Import FAQs

Household Goods and Personal Effects entering Australia in order to be a duty/tax free importation must meet the criteria to be classified as such, ie., goods must have been owned and used by the shipper for at least 12 months prior to shipping and the owner of the goods must be arriving in Australia no later than 6 months after the shipment.

Unlike many other countries, shipments of personal and household effects entering Australia are not permitted to be delivered from the port/airport directly to client residence. All shipments must go via an approved Customs and Quarantine Bonded Depot such as OSS World Wide Movers depot, primarily due to the mandatory Quarantine Inspection process.

For Sole Use FCL shipments the container is moved “under bond” from the port to our depot where it is carefully unstuffed into one of our own OSS containers. Typically the OSS container is placed on the ground about 1m from the shipping lines container and goods transferred by our crew. At this time, goods are tallied and any discrepancies or obvious damages noted.

LCL and Airfreight shipments are likewise moved “under bond” to our depot and prepared for the Quarantine Inspection there. Items of quarantine interest are identified from the packing list/descriptive inventory and are put to one side and loaded at the doors of the OSS container for ease of access at the time of the inspection.

FCL shipments remain in the OSS container(s) until the Quarantine Inspection is finalised and ready for delivery, which also is usually in the same OSS container(s).

There are two levels of clearance to be obtained, one from Customs (Australian Border Force) and one from Quarantine (DAWR or Department of Agriculture and Water Resources). The client/transferee is not required to attend at these Inspections. Once both the Clearances have been obtained, the delivery can be arranged. Customs clearance usually takes place first (Customs examinations are infrequent) followed by the Quarantine Inspection (every shipment is Quarantine inspected) and clearance.

For further information about sending personal belongings to Australia, see: https://www.border.gov.au/Factsheets/Documents/sendingpersonalbelongingstoaustraliafinal2015feb17.pdf

Clearance and delivery of HHGPE shipments arriving in Australia normally take the following time periods from arrival until delivered at residence (based on residence in same city/area).

Full container loads (FCLs)

From the vessel arrival date it usually takes 7-10 working days (excluding Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays) for the shipment to move from the wharf, unstuffed ready for Quarantine Inspection, inspected by Quarantine and cleared by Quarantine and Customs, then scheduled for delivery to residence.

Full container loads (FCLs)

From the vessel arrival date it usually takes 7-10 working days (excluding Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays) for the shipment to move from the wharf, unstuffed ready for Quarantine Inspection, inspected by Quarantine and cleared by Quarantine and Customs, then scheduled for delivery to residence.

LCL

Same process as for FCLs with the process usually taking 12-15 working days from ETA however we must wait for the NVOCC forwarders agent in Australia to unstuff the FAK (freight of all kind container) and make the LCL shipment available for us to collect from the Forwarders depot and transfer them under bond to our OSS bonded depot, the procedure then is the same as for FCL (Quarantine Inspection/Clearances/Schedule and perform delivery).

Groupages

Same process as for FCLs with unstuffing/deconsolidation of the container taking place at our warehouse by our staff then Quarantine Inspection/Clearances/Scheduling and performing delivery, all up 10-13 working days.

Airfreight

The normal timespan is 5-7 working days from freight arrival until delivery. We move cargo from airport under bond to our bonded warehouse for Quarantine Inspection/Clearances/Schedule and performing delivery.

It is critical with air shipments you forward us documentation at least 24 hours prior to arrival (see below re weekend arrival) in order to avoid serious issues with Customs.

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS REQUIRE ALL SEA CARGO TO BE REPORTED NO LATER THAN 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ETA IN AUSTRALIA AND AIR FREIGHT 2 HOURS PRIOR TO AIRCRAFT ARRIVAL. PLEASE THEREFORE ENSURE THAT ALL SEA FREIGHT DOCUMENTATION IS FORWARDED AT LEAST 5 DAYS PRIOR TO VESSEL ARRIVAL AND AIR FREIGHT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, (SEE BELOW RE WEEKEND ARRIVAL) IN ORDER TO AVOID FINANCIAL PENALTIES WHICH AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS HAVE ADVISED WILL BE IMPOSED AND ENFORCED.

Client’s residential address must be noted on your pre-alert. It is advisable to send Airfreight to arrive in Australia on either a Mon/Tues/Wed as we only have 24-48 hours in which to clear the freight and collect it from the air terminal before storage charges apply. This is very difficult if the freight arrives on Thurs/Fri since some freight forwarders include Sat/Sun in this 24-48 hour period. Weekend arrival can also make it virtually impossible for us to comply with the 2 hours prior to arrival customs reporting deadline.

Please fax/email a copy of the Master Airway bill as soon as available and the AWB should be consigned to OSS World Wide Movers, not the client.

The months of December and January each year in Australia is the summer vacation period and school holiday period. It is also the period of peak activity in the removal industry as it is the time Government Agencies (Police, Teachers etc) transfer their staff domestically. The 31st December is also the time many corporations transfer their staff or engage in expat contract transfers in/out. Private individuals also seek to move in/out just before Christmas or across the school holiday period mid-December to end January, when they are off work.

In December there are 2 Public Holidays for Christmas and Boxing Day and in January 2 other Public Holidays for New Year‘s Day and Australia Day (26th January). Where these days fall on weekends the Public Holidays flow over into the following week.

Therefore if your client is looking for delivery on a specific date we suggest you consider the following, bearing in mind storage will apply after 10 days from ETA (FCL & airfreight) 15 days from ETA (LCL & groupage) which is the period we allow for normal clearance and delivery process:

Normal time of year

FCLs 7-10 working days from ETA

Groupage 10-13 working days from ETA

LCL 12-15 working days from ETA

Airfreight 5-7 working days from ETA

December/January

FCLs 12-18 working days from ETA

Groupage 15-22 working days from ETA

LCL 16-20 working days from ETA

Airfreight 7-10 working days from ETA

Any planned delivery dates across the December/January period should factor in the above and you should ensure you communicate such requirements to us at the earliest possible time so we can work with you for the best outcome.

Finally, despite being period of peak activity, December/January is also the period during which both Government Agencies Australian Border Force (Customs) and Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (Quarantine) tend to be short-staffed (staff on leave etc.,) so normal clearances and inspections can take longer than at other times.

The cumulative effect of the above can mean the normal 7-10 working days for Clearance and Delivery of FCLs (and 10-12 days for Groupage, 12-15 days for LCL and 5-7 days for Airfreight) can be virtually doubled and the uncertainty involved due to Custom and Quarantine manning make it more difficult to pre-commit dates to clients.

OSS continues operations across this period only being closed on weekends and on the Public Holidays mentioned above.

Please bear in mind that despite the above if we manage to finalise clearance quickly then storage will apply after 10 days from ETA for FCLs and airfreight and 15 days from ETA for LCL and groupage.

For clearances of straight forward personal effects consignments, we would require the following documentation –

• Your pre-advice including billing instructions, customers contact details etc.
• B534 Customs form (if completed by client at origin).
• Packing list a full descriptive and numbered packing list is important in order to clear consignments of personal effects into Australia. Description of packages as PBO will draw a charge for a full customs inspection for which a fee of $200-$400 may apply.
• Copy of passport photo page with signature. Note signature on B534 must match passport signature or Customs form will be rejected.
• Import Permit (on motor vehicle, motor cycles, trailers).
• Telex/Express release OBL.

The rest of the documents we will collect directly from the client. We are also more than happy to collect the Customs Declaration (B534) form and passport copy from the client at this end.

• Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534), This is available as a writable pdf at https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/B534e.pdf however it must be printed and signed and dated by hand on each page. Electronic signatures are not acceptable.
• Copy of passport photo page and Visa page.  Applicable visas for non-residents with long stay/permanent residence visa, also visas such as student visa 500 and working visa 457.
• If client does not have acceptable long stay visa but has say a tourist visa and applied for permanent residency visa we may be able to clear in normal fashion but suggest prior to shipping you check with us attaching copies of visas/application etc.

Visas for which Household Goods and Personal Effects may be imported into Australia by the Visa Holder

NOTE – Changes under Australia’s 457 Working Visa Programme are being legislated as at May 2017 and whilst all details are still being clarified, the result is likely to be a harder approach to granting of 457 Working Visas.

Personal and household effects are able to be imported into Australia duty and tax free if they have been owned and used by a shipper (who holds a valid Australian residency visa) for 12 months prior to shipping. If the goods are new, or are gifted to a consignee, duty and GST will apply. Duty in those cases will generally range between 5-15% (on Customs value) plus 10% GST (on the total of the Customs value plus the duty).

Clients will be required to declare new goods purchased within 12 months prior to shipping on the Customs B534 where they will have the opportunity to state the item, price or estimated price $ and Date of purchase. Australian Customs are usually not particularly interested in items such as clothing but tend to focus on new whitegoods, electrical goods, furniture etc., as well as large quantities of particular items suggesting a commercial level of importation.

Customs Value for HHGPE is based on cost at origin plus freight and transit insurance costs to ship to Australia.

Clients are not required to be present for clearances however clients must arrive within maximum 6 months of the arrival of the shipment into Australia. If client is not going to be present when the goods arrive, the client must make sure their intended flight arrival details are noted on the Customs Unaccompanied Personal Effects form (B534). In these cases the shipper and consignee should be the client.

If client is arriving after 6 months of vessel ETA date, in addition to the normal documents required. Customs will require a covering email explanation as to why client is shipping goods well in advance of their own arrival and when they (the client) expect to arrive. In this case Customs may apply duty and GST to the shipment if they are not satisfied with client’s explanation.

Shipper and consignee should be the same.

Inheritance goods may be imported into Australia however they will be entered on a Formal Customs Entry (lodgement cost $325). The following conditions apply, based on whether or not the importer has travelled outside Australia in the past 12 months:

If the goods are the outcome of a deceased estate and the new owner has travelled overseas (from Australia) in the last 12 months

• B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Please be sure to sign and date every page.
• Copy of the Will and a copy of the Death Certificate OR a letter from the Executor and a copy of the Death Certificate.
• Statement explaining the goods are the outcome of a deceased estate, estimated value of the goods, list of goods and that they are not for re-sale.
• Copy of consignee passport page with signature.
• Import Instruction (Internal OSS document confirming delivery address and access to property).
• Alcohol and tobacco listing (if applicable). https://www.ossmovers.com.au/var/downloads/2016_Alcohol-Tobacco-Inventory.pdf
• Payment of Quarantine Inspection fee (If applicable).
• DUTY FREE GST FREE (for this category)

If the goods are the outcome of a deceased estate and the new owner has NOT travelled overseas (from Australia) in the last 12 months

• Statement or Statutory Declaration advising that goods are not for re-sale, the estimated value of the goods and the reason why you are receiving the goods.
• Copy of the Will and a copy of the Death Certificate OR a letter from the Executor and a copy of the Death Certificate.
• Copy of consignee passport page with signature.
• Import Instruction. (Internal OSS document confirming delivery address and access to property).
• Alcohol and tobacco listing (if applicable). https://www.ossmovers.com.au/var/downloads/2016_Alcohol-Tobacco-Inventory.pdf
• Payment of Quarantine inspection Fee and Customs Entry charges.
• DUTY FREE GST FREE (for this category)

If the goods are not inheritance goods and are Household Goods and Personal Effects actually belonging to the client/importer (and have been owned and used overseas for 12 months or more by the client/importer) but have been in the possession of a family member/parent overseas since the client/importer moved overseas to Australia, the client/importer should be able to import the goods duty/tax free (except if goods include dutiable items like alcohol/tobacco etc) provided:

• The client/importer has residency in Australia or Visa allowing them to live in Australia.
• The client/importer is able to satisfy Australian Customs the information/history of the goods is along the lines of those mentioned above (this is usually done by a Statutory Declaration/Sworn Affidavit spelling out the circumstances as above.

It can sometimes be the case in a family where parents are downsizing and moving into smaller accommodation so they need to ship their children’s goods (which they have been storing for them) to the children.

If this is not the case and the goods are being “gifted” by the origin family member to the destination family member, the destination family member/importer will have the shipment treated by Customs as a Commercial Importation which will mean the clearance procedure will be as outlined below under “Importation of New Household Goods or Commercial Goods”. This will apply even if the household goods being gifted are second hand goods.

General commercial goods valued over $1000

Commercial Broker entry charge of $325 will apply, together with a separate DAWR (DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES) Quarantine Inspection fee of $250. These charges will be applied to items entered on each supplier invoice. Goods on each supplier invoice will be treated as a separate entry.

• Commercial invoice or Statutory Declaration stating value of goods if invoice not available.
• Invoice must be on supplier letterhead.
• Bill of Lading.
• LCL Packing declaration.
• Cost of Freight and insurance premium paid for marine transit insurance (copy of invoice preferred if possible).
• Copy of your passport photo page with signature.
• Further information may be required by Broker based on nature of goods.

General commercial goods valued under $1000

• SAC Entry charge of $110 will apply.
• Commercial Invoice or Proof of purchase price paid / receipt for payment.
• Statement or Statutory Declaration advising goods are not for re-sale, estimated value of goods and the reason client is receiving goods. (Not compulsory).
• Copy of your passport photo page with signature.

DUTY FREE AND GST MAY APPLY (GST free prior to 1st July 2018 but see below).

The Australian Government was pursuing legislation to collect 10% GST on imported items valued under $1,000 effective from 1st July 2017. The process for collection of the GST was uncertain and stalled the implementation. The intended date for enforcement has now been moved to 1st July 2018.

Office files, documents, office furniture, artwork and fittings etc., may be imported however they are not classified as Personal and Household Effects and will be entered on a SAC Entry ($110) if valued under $1000 and a Commercial Entry ($325) if valued over $1000. Customs will require a value be declared however GST is generally applicable and duty will be determined at the discretion of Customs dependent upon the type of items being imported. If documents and files are personal documents, they can be cleared as Personal Effects without duty or GST. Documents required for clearance of office relocation items as follows:

If value under $1000

• Statement or Statutory declaration advising goods are not for re-sale, estimated value of goods and the reason client is receiving goods. (Not compulsory)
• Copy of your passport photo page with signature.

Effective 1 July 2018 there will be a new requirement, these goods valued under $1000 must be entered on a formal Customs Broker Entry. The fee for this entry will be $325 and Quarantine inspection fee min. $250. All documentation relating to New or Commercial Goods will be required. GST will apply.

If value over $1000
A Commercial Customs Entry will be required, documents required being:

• Commercial invoice or Statutory Declaration stating value of goods if invoice not available.
• Invoice must be on supplier letterhead.
• Bill of Lading.
• LCL Packing declaration.
• Cost of Freight and insurance premium paid for marine transit insurance (copy of invoice preferred if possible).
• Copy of your passport photo page with signature.
• Further information may be required by Broker based on nature of goods.

The fee for the Commercial Entry is $325 and the Quarantine Inspection will be $250 (ie., normal/standard type goods not exotic).

Diplomats are entitled to duty free entry (provided they have the correct yellow Diplomat Customs Form i.e., B615) but still require Quarantine examination and inspection, this inspection is done at our warehouse/bond store under supervision of our staff in a secure environment (bond licenses in Australia require strict security measures). The transferee is not required to attend at the Quarantine Inspection.

Following documents are required:

• OBL or AWB.
• Original Customs Form B615 completed and stamped by Embassy/Consulate in Australia.
• Inventory of goods
• Copy of Diplomat’s passport photo page with signature.
• Letter of Authority on Diplomatic Letterhead to allow Quarantine examination.

Diplomats importing alcohol with their shipment, whilst it will be a duty free importation on the alcohol (provided Diplomat has the correct Yellow Diplomat Form ie., B615) we still require A fully completed Alcohol and Tobacco Declaration for submission to Customs. This is available at https://www.ossmovers.com.au/var/downloads/2016_Alcohol-Tobacco-Inventory.pdf Your client can prepare their own list the main thing is the list is in the form +/or contains the information outlined in the above download.

Motor vehicles imported by Diplomats follow a similar process and will require an Import Permit on the vehicle prior to shipping. Importation for valid Diplomats should be Duty/Tax free.

For further information about importing cars, motorcycles, trailers and other Vehicles to Australia see: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import/types-of-imports/importing-a-motor-vehicle

(k) Firearms/Weapons

Most firearms require Police authorisation from the State in Australia in which the person intends to reside or visit.

Certain firearms i.e., pump action shotguns, self-loading rim fire rifles and automatic firearms may only be imported with the PRIOR written approval of the Federal Attorney-General.

Duty free entry provided the relative firearm licence is issued and the firearm passes a ballistic/safety inspection. This involves a Customs Inspection at our depot and a fee of $200.

The Australian Border Force will forward all firearms to the Commonwealth Police for ballistics/safety inspection. As State regulations vary in Australia, it is strongly recommended that the client writes to the Police Department in the intended State/Territory of residence, for approval prior to shipping the firearm.

Firearms will be released to the owner upon presentation of the appropriate licence/s.

If client is shipping firearms in personal effects consignment, this must be declared on the Customs B534 and marked clearly on the packing list so the crew at unload, can locate and isolate in the Customs Hold.

Certain types of weapons such as spring loaded knives, daggers, swordsticks, and blowpipes, knuckledusters and unsafe firearms are prohibited. Ornamental swords may be imported however they will be inspected by Australian Customs and may be seized if deemed to be prohibited. If the daggers are single or double edged, they will be seized and the client will be required to apply directly to Customs for their release. If they are single edged, there is a good chance they may be released, less so for double edged unless client can put a very convincing argument to Customs. If shipped, please be sure the location of the knives, the daggers etc. etc., are noted clearly on the packing list so we can isolate at unload.

Certain weapons may be imported but must comply with certain requirements and conditions on, or prior to, import into Australia and these are referred to as ‘tests’.

In addition to these tests, permission to import must also be issued by the relevant permit issuing body. The permit issuing body can be the Police or the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Some weapons are subject to the Police certification test. Weapons subject to the Police certification test do not require written permission to import from the Department, however, they do require Police approval under this test in the form of either a B709B Form – Importation of Weapons – Police Certification, or a B709X Form – Ongoing Importation of Weapons Police Confirmation No Licence Required. Further detail available at: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/categories/firearms

(l) Fur Coats/Stuffed Animals/Taxidermy/Cites Items (Shells, Rocks, Sand) and CITES Items/Horse Saddles and Riding Gear

Mink, wolf, fox and rabbit coats if genuine, are able to be imported however verification that they have been prepared appropriately by a certified furrier etc., will need to be provided. Failing that, Australian Quarantine will take the furs and have them authenticated and verify they have been treated appropriately then if that is the case they will then be returned to the client. It is important also, the animals are not on the CITES Endangered Species List in which a CITES Import Permit is required (see below).

Stuffed animals (as long as the species is not listed in the Endangered List on the CITES website) may be imported as long as they are accompanied by a Certificate from a qualified taxidermist noting the animal, species and what the material is which has been used for the stuffing.

Clients may search on the CITES website to establish if the species is endangered and whether a CITES Import Permit may be required http://checklist.cites.org/#/en

Items such as mounted animal heads if approved by CITES above would still most likely be subject to Quarantine Inspection and steps over and above those normally included in the standard Quarantine Inspection fee for HHGPE shipments. This may involve Quarantine removing the item to a testing facility (and returning it to our depot later) before they decide whether to release the item or order it for treatment. As a rule of thumb the additional inspection fee involved is $200 and any form of treatment ordered would be a further cost depending on the type of treatment ordered.

If your client is planning to ship shells, rocks, items containing sand and the like, you should contact us with full details/description (and photographs of the items) prior to shipping them in order we may refer them to Customs. Many such items are able to be imported but there are some exceptions. Where possible these items should be thoroughly washed prior to shipping.

The term ‘pre-CITES’ (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is applied to any specimen that has been taken from the wild prior to the date the species was listed under CITES. Pre-CITES (or Pre- Convention) certificates are issued by CITES Management Authorities and certify that a particular CITES specimen was acquired before the Convention applied to it.

Import

To import or export specimens that were acquired before their listing under CITES, you need an appropriately issued pre-CITES certificate from the country of export. The CITES Management Authority would need to be satisfied that the specimen was indeed acquired before that date, before issuing the certificate.

Contact CITES Management Authority in another country:
https://cites.org/cms/index.php/component/cp

There is no legal requirement to apply for a Permit before importing a specimen that has a pre-CITES Certificate from the country of export. However, you are required to declare the importation, and it is recommended that you provide a copy of the overseas Pre-CITES Certificate to the Department. This will ensure that the import is recorded and that the Department has evidence of legal import of your pre-CITES specimen(s) into Australia. This may be important if you wish to re-export the specimen(s) at a later stage.

Commonly shipped pianos with ivory keys may be imported into Australia in Personal and Household Effects consignments as long as PRE-CITES Certificate from country of export has been obtained. A PRE-CITES Import Permit into Australia is not required.

Horse saddles/riding gear/tack needs to be declared on the Customs Declaration B534 (Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement) and be clearly marked on the packing list/inventory so we can locate it easily as Quarantine will want to inspect it. Almost certainly Quarantine will order these items for VIRKON disinfectant treatment (done at our depot) for which the costs are approximately $75 per item (minimum $150).

Very large items eg., horse float, the charges will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the size and time required to scrub down the item with the VIRKON disinfectant, but could be in the vicinity of $300 to $350.

The charges outlined for VIRKON treatment include the cost of the VIRKON, labour in performing the cleaning, administration involved and Quarantine/DAFF Reinspection.

The Quarantine Act 1908 requires that all imports of food comply with the Quarantine conditions for their import. Quarantine restrictions apply to many raw foods and certain processed foods. The following items are restricted:

• eggs and egg products
• dairy products
• uncanned meat
• seeds and nuts
• fresh fruit and vegetables

Other food items must be shipped in quantities for personal use only and not in commercial quantities. They must also be shipped in original containers clearly labelled with ingredients.

Dried spices are able to be imported in quantities for personal use as long as they are in their original packets and ingredients are clearly marked (preferably in English). Canned foods and dried foods are also able to be imported on the same basis as the dried spices, provided they do not represent any of the restricted items listed above.

All food items should be noted clearly on packing list since they need to be easily located and inspected by Australian Quarantine who will want to examine them closely. In practice most of the foodstuffs are released after inspection, again excluding the restricted items mentioned.

Any kitchen equipment, cooking equipment etc., must be thoroughly clean and clear of any evidence of foodstuffs/meat etc, otherwise Quarantine may order for very expensive steam cleaning and reinspection.

As of February 2013 it has become obvious that Australian Customs would not process antique shipments without a Certificate of Antiquity issued by a recognised Association or Authority (please refer to Customs fact sheet on Importing Antiques), being one of the following:

• LAPADA certificate (See Below);
• BADA certificate; and or
• Society of Fine Art Auctioneers.

If we cannot provide a Certificate of Antiquity issued by a recognised Association or Authority, we have two options:

1. Option One: is to pay the general Customs duty rate of 5% Duty plus 10% GST.
2. Option Two: if you cannot obtain the Certificates of Antiquity we could arrange an Antique Verification in Australia. This would be expensive (eg., around $750.00 for the verification of 3 items), there is a time based bill with a minimum of four hours, for these Antique Verifications, which are performed by third party officially Authorised Certifiers.

LAPADA Web site : http://lapada.org/ To obtain a Certificate you or your shipper should contact LAPADA (535 Kings Road, London SW10 0SZ, telephone 0207 823 3511, fax 0207 823 3522, email – lapada@lapada.org) who will arrange inspection of the goods before packing and shipping. If the goods are 100 years old or more, LAPADA will supply a Certificate which must be provided to the Customs Authorities at the port of entry.

Clients may import antiques into Australia and the following documentation is required:

Newly purchased Antiques (Owned/Used less than 12 months overseas by Importer)
Commercial Broker entry ($325) will be required together with the following documents:

• Evidence via LAPADA or BADA Certificate that item is more than 100 years old.
• Commercial invoice or Statutory Declaration stating value of goods if invoice not available.
• Invoice must be on supplier letterhead.
• Bill of Lading.
• LCL Packing Declaration.
• Cost of Freight and insurance premium paid for marine transit insurance (copy of invoice preferred if possible).
• Copy of consignee passport photo page with signature.
• Further information may be required by Broker based on nature of goods.
• Valuation by Customs Approved Valuer may be requested.

No Duty if customs accept the goods as Antiques.
DUTY FREE/GST 10%PAYABLE ONLY.

See Fact Sheet at https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import/types-of-imports/importing-antiques

Commercial Broker entry ($325) will be required together with the following documents:

• Evidence via LAPADA or BADA Certificate that item is more than 100 years old.
• Import Permit (Must be obtained prior to shipping).
• NSW Police Force – Firearms Registry B709 Application.
• Customs Firearms Branch may inspect.
• Copy of consignee passport photo page with signature.

DUTY FREE/GST 10% PAYABLE ONLY

Clients may import an unlimited amount of alcohol in Personal Effects shipments coming to Australia. They could expect to pay around 50% of the total declared purchase price in duty and tax. A fully completed Alcohol and Tobacco Declaration must be submitted to customs. This is available at https://www.ossmovers.com.au/var/downloads/2016_Alcohol-Tobacco-Inventory.pdf. Your client can prepare their own list at origin (particularly if they have an extensive collection/list/catalogue) the main thing is the list is in the format and/or contains the information outlined in the above download.

In terms of opened bottles of alcohol, client needs to note on list/catalogue that bottle is opened and specify amount/percentage of contents not consumed for that bottle.

Over the counter medicines may be imported but should be clearly marked on the packing list so they can be easily located if required. Prescription medicines may also be imported however the prescription will need to be sighted by Customs, so ensure prescriptions are legible and in English. If they are not in English Customs may require a formal written translation.

Christmas Decorations containing actual Pine Cones and the like, are always ordered for expensive treatment or destruction so it is advisable not to ship. Quarantine will look for Christmas decorations on the packing list, on the assumption they are likely to include Pine Cones or Nativity Scenes containing real moss, grass, dirt, feathers, wood etc.

Australian Quarantine will inspect any items which may hold soil, such as camping gear, golf clubs, shoes, motor vehicles, motor cycles, lawn mowers etc. They are particularly rigid during these inspections and will order items for pressure or steam cleaning if any trace of soil or dirt is found.

Human ashes may be imported with a copy of the Death Certificate and package is clearly identified on the packing list for each location if required by Customs.

Pet’s ashes may be imported in Personal Effects consignments into Australia however should be accompanied by a Statement from veterinary surgeon. If this is not available, client will need to complete a Statutory Declaration stating they are importing ashes from a deceased pet. Note, the container holding the ashes must be free from contaminants such as soil and the container must not be timber/wood – best be metal and plastic. Nominate clearly on the packing list so it can be located if required.

All timber furniture will come under the scrutiny of Quarantine. If there is evidence of live insect or borer infestation, it will be ordered for fumigation. There is no advantage in having the furniture fumigated at origin since there may still be live insect infestation present and the client may finish up paying twice for the treatment. Quarantine still inspect even if a fumigation certificate is provided.

Cane, straw, rattan and bamboo items are usually OK if they have been treated and purchased from retail outlets (and not the side of the road or at a village market). If they are raw items they will be ordered for treatment most likely gamma irradiation which is expensive around $500 minimum.

Any furniture items made out of tree trunks or the like which have bark on them, the bark with either have to be removed prior to shipping or the item will be ordered for expensive gamma irradiation in Australia.

If you are in any doubt regarding items of this type please forward us full details including where and when acquired and photographs so we may refer them to Quarantine to determine the likely approach by Quarantine on their arrival. Normal household manufactured furniture is usually OK, Quarantine will inspect some of it and provided it is free of borers there should not be a problem.

All timber crates must be heat treated and ISPM compliant. If timber crates are shipped without complying to this standard, they will be ordered for destruction and a fee will apply.

Certain Customs Clearance procedures may ask for 100 points evidence of identity – for information on this see link below:
https://www.ossworldwidemovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OSS-evidence-of-identity.pdf

Sea freight shipments of HHGPE into the island state of Tasmania arrive through one of 3 ports on that island being Bell Bay (MSC), Burnie (PIL/ANL/CMA:CGM/Maersk) or Devonport (OOCL/Hamburg Sud/Hapag Lloyd).

The MSC service into Bell Bay is a direct service, the other services are trans-shipments from Melbourne by the carriers in question using local coastal carriers for the on-carriage from Melbourne to Tasmania (Toll Shipping for Burnie and Sea Road Shipping for Devonport). Maersk have also recently introduced a direct service to Bell Bay similar to the MSC Service.

There are very limited facilities at these 3 Tasmanian Ports for the processing of Household Goods and Personal Effects clearances and inspections particularly for Quarantine.

Therefore the only way we can handle sea freight shipments into Tasmania is if you arrange with your carrier for a Through Bill of Lading from whichever of the 3 ports your carrier is using to place of delivery at the inland city of Launceston, where we are able to arrange the clearance and handling in an appropriate and controlled environment.

Once cleared the shipments would then be delivered from Launceston through to the final residence wherever it is in Tasmania.

It is possible your carrier if they are lazy will say there is no Through Bill/On-Carriage Facility from either of the 3 Tasmanian ports to Launceston, this is incorrect and you should press them for a Through Bill to Launceston (on-carriage cost from Tasmanian port to Launceston is approximately $400 – $500 per 20ft). If the carrier still says it is not possible revert to us with contact details of the person you are dealing with and we will arrange for the carriers representative at our end to make contact back to them.

Our quotation for DA services is based on receiving the shipments on a Through Bill of Lading to Launceston.

The same procedure applies for LCL shipments, please arrange for them to be shipped through to Launceston, irrespective of the final destination in Tasmania.

Airfreight shipments the opposite is the case, we need you to direct all Tasmanian airfreight to AOE Hobart, where the airfreight can be cleared then delivered to residence wherever it is in Tasmania.

We are unable to handle sea or air shipments coming to Tasmania other than on the above basis, as the procedures required for handling and clearance of Household Goods shipments are not able to be satisfactorily performed (from a handling security and service point of view) other than on this basis.

It is very difficult to advise of any additional costs as every shipment is different. There is a chance that Quarantine could order something for treatment/cleaning etc., or that Customs require an examination. Some accesses to residence may prove difficult, which would draw additional expense. Refer to our full list of Inclusions and Exclusions as below:

SERVICES INCLUDED

Collection of shipment/containers at terminal, quarantine documentation and lodgement fees, normal straightforward clearance through Customs and Quarantine.

Delivery to residence, complete unpacking to flat surfaces such as bench tops (but not to floor) but not maid/valet service (see below) and straightforward setting up (see handyman exclusions below).

Return of empty container to depot. Assistance with Insurance claim lodgement if required (where applicable).

SERVICES EXCLUDED

Port Terminal Handling Charges (BSRA/APCA/THC), Quarantine Inspection Charges and Fumigation Fees (including transport charges relating to treatment/fumigation), Payment of Customs Duty and Sales or other Taxes, Customs Examination attendance and associated costs, Port X-ray and similar customs fees when applicable, Demurrage Costs, Bond Charges, Container Detention Fees. Additional fees payable to third parties, eg freight forwarders NVOCC carrier or intermediaries, insurance, container rental fees. Specialist services, i.e. high rise/elevator deliveries, carpenters, cabinet makers, electricians, plumbers, appliance servicing, assembly or re-erection of modular furniture or re-erection of modular furniture or flat packed furniture such as IKEA brand, including wall units etc, requiring specialist tools, including wall units etc, requiring specialist tools. Special parking/permit costs. Special items such as pianos (see additional costs for pianos in our rate to you) or other large furniture or other items requiring heavy lifting device. Delivery other than one direct delivery with reasonable access and delivery conditions (for legally parked large delivery vehicle able to park adjacent to residence), no long carries and not above 1st floor (or one level).

Maid/Valet to unpack and put into cupboards, hang clothes in closets, etc. at a cost of $530 per lady per 8 hour day (you nominate but work on 1 lady, 8 hours, 35 standard cartons).

Handyman for re-assembly of furniture, hang pictures, etc. at a cost of $88 per hour (minimum 4 hours).

Electrician and Plumber at a cost of $88 per hour (minimum 4 hours). Please indicate clearly on your documentation if any of the above services are required.

Certain areas of the main cities in Australia, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have “Downtown” or “CBD” (Central Business District) areas which are the main commercial areas with predominantly high rise office and apartment buildings.

These “city” areas have very strict parking restrictions and often require out of hours deliveries or collections.  In almost all cases special arrangements need to be made regarding access/use of shuttles/long carries/elevator usage and in some cases “parking permits” although those permits are not as readily available as they are in the UK, Europe etc.

If exact addresses are provided at the time of rate request we will endeavour to outline the likely level of “access charges” to assist you to transparently raise them as an issue with your client and sell against your competition who may not address them (and hits them later with extra charges on arrival in Australia).

In addition to the Downtown or CBD areas, there are city and near city areas with predominantly high rise apartment complexes which offer similar access challenges.

These areas include (but are not limited to) –

Any clients moving to the above postcode areas we recommend you seek address details in order we can check the access conditions applicable to that address and advise if any access issues and charges are applicable.

Generally speaking it is not really feasible to just deliver a sole use container to client’s residence for self-unload as household goods shipments to Australia cannot travel directly from the port to the client’s residence in the same way as happens in the UK, USA, Europe and many other countries. Instead, FCL containers of household goods must be unstuffed at approved Household and Personal Effects Customs and Quarantine bonded premises (OSS premises are approved bonded premises). We follow a similar process for LCL and Air Shipments.

After the container is unloaded and the Customs and Quarantine clearances obtained, the goods are ready for delivery to the clients residence and are loaded into a furniture removal van or into OSS own shipping container appropriate for the type of delivery services to be performed.

Given the delivery is then performed in the OSS vehicle (not the S/S line haulier as in many countries), together with the fact a large component of the DA service cost is associated with the clearance/handling process, there is not the same scope for substantial DA cost savings (if the client meets the truck and unloads themselves) as there is in many other countries.

If requested, we can provide a quote for a delivery service and placement in the residence only after clearance but no unpacking, unwrapping or removal of material.