Moving to Australia

G’day! Planning a move to Australia? Personal belongings entering Australia are subject to bio-security control. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources may inspect your goods. Relax! Our International Moving Experts at Humboldt will help you through the process.

Some items may require treatment or may be destroyed or exported at your expense. There are a number of steps you can take to facilitate the release of your personal effects from bio-security control with the least costs and time delays.

There are two golden rules you need to keep in mind when packing, according to the Australian Department of Agriculture:

RULE ONE –  the department will be interested in any item that originated from an animal or a plant (including timber), or contains part of an animal or a plant.

RULE TWO – the department will be interested in any item that has been in contact with animals, plants, water, food or soil. For example, these items of interest could include used shoes; camping equipment; or garden tools.

Below are some items that the Department will not permit to be imported:

• fresh fruit and vegetables
• live plants and bulbs
• prohibited and restricted seeds
• unidentified seeds, which can include some foods, 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 items, or items containing organic residues
• items knowingly infested with pests or a disease.

For more information here is a list of common items of quarantine concern on the Australian Department of Agriculture’s website. http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/moving-immigrating/personal_effects

The key to a successful move is planning, planning and more planning. Use this Interactive Checklist tool for a guide to the kinds of things you’ll need to do before you move to Australia. http://movingtoaustralia.westpac.com.au/moving-to-australia