Destination: Australia

Background: Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.

Economy - overview: Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP at the level of the four dominant West European economies. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Commodities account for 57% of the value of total exports, so that a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. While Australia has suffered from the low growth and high unemployment characterizing the OECD countries in the early 1990s and during the recent financial problems in East Asia, the economy has expanded at a solid 4% annual growth pace in the last five years. Canberra's emphasis on reforms is a key factor behind the economy's resilience to the regional crisis and its stronger than expected growth rate. Growth will depend on key international commodity prices, the extent of recovery in nearby Asian economies, and the strength of US and European markets.

Customs and Quarantine - All household goods and personal effects shipments brought into Australia are inspected by both the Customs and Quarantine inspection services. Regulations are strictly adhered to and the process from arrival at the port to clearance takes, on average, 14 days for sea shipments and 7 days for air shipments. Please note Customs taxes and duty are high on new items & alcohol, also there are destruction fees for items prohibited by Quarantine.

Customs Guidelines
Customs is responsible for the clearance of all unaccompanied effects from overseas. Returning Australian residents are not exempt from the requirements outlined below.

Procedure
To help Customs clear your goods you will have to:

Complete an Unaccompanied Effects Statement (B534)
Produce copies of every page of your passport
Provide a detailed packing list
Provide separate alcohol inventory

Customs may examine your goods, and it will assist them to clear your consignment if you are able to provide invoices/purchase receipts relating to any new item you may have declared. If you have any questions about the Unaccompanied Effects Statement ask a Customs officer or your customs broker. The statements are available from all Customs offices and brokers, and are printed in a number of foreign languages.

Concessions
If you are a migrant coming to Australia to take up permanent residence for the first time, or a person returning to resume permanent residence, you may enter duty/tax free any unaccompanied effects - other than controlled items - which you have owned and used overseas for 12 months (or more) before your departure for Australia. Duty free concessions which apply to alcohol, tobacco and other articles which accompany you through Customs when you arrive in Australia, do not apply to unaccompanied effects. Where customs duty and taxes are payable on articles not owned and used for 12 months or more, liability does not lapse where goods have been acquired as gifts. Customs may inspect unaccompanied effects consignments to ensure that concessional provisions are not misused. Duty free concessions do not apply to goods arriving in Australia as unaccompanied effects.

This information is intended as a guide. If you need more information or you are not sure of the requirements that apply to you, email information@customs.gov.au You can also contact a Customs Information Centre on 1300 363 263 from anywhere in Australia or +61 2 6275 6666 from outside Australia.

Quarantine Guidelines
Australian Quarantine is needed to keep out exotic pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal and human health and our environment. This role is undertaken by AQIS – The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

The following items must be declared:
Food – cooked, uncooked and ingredients, dried fruit and vegetables. Herbs & spices of any kind – includes herbal medicines and remedies, tonics, teas. Biscuits, cakes, confectionery – includes chocolate, sweets, crisps, nuts, and pretzels. Noodles and rice – includes processed and instant (noodles including meat are prohibited). Teas, coffees and milk based products.
Plant Products – Bamboo, cane or rattan – including coconut carvings and cane baskets. Wooden articles – includes painted and lacquered items. Fresh flowers and leis – (flowers that can be propagated such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are prohibited). Dried flowers. Pine comes and potpourri – includes natural and decorative products such as wreaths & Christmas decorations. Shells or coral in any form - includes jewelry, curios and souvenirs (some may be prohibited under international wildlife legislation). Feathers, bones, horns and tusks (must be clean and free of blood, skin, dung or soil. Stuffed animals - must be accompanied by a certificate stating that they have been prepared by a taxidermist (some may be prohibited under international wildlife legislation). Wool (unprocessed) and animal hair - includes yarns, crafted rugs and clothing. Wool must be scoured and hair cleaned. Animal equipment (used) - includes clothing, footwear, grooming and veterinary equipment, saddles, bridles and birdcages. Sporting and camping equipment - includes tents, footwear, golfing equipment and bicycles. Bee products. Gardening equipment - must be clean and free from soil. Vacuum cleaners - must be clean and have no used bags.

The following items you cannot bring:
Dairy, egg and egg products – includes whole, dried and powdered egg and some products with egg as ingredient. Live animals. Meat and meat products - includes all uncanned or fresh, dried frozen, smoked or salted meats. Seeds and nuts. Fresh fruit and vegetables - includes all fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables. Live plants - includes cuttings, roots, bulbs, corns, rhizomes and stems. Salmon and trout products, Biological materials, soil and sand. All pork products.

Information is as a guide only – Quarantine and Customs conditions may change without notice
Please contact us for updated information