Country guides

Australia

The information contained within this leaflet has been specially compiled to help those moving to Australia for the first time. It is by no means a comprehensive guide and to satisfy yourself of further information we recommend that you contact the Australian Embassy or visit the Australian Customs Service website.

Customs Duties and Taxes

General Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
You may import your household goods into Australia without paying duty provided you have owned and used them overseas for a minimum of twelve months before you leave for Australia. Duty will be payable on alcoholic drinks, tobacco and goods owned for less than twelve months.

Documents Required:
• Inventory of goods in English (Prepared by Atlantic International Movers Ltd)
• Completed Australian Customs form B534 (Supplied by Atlantic International Movers Ltd)
• Copy of your passport (photo page only please)
• Receipts for items less than 12 months old

Wedding Presents
Duty and tax applicable in line with the regulations for normal used household effects.

Inheritance
If you are permanently domiciled in Australia you may import inherited goods free of duty provided they will not be used for trade or business purposes.

Documents required:
• Statutory declaration
• Copy of Death Certificate
• Copy of Will or certified relevant extract of Will

Antiques
Bona fide antiques (i.e. over 100 years old) can be imported into Australia free of duty provided they are accompanied by a LAPADA Certificate confirming authenticity.

Documents Required;
• ‘LAPADA Certificate’ of authenticity
• Completed Australian Customs form B534

Quarantine Inspection
All household goods are subject to inspection by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Any items contaminated with soil or containing borers (woodworm) will be cleaned and/or fumigated at your expense.

Further information on specific items can be found on the AQIS website. 

Cars and Motorcycles
The importation of motor vehicles into Australia is strictly controlled and all vehicles are subject to duty and/or Goods and Services Tax (GST). The amount of duty and GST will be dependant on when you originally purchased the vehicle and the Customs value of the vehicle. More information on the current rates of duty are shown in a document called ‘Guide to the importation of privately owned motor vehicles or motorcycles’ which can be found on the Australian Customs Service website.

Vehicles entering Australia must comply with Australian design regulations however, concessions are given for a personally imported vehicle. The vehicle will still have to attain a basic level of safety requirements relating principally to lighting, seat belts, child restraint anchorages and glazing. To be eligible for a personally imported vehicle you must meet the following criteria;
• Be of driving age and an Australian citizen or a migrant holding permanent residency in Australia
• Owned and used the vehicle overseas for a continuous period of at least three months
• You must not have imported another vehicle into Australia under this concession in the previous twelve months.

You will also need to apply for Vehicle Import Approval from the Federal office of Road safety in Canberra. It is recommended that approval is sought prior to shipment to prevent any complications when the vehicle arrives in Australia.

Enquiries regarding Vehicle Import approval should be directed to The Administrator, Vehicle Safety Standards Branch, Department of Transport and Regional Services, GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601. Telephone 0061 (0) 2 6274 7506 or on the website.

Upon arrival, The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service inspects all vehicles to ensure that they have been cleaned to an appropriate standard. If not they will arrange for the vehicle to be steam cleaned at your expense. For further information refer to the AQIS website. 

Documents Required
• Australian Customs form B357
• Registration papers
• Car condition report
• Copy of Passport
• Receipted sales invoice
• Vehicle import approval

Pets
Cats and dogs may only be imported into Australia from AQIS approved countries and must be accompanied by a valid Permit to Import. Application forms for import permits can be obtained from the relevant Animal Quarantine Station where the pet will be held upon arrival. Further information can be found on the website for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Firearms
Most firearms can be imported into Australia provided you obtain Police authorisation from the state in which you intend to reside. However, some firearms, primarily automatic weapons, require written approval from the Federal Attorney General prior to import. Upon arrival the firearm will be forwarded to the Commonwealth Police for ballistics inspection. It will only be released provided it passes this inspection and the relative firearm licence has been issued.

You must not import ammunition of any kind.

Prohibited Items
You must not import narcotics, drugs or any items made from endangered species. Australian quarantine regulations also restrict the import of birds, feathers, eggs, fish, dairy products, meat, fruit, vegetables, seeds, live plants and live insects. These items should not be imported without seeking professional advice.

Additional Information
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, Atlantic International Movers can accept no responsibility for amendments made to the information supplied prior to or after its publication. For further information and advice please contact us.