Exporting beer overseas can unlock new markets, grow brand recognition, and help breweries build distribution networks around the world. Whether you are sending full pallet shipments to distributors or small sample shipments to importers, understanding the export process is essential to avoid delays, compliance issues, or unnecessary costs.
This guide explains how breweries export beer from Australia, including documentation requirements, excise considerations, and the best shipping methods for both commercial shipments and sample consignments.
Why Breweries Export Beer
Australian craft breweries are increasingly exporting beer to markets such as the USA, UK, Singapore, Japan and Europe.
Exporting allows breweries to:
- access new international markets
- supply overseas distributors and retailers
- send product samples to potential importers
- support international marketing campaigns or trade shows
- grow brand recognition globally
However, exporting alcohol products requires careful planning because beer is classified as an excisable alcohol product in Australia.
Step 1: Understand the Australian Export Requirements
Beer exports are regulated differently from wine exports.
Unlike wine, beer does not require export approval from Wine Australia. Instead, breweries must comply with customs and excise requirements administered by Australian government agencies.
Two key authorities are involved:
- Australian Border Force: manages export declarations and customs clearance
- Australian Taxation Office: regulates alcohol excise
Before beer can leave Australia, exporters must ensure the shipment is correctly declared and any excise obligations are addressed.
Step 2: Decide Whether the Beer Will Be Exported Under Bond
Because beer is an excisable product, breweries must determine whether excise will be paid before export. There are two common export pathways.
Export under bond (excise not paid)
Many breweries export beer under bond, meaning excise is not paid before export. In this case:
- beer is transported under excise control to the port or airport
- an ATO movement permission is required
- the beer must remain under customs control until exported
This option avoids paying Australian excise on product that will be consumed overseas.
Export after excise is paid
Some breweries pay excise first and export the beer later. In this situation:
- the beer is treated as domestic product
- the exporter can later claim an excise drawback from the Australian Taxation Office after the shipment leaves Australia
This approach can simplify logistics for smaller breweries or occasional exporters.
Step 3: Lodge an Export Declaration
All goods leaving Australia must be declared to Australian Border Force. This process generates an Export Declaration Number (EDN) confirming the shipment has been cleared for export.
The declaration is normally lodged by:
- the exporter
- a customs broker
- a freight forwarder
Without an export declaration, goods cannot legally leave Australia.
Step 4: Prepare Export Documentation
International beer shipments require standard export documentation. Typical documents include:
- commercial invoice
- packing list
- export declaration (EDN)
- air waybill or bill of lading
- import permits (if required by the destination country)
- certificate of origin (sometimes required)
Some countries may also require food safety or health certificates issued by the Department of Agriculture.
Choosing the Best Shipping Method for Beer Exports
The best shipping method depends on shipment size, urgency, and destination.
Shipping beer by sea freight
Sea freight is the most common option for large commercial shipments. Typical sea freight shipments include:
- pallets of beer
- full container loads (FCL)
- consolidated shipments (LCL)
Advantages
- lower cost per carton or pallet
- suitable for large volumes
- ideal for distributor orders
Considerations
- longer transit times
- temperature management may be required for some beer styles
- shelf life should be considered when exporting
Sea freight is often used when breweries supply overseas distributors or wholesalers.
Shipping beer by air freight
Air freight is commonly used for:
- urgent shipments
- product launches
- trade shows
- distributor replenishment orders
Advantages
- fast transit times
- reduced risk of temperature exposure
- ideal for premium products or time sensitive shipments
Air freight is also the preferred option for sending beer samples to potential importers.
Sending Beer Samples Overseas
Sending samples is often the first step in developing export relationships. Breweries frequently send:
- 6 to 24 bottles or cans
- mixed sample packs
- new product releases for evaluation
Sample shipments are typically sent by air freight or express courier services to ensure they arrive quickly and in good condition.
When sending beer samples internationally, exporters should consider:
- alcohol import rules in the destination country
- packaging requirements for glass bottles or cans
- customs documentation requirements
Working with a freight provider experienced in alcohol shipping can help ensure sample shipments arrive smoothly.
Packaging Requirements for Exporting Beer
Proper packaging is essential to protect beer during international transport. Best practices include:
- strong outer cartons
- internal cushioning for bottles or cans
- palletisation for large shipments
- moisture resistant packaging for sea freight
For air shipments, packaging must also comply with airline and courier safety requirements for liquids.
Import Requirements in the Destination Country
Once beer arrives overseas, the importer is responsible for local compliance. This may include:
- alcohol import permits
- customs duties
- alcohol taxes
- VAT or GST
- product registration requirements
Import rules vary significantly by country, so breweries should confirm requirements before shipping.
Why Breweries Use Get Freighted for Alcohol Shipping
Exporting alcohol internationally can be complex, particularly when dealing with customs regulations, excise rules and destination country import requirements.
Get Freighted specialises in shipping alcohol products internationally, including beer, wine and spirits. Our team has helped over 1,000 customers successfully ship alcohol products overseas, supporting breweries, wineries and distilleries across Australia.
Key benefits of using Get Freighted
- Up to 36% cheaper international shipping. Our negotiated carrier rates can significantly reduce international freight costs compared with standard courier pricing.
- Easy to use online shipping portal. Create shipments, generate documentation and manage bookings through a simple online platform.
- Real time tracking. Track every shipment through our centralised portal for full visibility of your international deliveries.
- Alcohol shipping expertise. Our team understands the compliance requirements involved in shipping beer, wine and spirits internationally.
- Detailed alcohol import guides. Access destination specific alcohol import guides covering duties, taxes, documentation requirements and shipping restrictions for major global markets.
- Support for both large and small shipments. From sample shipments to potential importers through to full pallet or container exports, our team can help you ship alcohol internationally with confidence.
Register for a Get Freighted Account
If you are planning to export beer overseas, the first step is to create a Get Freighted account: register for an account here.
Once registered, you can:
- access discounted international shipping rates
- book air and sea freight shipments
- generate export documentation
- track shipments in real time
- access detailed alcohol import guides by destination country
Create your Get Freighted account today and start shipping beer, wine and spirits internationally with confidence.
Our team is here to help breweries of all sizes navigate international alcohol logistics and grow their presence in global markets.