Aust Winner 澳洲长风论坛

[xiaoping]

How can I import my personal effects and household goods?

There are two ways these items can be brought into Australia:

The first and most common method is to use a removalist or mover that specialises in packing and transporting goods internationally. These companies, with worldwide affiliations, are a dedicated and professional group that can assist with the import of both sea and air freight. They generally charge a total door-to-door fee that may include the costs associated with clearing your goods through Quarantine (but not charges for treatments directed by AQIS).


Alternatively, you may choose to use a freight forwarding company to move your goods; once they arrive in Australia you can employ a customs broker who will facilitate the clearance of your goods through Quarantine on your behalf, or you can clear your goods yourself.


How do I clear my goods myself through Quarantine?

Check with your freight forwarder that your goods have been delivered to a Quarantine-approved depot. The freight forwarder will levy a facilitation fee that includes port charges, transport, administration and container unpacking costs, and the depot holding your goods may charge storage and facilitation fees.

It’s important you fill out an 'Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement', which can be found (in English only) on the Customs web site. If you would like this form in a language other than English, call 1300 363 263 (in Australia) or + 61 2 6275 6666 (outside Australia), or email information@customs.gov.au. You can also obtain this form from your removalist or the Australian Embassy or Consulate in your country. There are penalties for providing false or misleading information on this form.

Once you have received notification (usually by mail) from your freight forwarder that your goods are available for clearance, collect a delivery order from the forwarder.

Visit the Australian Customs Service Office in your state for Customs clearance of your goods.

Visit the AQIS office in your state to present your packing list, your completed Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement, delivery order and any valid treatment certificates. AQIS will examine your packing list for items of Quarantine concern and may ask questions about your goods. If someone else will be clearing your goods they will need to sign a statutory declaration indicating that they are doing so on your behalf.

All personal effects consignments are subject to Quarantine. Items of potential quarantine risk will need to be inspected. Other goods coming from countries with identifiable quarantine risks may receive a higher level of inspection.

If your personal effects require inspection a Quarantine Entry (a legal document issued under the Quarantine Act 1908) will be created at a cost and you will need to make an appointment for the inspection.

At the inspection you will be required to open and unpack your consignment (so you will need to bring along the necessary tools to do so, such as a crowbar and hammer). While you are present an AQIS officer will inspect your goods.

Documentation charges for a manual quarantine entry and inspection of your goods will be charged as per the AQIS fee schedule outlined in the fees and charges for Import Clearance webpage. The fees that will apply to you are the fee for service rates for an unmanned depot or manned depot dependant on which region you have your goods processed in.

Following inspection your goods may be cleared, items of Quarantine concern held for treatment, or prohibited items seized and destroyed. You may also choose to re-export items of value.

Treatments include steam cleaning for the removal of soil contamination, fumigation of timber items to destroy insect pests, and heat treatment to devitalise plant material. A Quarantine-approved provider who will levy the charge directly to you or through the depot facilitating the treatment service must apply treatment.

You are responsible for transporting your goods once they have been cleared.
Please note that special requirements apply to clearing personal effects that belong to military and diplomatic personnel.



Further information

First call AQIS in your State office for further information on Quarantine clearance of your personal effects.

For further enquiries on Australian Quarantine requirements for personal effects please contact the Import Clearance Program import.clearance@aqis.gov.au or phone +61 2 6272 3999.

For further information on Australian Customs Service requirements for clearing personal effects, visit the Customs website email: information@customs.gov.au or phone 1300 363 263 within Australia.