Import Customs Guide — Australia

FIDI source • Australia Import Customs Guide • Web formatted

Import Customs Guide — Australia

Important: All household & personal effects entering Australia are subject to
DAFF physical/quarantine examination at approved premises (delays possible, often up to ~14 working days),
and full containers cannot be delivered directly to a residence. Clean soil/vegetation risk items thoroughly.

Goods Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Removal goods
  • OBL or AWB.
  • Customs Form B534 (use current version from official link only):
    https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/B534e.pdf
  • Scanned copies are accepted in all States; electronic signatures are not accepted.
  • Passport ID + signature page(s) (B534 signature must match passport; changes must be initialled).
  • Visa copy or visa grant letter (if stamp is not in passport).
  • Inventory in English (owner-packed: owner’s contents list in English).
  • Full name + Australian residential address of the owner (PO box / business address not acceptable).
  • Eligibility (UPE): returning Australian citizens or non-citizens with long-stay/permanent residence visa,
    entering to take up residence after 12+ months outside Australia. If not UPE, shipment may be subject to formal entry, tax and duty.
  • DAFF quarantine examination: all personal/household effects are subject to physical examination at DAFF approved premises (delays possible; full containers cannot go direct to residence).
  • ABF reporting timelines: sea shipments must be reported 48 hours prior to first port of call; airfreight no less than 2 hours before arrival (failure may result in fines).
  • B534 can be completed abroad before shipment or in Australia on arrival; must be fully completed and each page signed/dated.
Diplomat’s removals
  • OBL or AWB.
  • Inventory.
  • Passport ID page.
  • Embassy paperwork (B615 process / LOA as applicable).
  • Clearances can be prepared electronically; ABF generally do not need to sight original yellow B615 (Embassy submits to ABF for stamp/return).
  • DAFF inspection: ensure LOA, B615 and stamped packing list are available for officer sighting.
  • Subject line should include “DIPLOMATIC” in correspondence to ABF/DAFF.
  • Duty free entry (personal use).
  • Alcohol for diplomats is allowed but limited to annual quota agreed via local MFA/embassies.
  • Quarantine examination and fees apply.
Motor vehicles
  • Vehicles cannot be cleared until the approval is granted; arriving without approval may be re-exported or destroyed; fines may apply.
  • GST generally 10% on VOTI (Customs value + duty + overseas freight + insurance).
  • Luxury Car Tax rules may apply (thresholds change).
  • Asbestos: prohibited / zero tolerance — declarations may be required.
Foodstuffs / plant products
  •  
  • Many foods, seeds, herbs/spices, and animal products are prohibited or have strict conditions — should NOT be included in personal effects.
  • Timber items with bark may be treated or destroyed at importer’s expense.
  • Do not use fruit boxes for packing.
ISPM-15 wood packaging
  •  
  • All solid wood packaging/dunnage should be ISPM-15 marked and compliant.
  • Missing marks or signs of pests/bark can trigger treatment, re-export or destruction at importer’s expense.

Removal goods

Documents required
  • OBL or AWB.
  • Customs Form B534:
    https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/B534e.pdf
  • Scanned copies accepted; electronic signatures not accepted.
  • Passport ID + signature page(s) (signature must match passport; changes initialled).
  • Visa copy or visa grant letter (if needed).
  • Inventory in English.
  • Full name + Australian residential address (no PO box/business address).
Customs prescriptions
  • Eligibility (UPE): returning AU citizens or long-stay/permanent visa holders after 12+ months outside AU.
  • DAFF quarantine examination at approved premises; containers cannot go direct to residence.
  • ABF reporting timelines: sea 48h; air ≥2h before arrival.
  • B534 must be fully completed and signed/dated.
Remarks

Diplomat’s removals

Documents required
  • OBL or AWB.
  • Inventory.
  • Passport ID page.
  • Embassy paperwork (B615 / LOA as applicable).
Customs prescriptions
  • Electronic preparation accepted; ABF may not need original yellow B615.
  • DAFF inspection: LOA, B615, stamped packing list available.
  • Use “DIPLOMATIC” in subject lines for ABF/DAFF correspondence.
  • Duty free entry (personal use).
Remarks
  • Alcohol allowed but often limited by annual quota.
  • Quarantine examination + fees apply.

Motor vehicles

Documents required
Customs prescriptions
  • Do not ship without approval; arriving without it may trigger re-export/destruction/fines.
  • GST typically 10% on VOTI; LCT may apply.
  • Asbestos: prohibited / zero tolerance.
Remarks

Foodstuffs / plant products

Customs prescriptions
  • Many foods/seeds/herbs/spices/animal products are prohibited or tightly controlled — do not include in HHG.
  • Timber with bark may be treated/destroyed at importer’s expense.
  • Do not use fruit boxes for packing.
Remarks