to Shipping → Settings → Shipping Rates → Rate Automation and Click on Edit to adjust the shipping automation rules according to your preferences.

• In the Action Details tab, choose the shipping service you want to display to your customers at at check out. Make sure International services are selected.
• Click on Update Rule

• Similarly create a Set Up Automation rule by going to Shipping → Settings → Shipping Rates → Set Up

• In the Action Details tab, choose the shipping service for which you want to generate a label for your orders.
• Click on Update Rule

After this you will be able to generate labels for your orders and Customers will be able to see the Australia Post eParcel live shipping rates at check out when they enter an international address, just as shown in the image.

To print Australia Post eParcel labels:

• Visit the Orders tab, select the order for which you want to generate and print a shipping label, and click on Generate Labels.

• Select the order again and click on Print Documents to obtain the shipping labels. The plugin will automatically redirect you to the printed eParcel shipping label.

• Once your orders are ready for shipping, the WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin allows you to request a eParcel pick-up directly from your WooCommerce store
• Go to the Orders tab, select the order, and then click on Request Pickup.

• After requesting the pickup, you can visit the Orders tab, select the order ready to be fulfilled, and click on Mark As Fulfilled.

• This action updates the order status to “Completed” in WooCommerce and adds tracking details.
• The WooCommerce Shipping Services plugin will also send the tracking information to customers via the WooCommerce Order Shipped Email. For more information on tracking, refer to this article.

To print the Manifest,

• Go to the Manifest tab and click the Print icon under the Carrier Manifest. Hand it over to the Australia Post agent when they pick up your package.
• Two manifests will be generated:

Manifest 1: Summary of shipments including totals and key data for reporting and reconciliation.

Manifest 2: Detailed report with parcel info for managing shipments.

Conclusion

Integrating Australia Post eParcel into your WooCommerce store provides a reliable solution for efficient international shipping, helping you connect with customers worldwide. By following the setup steps, managing customs requirements, and utilizing tracking features, you can offer a smooth shipping experience that enhances customer satisfaction.

If you’re also interested in domestic shipping, check out this article for information on printing Australia Post eParcel shipping labels and fulfilling your WooCommerce orders within Australia.