Australian Customs & Quarantine Guide
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Understanding what you can and cannot bring will help ensure your shipment clears customs smoothly.
Biosecurity is Serious
Australian biosecurity protects the country's unique ecosystem. Fines for non-compliance can exceed $500,000 AUD. When in doubt, leave it out.
Prohibited Items
These items cannot be brought into Australia under any circumstances. Do not include them in your shipment.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Meat and meat products
- Seeds, bulbs, and live plants
- Eggs and egg products
- Untreated wood products with bark
- Soil and sand
- Products containing seeds (e.g., decorative items)
- Straw-based products
- Feathers and down (untreated)
- Animal products (bones, horns, shells)
Australia is an island continent with unique flora and fauna that have evolved in isolation. Foreign pests and diseases could devastate:
- The $70+ billion agriculture industry
- Native wildlife and ecosystems
- Tourism and natural heritage
- Public health
Restricted Items
These items can be imported but must meet specific conditions. Quarantine inspection may apply.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Wooden furniture | Must be clean, free of bark, and may require fumigation |
| Leather goods | Must be fully processed and tanned |
| Wool and animal hair | Must be clean and commercially processed |
| Cane and bamboo | Must be clean and treated |
| Camping/outdoor gear | Must be thoroughly cleaned of soil and plant material |
| Golf clubs & sporting equipment | Must be clean and free of soil |
| Garden tools | Must be spotlessly clean and sanitised |
| Bicycles | Must be clean with no soil or plant matter |
Duty-Free Personal Effects
Personal household goods that have been owned and used for at least 12 months before your arrival generally qualify for duty-free import.
- Personal clothing and footwear
- Household furniture and effects (used)
- Books and personal documents
- Personal electronics (used)
- Kitchen items (used)
- Bedding and linen (used)
- Personal tools of trade
To clear customs, you will need:
- B534 Form (Unaccompanied Personal Effects)
- Passport copy
- Visa documentation
- Detailed packing list
- Bill of Lading (provided by shipper)
Our team handles all customs documentation as part of our door-to-door service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most personal household effects that have been owned and used for 12+ months before your move are duty-free. New or recently purchased items may attract duty and GST.
Prohibited items will be confiscated and destroyed. You may also face fines. It is better to dispose of prohibited items before shipping to avoid delays and additional costs.
Standard clearance takes 3-5 business days after your shipment arrives. If your container is selected for quarantine inspection, add 1-3 additional days.
You do not need to be present, but you will need to have completed a B534 form (Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement) and provided necessary documentation to your customs broker.
Let Us Handle Customs for You
Our experienced team manages all customs and quarantine documentation, ensuring your shipment arrives without delays or complications.