Removals to Australia: Customs Information

Removals to Australia . International Removals . Moving House Overseas

International removals to Australia and other overseas destinations are more complicated than moving house within the UK due to the Customs & Excise regulations applied to importing your belongings.

Below is a guide to current Australian Customs & Excise regulations. Please note that information is correct at time of publishing but may change at any time. Hamiltons Australian removals department will guide you through all relevant Customs & Excise regulations prior to your overseas move.

• When your container or part load arrives, you either need to be in the country yourself or nominate a third party to clear your effects. If someone does this on your behalf you may incur additional charges and you must arrive in Australia within six months of shipment arriving.
• You will not be charged duty on goods providing that they have been owned and used abroad for at least twelve months prior to them being transported to Australia.
• Any new items that have been bought within twelve months of importation must be declared to Australian customs. Duty and goods & services tax will  be charged on new items.
• Household and personal effects are subject to physical examination by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). It is strongly advised that all items that have come into contact with soil and vegetation – e.g. bikes, garden furniture and equipment, golf clubs etc are thoroughly cleaned prior to packing to minimise extra cleaning costs
• Fridges and freezers containing CFC refrigerants will be allowed entry when imported as part of a household move by a first time immigrant or a returning Australian who originally purchased the item in Australia.
• You are allowed to import alcohol. This will be subject to customs duty and goods & service tax.

To clear your goods through customs we will require the following:

• A completed Australian customs form (B534)
• Photocopy of passport, photo page
• Copy of visa
• Inventory list (this will be completed by our removal crew)

 Restrictions

• Please do not pack any food items within the shipment.
• Untreated wooden items, skins, feathers
• Furs and tusks from endangered species are all prohibited

Prior authorisation required

• You must obtain prior import approval for all motor vehicles – including: cars, motorbikes, motorised caravans, sit-on lawn-mowers and quad bikes). All motor vehicles are subject to duty and Goods & Services tax which is calculated on the value and age of the vehicle.
• Boats, non-motorised caravans, trailers can be imported duty and GST free however a vehicle import approval must still be sought prior to entry.
• Once imported, changes to the vehicle may be required to make it compliant with Australian safety standards.
• Any vehicle that is shipped without prior approval from the Australian authorities is liable for re-export or destruction and a possible fine.
• All motor vehicles must have their chassis and wheels steam cleaned prior to transporting. Vehicles should only be shipped with a minimal amount of fuel in the tank.

Below is a list of documentation required to import motor vehicles:

• Australian customs form (B357)
• Vehicle registration form (V5)
• Sales or purchase invoice
• Service Record
• Import approval

Firearms also require prior authorisation from the police department of the relevant state before shipping.

Removals to Australia – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move, or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Click here to download the required customs documentation