ITEMS NOT ALLOWED

Drugs of dependence, for example, narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquillizers must be declared to Customs (they should not be included in any shipment of household goods and personal effects). Goods such as dangerous weapons (including spring-bladed knives, daggers, sword-sticks and knuckledusters), are prohibited. Firearms including air, gas, flame and starting pistols and spear guns are subject to import restrictions and will be subject to release on approval from the Police authorities. All firearms and ammunition imported in Australia must be declared to Customs. Any article made from wildlife species must be checked with us, before shipping, as they may be prohibited.Click here for a full list of prohibited and restricted imports in to Australia.

Alcohol:

A recent industry meeting with Australian Customs has led to them updating us on the requirements for the importation of alcohol into Australia.

Previously Customs have been lenient on small amounts imported and open bottles. The ruling has been made that ALL alcohol must be dutiable and as such the tiniest amount imported will be affected “even if the duty is 5c..”, 1 can of beer will attract duty.

With this in mind it is even more important now that our clients understand the importance of their decision to ship alcohol. If they do ship alcohol then they need to ensure that they supply acomprehensive detailed list of what has been shipped as per the attached form (Click here to get the form). Failure to complete any detail on the form will result in their entire shipment being held by Customs until they have the correct information.

We ask for your assistance in getting this information in the hope that we can minimize delays in the clearance process. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to ask.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS – HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
All goods entering into Australia are subject to Customs inspection and clearance. Unaccompanied baggage and household goods may be imported into Australia free of customs duty providing the personal and household effects have been owned and used overseas for (12) twelve months or more preceding the customer’s departure for Australia. Items not in this category, which have been owned and used for less than twelve months, will be subject to duty. The rates applicable vary and purchase receipts, invoices or the like will be required to substantiate values involved. All alcohol is dutiable and must be declared, even partly used bar stock.

Customs Clearance

Australian – Quarantine Update

The Australian Quarantine Inspect Service (AQIS) has changed its name to theDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

As part of this change the B534 Combined Customs form has been amended. This form must be completed by all customers coming into Australia.

A Customs form (B534e) issue 6/00 (no earlier) Unaccompanied Baggage Statement must be signed and completed by the owner of the goods to clear the shipment when it arrives in Australia. Photocopies of passport pages including Australian entry stamp (some ports of entry require copy of all pages including blank pages, – check with our agent at port of entry) together with a full descriptive inventory in English are required to clear Customs. (Original passport may be required by Customs for car clearance). It is preferable that the completed Customs declaration, passport copies and inventory are attached to shipping documents and received by our agent prior to arrival of the shipment.

VEHICLES

When importing a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, new or second hand, theclient must obtain an import permit from the Federal Office of Road Safety inCanberra. This permit must be obtained prior to shipping.

It is critical to have your vehicle clean and spotless. Youneed to clean the vehicle inside out including the engine are and underneath.Pay special attention to the wheel banks.

Any reaming of mud or dirt, will result in Australian customs cleaning yourvehicle and charging you for it.
Click here to get an application for an approval to import a Vehicle ->https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/online_form.aspx

DO NOT SHIP YOUR ROAD VEHICLE UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR IMPORT APPROVAL

Importing Vehicles to Australia Brochure

The importation of road vehicles (that are nonstandard or do not have an identification plate) without a road vehicle import approval is prohibited under theMotor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. It is an offence which carries with a maximum penalty of 120 penalty units (refer to the Crimes Act 1914 section 4AA). Vehicles not covered by an import approval may not becleared by Customs and may be held in Customs bond storage. Storage charges may apply.

Refer to the Vehicle Imports page on the Department’s website www.infrastructure.gov.au to access more information on importing road vehicles.

We strongly recommend that if you are a first time importer that you complete the ‘Quick Quiz’ on this site to self-assess youreligibility.

Any missing documents or incomplete applications will delay the issue of a vehicle import approval.

PLANNING

Completing this form will take several minutes. You will be unable to save the form or exit during the process. Therefore it is imperative that you have all the required documents scanned and ready to upload when requested.
For a full list of the documents that are required for each option please review the Department’s web site. Alternative documents or forms of evidence may be provided where appropriate.
This system accepts uploads in a range of formats and virtually all document and image types, but submission is limited to 8MB, therefore you should ensure your documents do not exceed this requirement. For more details please see the FAQ on Upload File Types and Sizes.

The form: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/online_form.aspx
Department’s Vehicle Imports Enquiries Team on 1-800-815-272.

QUARANTINE

Australia is very dependent upon primary industries such as livestock and agriculture. Australia is fortunate, indeed unique, in its freedom from many diseases of humans, animals and plants which affect other parts of the world.
As a result, quarantine regulations are strict and, if in any doubt, please check with our agent at the port of entry into Australia prior to shipment.

While live animals are the greatest risk, animal products such as fresh and tinned MEAT, SALAMI, EGGS and DAIRY PRODUCTS are risk items. Many such articles or goods are prohibited, as are plants, soil, seeds, skins, shells and the like.

When importing a motor vehicle, motorbike, caravan or trailer the quarantine authorities will inspect the vehicle on arrival and may require it to be steam cleaned. Clearance will be assisted if all soil, etc., is removed from the vehicle (including underneath) before shipment. This also applies to any item, which comes in contact with soil, e.g., lawn mowers, garden tools, garden furniture and bicycles.

WARNING: Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law and severe penalties apply.

Please consult our GUIDE TO Quarantine items of interest

For Additional Information, Visit:http://www.customs.gov.au

Important:This information is intended for general guidance. Forward Van Lines Internationalcannot take responsibility for any errors or oversights or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. It is advisable to contact the AustralianEmbassy at www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/home.htmlfor most updated information prior to yourshipping.