Australia's Strict Regulations
Before moving to Australia, most have already heard of Australia's strict regulations.
With the lure of sunshine, lower cost of living and a lifestyle in the great outdoors, Australia wins hands down. It’s no surprise that an average of 30,000 Brits a year move to Australia, in the past 30 years.
However, all expats will know that before arriving in Australia, there are some tough rules and regulations around what you can and can’t bring into the country. If you’ve ever seen Nothing To Declare, a TV programme that follows Australian Border Security, you’ll have seen that even the most honest of souls can end up with something deemed ‘suspicious’ in their backpack.
Plan your move months in advance.
Bananas? Spices? A Yucca plant? All seemingly harmless in origin but Australia’s strict controls on importing things such as fresh fruit and vegetables can be enough to have your luggage searched (and there you were just trying to embrace the healthy Australian lifestyle!).
Before you start unpacking and panicking, there are a few simple ways to avoid any embarrassment.
At PSS International Removals, we like to discuss moves 4-6 months prior to your departure and will be able to tell you exactly what you can and can’t take to Australia. A basic list of goods that are prohibited can be seen on our website here.
Prepare for quarantine inspection.
Start thinking about what needs to be cleaned before you start packing for your move to Australia.
It’s worth noting that whilst packing up your household goods, they may need to be cleaned and completely free of any unwanted dust, grass, or soil. Your international removalists will be able to advise you on the necessity to plan ahead with certain belongings. Also checkout, 31 questions to ask when you get your Australia shipping quote.
The guidelines from the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources are clear and precise on how they expect products such as lawnmowers and hoovers to be packed and delivered.
They recommend travellers empty, drain, clean and dry the following:
- All used equipment and machinery – drain all standing water, and ensure the equipment (e.g. barbeques, lawnmowers and quad bikes) is free from contamination
- Garden furniture, fencing, pots and ornaments, outdoor toys, tools and implements
- Animal beds and bedding, cages, tanks, saddlery and grooming equipment
- Waste bins, brooms, vacuum cleaners
- Kitchenware
- Freshwater sporting equipment
- Camping and sporting equipment
- Carpets, rugs and mats – vacuum
What you cannot bring on your person.
In terms of personal effects, the guidelines from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources have a very specific list of the dos and don’ts of fruit and seed trafficking into Oz.
The following cannot be brought into the country as personal effects:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- live plants and bulbs
- prohibited and restricted seeds
- unidentified seeds (including spices)
- live animals (including pets) that require an import permit
- biological products including some plant based, herbal medications
- unprocessed goods of plant or animal origin
- soiled goods, or goods containing organic residues
- goods knowingly infested with pests or a disease.
Restricted wooden items and products with plant material.
It’s also essential that any timber or wooden items are checked before transportation, including toys and instruments. Products containing plant material also need to be thoroughly examined. This can mean anything from decorations, potpourri, and jewelry so be clued up before you make the trip across the globe.
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What Are You Taking to Sydney When You Move? Do You Know Yet?
The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you.
But you do have to get a shipping quote ASAP, especially now.
Why? Because international moving companies need to schedule your move to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance. Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping.
When filling out the form below…
- You don’t need a street address for where you’re moving to, only the city and country. What they really want to know is the main shipping port.
- Moving date is an estimate. You don’t need exact dates right now. Go with your best guess.
- Estimate volume is an estimate. Don’t bother with calculating your volume. Use one of the estimates below for your estimated volume.
- Studio or 1 Bedroom —> 20 m3
- 2 Bedroom —> 25 m3
- 3 Bedroom —> 30 m3
- 4 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom + Car —> 50 m3
- Use your “real” contact details for BOTH phone and email. Yes, the form is secure. If you don’t use your real contact details, then they can’t get in touch with you for your quote. Makes sense, right?
