Customs Regulations (part 2)

[Riekie]

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

All goods entering into Australia are subject to Customs inspection and clearance. Unaccompanied baggage and household goods may be imported into Australia free of customs duty providing the personal and household effects have been owned and used overseas for (12) twelve months or more preceding the customer's departure for Australia. Items not in this category, which have been owned and used for less than twelve months, will be subject to duty. The rates applicable vary and purchase receipts, invoices or the like will be required to substantiate values involved. All alcohol is dutiable and must be declared, even partly used bar stock.

Customs Clearance

A Customs form (B534) issue 6/00 (no earlier) Unaccompanied Baggage Statement must be signed and completed by the owner of the goods to clear the shipment when it arrives in Australia. Photocopies of passport pages including Australian entry stamp (some ports of entry require copy of all pages including blank pages, - check with your OMNI agent at port of entry) together with a full descriptive inventory in English are required to clear Customs. (Original passport may be required by Customs for car clearance). It is preferable that the completed Customs declaration, passport copies and inventory are attached to shipping documents and received by your OMNI agent prior to arrival of the shipment.

MOTOR VEHICLES

When importing a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, new or second hand, the client must obtain an import permit from the Federal Office of Road Safety in Canberra. This permit must be obtained prior to shipping.

QUARANTINE

Australia is very dependent upon primary industries such as livestock and agriculture. Australia is fortunate, indeed unique, in its freedom from many diseases of humans, animals and plants which affect other parts of the world.

As a result, quarantine regulations are strict and, if in any doubt, please check with your OMNI agent at the port of entry into Australia prior to shipment.

While live animals are the greatest risk, animal products such as fresh and tinned MEAT, SALAMI, EGGS and DAIRY PRODUCTS are risk items. Many such articles or goods are prohibited, as are plants, soil, seeds, skins, shells and the like.

When importing a motor vehicle, motorbike, caravan or trailer the quarantine authorities will inspect the vehicle on arrival and may require it to be steam cleaned. Clearance will be assisted if all soil, etc., is removed from the vehicle (including underneath) before shipment. This also applies to any item which comes in contact with soil, e.g., lawn mowers, garden tools, garden furniture and bicycles.

WARNING: Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offence and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law and severe penalties apply.