Moving Abroad

Making moving overseas run like Clockwork

Together with our impressive network of international removal partners and agents, Clockwork Removals can operate in any location, offering a door-to-door moving service worldwide.

Moving Abroad

Moving to Australia

Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re moving as far away as Australia. Whether you are moving to a major city like Sydney or Melbourne or deep into the Australian Outback, Clockwork’s International Removals team can help with every step of your move – from planning and packing to shipping, delivery and storage at the other end.

Understanding Australian Customs
Our International move managers are experts on Australian customs formalities, importation restrictions, required documentation and duty tax. So, when it comes to what household items you can and can’t take with you to your new home in Australia, our guide covers all the essential details.

Importing Personal Effects and Household Items
If you have owned and used personal items for at least a year before shipping them unaccompanied to Australia then they will qualify for duty and tax-free entry into the country. Any new items purchased within 12 months should be declared to Australian Customs and will be subject to applicable tax and duty rates.

Certain items are excluded from this category and are subject to other requirements. These include:

• motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts
• caravans, boats and trailers
• aircraft
• machinery, plant and equipment
• alcohol
• fur apparel

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) will assess every consignment and if necessary undertake an inspection of the goods. If required, AQIS may ask that some items be treated before they can be released and if treatment is not possible, the items could be seized, destroyed or exported out of Australia.

AQIS is particularly interested in anything that has originated from an animal or plant or has been in contact with an animal, plant, water or soil such as golf clubs, patio furniture, bicycles and vacuum cleaner bags.

Packing Your Items
If you choose to do your own packing then AQIS requires that any items that have been in contact with food, soil, plants, animals or their products are thoroughly cleaned and free from any contamination. It is also important to safely wrap any sharp knives, ceramics and glass and avoid packing anything potentially dangerous such as fireworks, aerosols, solvents and paint thinners.
When packing your belongings AQIS requires that you number and list items in each box, for example, Box 1 of 21. Pack any items together that you think maybe of interest to the authorities such as footwear, food items or garden tools.

Required Documentation
At Clockwork we can oversee the whole moving process for you but you should be aware that some form filling may be necessary. AQIS requires the following documentation:

• Australian customs form (B534) for personal and household effects
• Photocopy of passport, photo and visa page
• Your packing list

Motor Vehicles
All motor vehicles will be subject to duty and GST calculated on the age and value of the vehicle. Once approved, they may also be made to comply with safety regulations and if necessary undergo modifications. Prior to shipping, all vehicles must have their chassis and wheels steam cleaned.  Permission must also be sought to import vehicles to Australia before they leave the UK.

Sailing boats and non motorised vehicles and trailers can be imported duty and tax free although a vehicle import approval must be sought before entry. Required Documentation includes Australian customs form (B357) for motor cars.

Prohibited Goods
AQIS will not permit the importation of the following items as personal effects:

• 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

If you are in doubt of an item and want to determine if the item is prohibited by AQIS, check their website www.daff.gov.au

For further information on emigrating to Australia also see:

www.australia.gov.au
www.immi.gov.au
www.customs.gov.au

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    An excellent and highly professional operation. I was particularly impressed by speed of response to queries and the willingness to modify the schedule and services to changed circumstances.Michael Conlon

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