Relocating to Australia
Taking your possessions with you

Many people bring personal belongings to Australia, or wish to. Indeed, some bring entire households. Clearly, this can be a major undertaking and it is best to be aware of what’s involved.
 

Overwhelmingly, it is advisable to appoint a shipping agent with comprehensive facilities or associations in Australia. Modern computer systems will generate and send you notifications, advising you of the vessel your belongings are on, its arrival date into what port, the name of destination agent and other important details. It is vital to note that Australia has strict Quarantine and customs laws.

On arrival in Australia the container containing your properties will be collected by your agent, hauled to their depot and unloaded into their Customs bonded store. There, the shipments will undergo Customs and Quarantine clearance. These clearances normally take around 14-21 days, but this time frame can vary during the year according to traffic and other conditions. Once cleared, deliveries to main metro areas usually take place between 7 and 14 days after clearance. Deliveries to other destinations in Australia will take a bit longer, especially if you’re going to a remote town or location.
 

Australia is free of many of the pests and animal or crop diseases found in many other countries and the government intends to keep it that way via its Quarantine Inspection Service. All shipments entering Australia are subject to Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) clearance before they can be delivered to your new address.
 

Make sure your shipping agent is fully qualified to guide you and your property through this process, in which AQIS officers visit their bond store to inspect and clear each shipment. These officers decide which shipments require physical examination based on the contents of the shipment as described on your packing list or inventory and Customs form. So make sure it is accurate.

Like most countries, Australian customs regulations include prohibited items and duties payable on items people may wish to bring into the country. It is your responsibility to make sure you know how current Australian Customs regulations relate to your own personal circumstances, for example, whether or not you will be liable to pay any duty or taxes on your shipment or any items in it. If a formal Customs entry has to be made, a fee may be charged for this. If you have dutiable goods in your shipment, Customs may ask you to provide documentary evidence (sales receipts, invoices, insurance papers, etc.) to confirm your ownership of the goods, period of ownership, and their value.

Some items are absolutely prohibited, like spring-bladed knives, daggers, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters, paint ball guns, and items manufactured with CFC refrigerant and there are restrictions on the importation of firearms (including air, gas, and starting pistols).
 

Clearly, it’s of paramount importance to make sure your shipment is entirely ‘legal’ before it leaves your home country, as it must be cleared through Customs before you can take delivery. In order to clear the shipment you will have to complete a packing list or inventory, provide a copy of your passport photo page and visa page if applicable and an Australian Customs form B534 carefully completed.
 

It is clear that it’s advisable to appoint an experienced and reputable agent to assist and help you relocate with minimum fuss.