Moving and Shipping to Australia from Canada

AUSTRALIA

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Drugs of dependence, for example, narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquillizers must be declared to Customs (they should not be included in any shipment of household goods and personal effects). Goods such as dangerous weapons (including spring-bladed knives, daggers, sword-sticks and knuckledusters), are prohibited. Firearms including air, gas, flame and starting pistols and spear guns are subject to import restrictions and will be subject to release on approval from the Police authorities. All firearms and ammunition imported in Australia must be declared to Customs. Any article made from wildlife species must be checked with us, before shipping, as they may be prohibited.

Click here for a full list of prohibited and restricted imports in to Australia

Alcohol:

A recent industry meeting with Australian Customs has led to them updating us on the requirements for the importation of alcohol into Australia.

Previously Customs have been lenient on small amounts imported and open bottles. The ruling has been made that ALL alcohol must be dutiable and as such the tiniest amount imported will be affected “even if the duty is 5c..”, 1 can of beer will attract duty.

With this in mind it is even more important now that our clients understand the importance of their decision to ship alcohol. If they do ship alcohol then they need to ensure that they supply a comprehensive detailed list of what has been shipped as per the attached form (Click here to get the form). Failure to complete any detail on the form will result in their entire shipment being held by Customs until they have the correct information.

We ask for your assistance in getting this information in the hope that we can minimise delays in the clearance process. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to ask.

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

The Australian Quarantine Inspect Service (AQIS) has changed its name to the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

As part of this change the B534 Combined Customs form has been amended. This form must be completed by all customers coming into Australia.

A Customs form (B534e) 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 our 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 our 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.
  • It is critical to have your vehicle clean and spotless. You need to clean the vehicle inside out including the engine are and underneath.
  • Pay special attention to the wheel banks.
  • Any reaming of mud or dirt, will result in Australian customs cleaning your vehicle and charging you for it.
  • You MUST own the vehicle for more than 12 months and supply proof of ownership, purchase invoice and registration.
  • There will be duty of 5% and GST at 10% based on market value in Australia inclusive of freight and insurance to ship.

Click here to get an application for an approval to import a Vehicle -> https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/online_form.aspx

DO NOT SHIP YOUR ROAD VEHICLE UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR IMPORT APPROVAL

Importing Vehicles to Australia Brochure

The importation of road vehicles (that are nonstandard or do not have an identification plate) without a road vehicle import approval is prohibited under the

Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. It is an offence which carries with a maximum penalty of 120 penalty units (refer to the Crimes Act 1914 section 4AA). Vehicles not covered by an import approval may not be
cleared by Customs and may be held in Customs bond storage. Storage charges may apply.

Refer to the Vehicle Imports page on the Department’s website www.infrastructure.gov.au to access more information on importing road vehicles.

We strongly recommend that if you are a first time importer that you complete the ‘Quick Quiz’ on this site to self-assess your
eligibility.

Any missing documents or incomplete applications will delay the issue of a vehicle import approval.

PREPARATION

Completing this form will take several minutes. You will be unable to save the form or exit during the process. Therefore it is imperative that you have all the required documents scanned and ready to upload when requested.

For a full list of the documents that are required for each option please review the Department’s web site. Alternative documents or forms of evidence may be provided where appropriate.

This system accepts uploads in a range of formats and virtually all document and image types, but submission is limited to 8MB, therefore you should ensure your documents do not exceed this requirement. For more details please see the FAQ on Upload File Types and Sizes.

The form: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/online_form.aspx

Department’s Vehicle Imports Enquiries Team on 1-800-815-272.

Importing Alcohol to Australia

Duty/taxes will apply on alcohol. Below is a guidance (Guideline only) on the tax rates.

COMPLETING AN ALCOHOL INVENTORY

Australian Customs will require A detailed list of all alcoholic beverages Imported. You would need to fill out the lit below. There Is NO Duty Free Limit For Alcohol In Unaccompanied Personal Effects Shipments

Approximate Duty Rates

Wine – 5 % Duty + 29% WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) + 10 % Gst
Spirits – 5 % Duty + AUD $ 61.71 Liquor Tax Per Litre + 10 % Gst

Completing The Form

Size Of Bottle – Should Be Stated On The Label Of The Bottle (750 Ml, 1 Lite, Etc.)
Number Of Bottles – The Number Of Bottles In The Shipment
Type Of Alcohol – Please State Red / White Wine Or Actual Type Of Spirit (Gin, Whisky Etc.)
% Proof Of Alcohol – The Alcohol Volume (Strength Of Alcohol) & Should Be Stated On The Label Of The Bottle
AUD $ Value – The Value In Australian Dollars. If You Do Not Know The Value, You Will Need To Find Out From A Bottle Shop Or Internet
Opened / Unopened – Please State If The Bottle Has Been Opened Or Unopened

Size Of Bottle ml No. of Bottles Type of Spirit Or Wine Proof of Alcohol % AUD $ Value Opened /Unopened

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 our 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 offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law and severe penalties apply.

Please consult our GUIDE TO Quarantine items of interest

Important: This information is intended for general guidance.
international moving companies Toronto like Orbit International Logistics LTD. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest Australian customs office for full and current information prior to importation.

For Additional Information, Visit: http://www.customs.gov.au

Moving from Toronto to Australia

When moving to Australia from Canada , it is very important to choose the best overseas moving company. Orbit International Moving Logistics is the best international moving company in Canada. With our extensive experience with international relocations to Australia, Orbit International Moving Logistics can offer you and your family, valuable insight about your moving to Australia from Toronto help you find the right international relocation companies. Moving from Canada to Australia requires the best international moving service overseas moving companies. We have listed below helpful ideas and tips that can help you plan you’re moving to Australia. Shall you prefer to talk with an International moving consultant, please call (416) 661-4228.

The Best Overseas Removal Companies

There are many overseas moving companies who claim to be the best mover, relocation, or shipping company in the country. Of course this cannot be true because then, all the international shipping companies would be the best, and cheap shipping from Canada to Australia isn’t easy to come by.

To help determine which overseas moving company is right for you, Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd has gathered some vital points for you to consider.

1.International moving companies Toronto. The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
2.Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
3.Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to insure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees, and don’t just fall for the cheapest shipping company from Canada to Australia.
4.Check the overseas moving company’s referrals and reputation. Ask each company for testimonials from past clients. A reputable overseas moving company should have some for you to review.
5.Visit the physical office of the overseas moving company you are considering. Never trust an international moving company without a physical address!. In this day and age anyone can have an office in their basement.
6.Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.

Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by two long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialist and assist you in planning shipping and moving from Canada to Australia and choosing the right overseas moving services.

List of Australian Consulates in Canada:

Australian Consulate-General and Trade Commission
175 Bloor Street East
Suite 1100 – South Tower
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8
City: Toronto
Phone: +1 (416) 323 3909
Fax: +1 (416) 323 3910
Web Site: http://www.canada.embassy.gov.au
Email: canada@austrade.gov.au

Australian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada
7th Floor, Suite 710
50 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2
City: Ottawa
Phone: +1 (613) 236 0841
Fax: +1 (613) 236 4376
Web Site: http://www.canada.embassy.gov.au/
Email: dima-ottawa@dfat.gov.au
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Australian Consulate and Trade Commission
Suite 2050 – 1075
West Georgia St.
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3C9
Canada
City: Vancouver
Phone: +1 (604) 684 1177
Fax: +1 (604) 684 1856
Email: canada@austrade.gov.au