Personal Effects Customs Clearance Australia
Important Information
- Declared value
Customers with a total shipment weight of less than 100kg should enter a declared value based on the used resale value of their goods, not the new value of replacement items.
Customers with a total shipment weight of more than 100kg should also value their goods based on the used resale value but should also declare a value greater than $1000 AUD as lower values may result in the shipment being flagged as undervalued by customs, resulting in delays.
Shipments with a declared value exceeding $1000 AUD may be subject to formal customs clearance.
- Quarantine / Biosecurity
Australia has a strict Biosecurity System and shipments containing items such as foodstuffs, wooden products or items which have been contact with plants or animals may be selected for quarantine by Australia Border Force. Shipments sent to Australia by any means, including post, courier or freight are subject to the same rules. We currently find around 20 in every 1000 shipments sent by Send My Bag customers are selected for quarantine.
While the decision to quarantine is taken by Australia Border Force agents and is outside of our control, tips to help avoid quarantine include:
- If sending items such as hiking boots, sports equipment or tools that have been in contact with soil, plants or animals, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, include this information on your packing list.
- Label items clearly on your packing list, if a description is vague and border force is unsure what something is they may quarantine your shipment as a precaution.
Examples of shipments which have been quarantined include;
- A horse saddle; as this is an item directly associated with use with animals, it is likely this item would always be quarantined, even if it has been labelled as cleaned.
- A shipment containing some makeup items but one item was listed on the packing list as "powder". This description was too vague and it was quarantined as a precaution. If more detail had been provided, e.g. "cosmetic blusher powder" border force may have taken a different decision.
If your item is quarantined it will be held by border force for several weeks and you will be required to pay a quarantine fee of c. A$120 directly to our agent in Australia before border force will release it for onward delivery.
Documents Required
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Customs form
Australia requires a B534 form (provided by Send My Bag) to be completed for personal effects to be cleared into the country.
- Flight information
Australian customs will require the consignee to provide their flight number, port and date of arrival on the custom B534 Customs form, to confirm the consignee is also arriving in Australia with their goods.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Over 95% of shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for.
Our historical statistics for this route indicate shipments stopped for any reason other than quarantine inspection typically are released within one working day once any query has been resolved e.g. missing paperwork.
Shipments that require quarantine clearance by Australian Border Force will typically be held for up to 10 working days before they are approved for import and released.
Shipping Gifts to Australia
Australia allows gifts up to a value of $1000 AUD to enter the country duty free. Where multiple gifts are sent for different people and the total value exceeds $1000 AUD, duty and tax will become applicable. Australian customs does not allow items within a consignment to be split for the purposes of tax and duty calculation.
All shipments, regardless of gift status, are subject to inspection by Australian Border Force.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Australia
Important Information
- Declared value
Customers with a total shipment weight of less than 100kg should enter a declared value based on the used resale value of their goods, not the new value of replacement items.
Customers with a total shipment weight of more than 100kg should also value their goods based on the used resale value but should also declare a value greater than $1000 AUD as lower values may result in the shipment being flagged as undervalued by customs, resulting in delays.
Shipments with a declared value exceeding $1000 AUD may be subject to formal customs clearance.
- Quarantine / Biosecurity
Australia has a strict Biosecurity System and shipments containing items such as foodstuffs, wooden products or items which have been contact with plants or animals may be selected for quarantine by Australia Border Force. Shipments sent to Australia by any means, including post, courier or freight are subject to the same rules. We currently find around 20 in every 1000 shipments sent by Send My Bag customers are selected for quarantine.
While the decision to quarantine is taken by Australia Border Force agents and is outside of our control, tips to help avoid quarantine include:
- If sending items such as hiking boots, sports equipment or tools that have been in contact with soil, plants or animals, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, include this information on your packing list.
- Label items clearly on your packing list, if a description is vague and border force is unsure what something is they may quarantine your shipment as a precaution.
Examples of shipments which have been quarantined include;
- A horse saddle; as this is an item directly associated with use with animals, it is likely this item would always be quarantined, even if it has been labelled as cleaned.
- A shipment containing some makeup items but one item was listed on the packing list as "powder". This description was too vague and it was quarantined as a precaution. If more detail had been provided, e.g. "cosmetic blusher powder" border force may have taken a different decision.
If your item is quarantined it will be held by border force for several weeks and you will be required to pay a quarantine fee of c. A$120 directly to our agent in Australia before border force will release it for onward delivery.
Documents Required
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Customs form
Australia requires a B534 form (provided by Send My Bag) to be completed for personal effects to be cleared into the country.
- Flight information
Australian customs will require the consignee to provide their flight number, port and date of arrival on the custom B534 Customs form, to confirm the consignee is also arriving in Australia with their goods.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Over 95% of shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for.
Our historical statistics for this route indicate shipments stopped for any reason other than quarantine inspection typically are released within one working day once any query has been resolved e.g. missing paperwork.
Shipments that require quarantine clearance by Australian Border Force will typically be held for up to 10 working days before they are approved for import and released.
Shipping Gifts to Australia
Australia allows gifts up to a value of $1000 AUD to enter the country duty free. Where multiple gifts are sent for different people and the total value exceeds $1000 AUD, duty and tax will become applicable. Australian customs does not allow items within a consignment to be split for the purposes of tax and duty calculation.
All shipments, regardless of gift status, are subject to inspection by Australian Border Force.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Australia
- Untreated Woods;
- Non-prescription medications.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Australia
- Untreated Woods;
- Non-prescription medications.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Australia
- Untreated Woods;
- Non-prescription medications.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Australia
- Untreated Woods;
- Non-prescription medications.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Australia?
For many people Australia is a long-haul destination. You may even need to take a few connecting flights to get you there. The last thing you want to do is lug around heavy baggage, especially if you have got a long activity-packed break planned, or if you are moving to Australia. Let Send My Bag help. We pick up your bags from your home and drop them off at your destination on our door to door service, taking away a lot of the hassle.
It’s a fantastic option if you are worried you will go over your baggage allowance or if you have a lot of bulky equipment which can be tricky to transport. Australia is a great place for surfing, hiking, biking and other adrenalin-inducing activities, which require you to bring your own equipment. Send My Bag can easily deliver oversized items safely and securely, making your journey stress free.
Students choosing to spend a term or their full degree course in Australia can benefit from sending their possessions to Australia. This will allow them to bring many more of their things with them than if they were just relying on a few checked pieces of luggage. They can also better enjoy their journey without the added stress of dragging several bags onto public transport.
Send Luggage to Australia
You can send your luggage and boxes to Australia with Send My Bag. If you are going on holiday to Australia, or if you are moving there permanently, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by sending your bags with Send My Bag. This way, you can bring many more items with you than you could ever do with just a few suitcases on your flight. You can also rest assured in the knowledge that your possessions are being taken care of for you, allowing you to get on with exploring your new surroundings. Send My Bag has numerous international routes, with a great-value flat rate for each route up to a massive 30 kg. This means that you can bring all your favourite things with you to help you set up home abroad. To learn more about sending luggage to Australia, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Australia
If you are migrating to Australia in the hope of making a better life for you and your family, or if you are returning home to Australia, you will have to consider international removals to Australia in order to transport all of your possessions. Before you hand over anything to the movers, however, ensure that all your items are well packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use suitable packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to Australia
Textbooks, literature books, clothes, DVDs and CDs are just some of the things a student needs to bring with them when they go abroad to study. If you are spending your degree course, or just a term, in Australia, you can send your possessions with Send My Bag. There are a great number of universities in Australia that you could choose to study at, with the top-rated universities being the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. To find out about student shipping with Send my Bag and to get your 10% student discount, visit our student removals page.
Sending a Parcel to Australia
You could ask a friend or relative to send a package to Australia if you happen to leave something behind. Or, your friends and relatives could send a care package to Australia to help remind you of home. This is a great idea for expats who have gone to settle in Australia or for students who are feeling a bit homesick. Send My Bag can send parcels internationally to Australia for you. Make sure you choose a sturdy box when sending a parcel to Australia and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about how to send a parcel with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Australia
If you need to transport items to Australia, you should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to Australia. Some options will work out better for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Australia.
Send Golf Clubs to Australia
You can send golf clubs to Australia with Send My Bag and so avoid any oversized or overweight baggage fees from your airline. There are several great golf courses to enjoy in Australia, such as Darwin Golf Club, Alice Springs Golf Club and The Australian Golf Club. Since you can use your own golf clubs you will be able to enjoy playing golf to the full. Read our guide on how to send golf clubs to find out about the best way to package your items.
About Australia
Australia - also known as OZ, or the Land Down Under - is a popular holiday and emigration destination, with most regions enjoying pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The sheer expanse of the country makes it a wonderful and intriguing country to visit. It’s the sixth largest country on the planet and includes the mainland, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia is made up of a range of landscapes, from mountains to deserts, reefs, forests, beaches, and cosmopolitan cities.
If you’re looking for an adventure holiday or if you plan to start a new life for you and your family, Australia really is the place to go. As you may know, Australia’s summer ranges from December to February, hence Christmas BBQs on the beach. This means that winter falls between June and August with cooler temperatures. However, as Australia is so big, the country covers a number of climate zones with some places much cooler than others.
Some of the top activities and must-see sites in Australia include snorkelling or diving round the Great Barrier Reef, taking a trip to Uluru and exploring the Blue Mountains National Park. It’s a great place to go trekking, mountain climbing, or to enjoy extreme sports. If you like to take it much, much easier, then Australia has some of the best beaches in the world. Why not spend the day at Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches there is. A bit further afield is Christmas Island which offers the perfect escape on its pristine beaches.
If you prefer a cosmopolitan holiday, Australia’s vibrant and lively cities make a brilliant destination. The capital, Canberra, is the largest landlocked city and offers a unique insight into Australian life. Influenced by garden cities, buildings are intermixed with parks and gardens. The larger cities of Sydney and Melbourne are the more popular destinations for tourists and those looking to emigrate. Sydney, of course, has its Opera House and is the site of the first British Colony in Australia, and is thus steeped in colonial history. Melbourne is in the state of Victoria. It is a fantastic cultural city filled with museums and galleries, and is home to a number of festivals.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Australia.
Air Freight to Australia
Air freight is one way you could send items, such as a table or armchair, to Australia. Sending items by air freight usually takes one to two days, which is usually faster than sea freight shipping, but typically more expensive. The amount you will be required to pay will depend on the weight and size of your shipment. You will likely also have to use the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. And, you will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the airport. Costs could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Australia your items would likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Sydney Airport or Melbourne Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Australia
You could choose sea freight rather than air freight to transport your possessions to Australia. This is an option if you don’t need to receive your items immediately. Again, this option is usually used when shipping large bulky items, such as a sofa or even a car. Sea freight usually means shipping items in large containers loaded onto cargo ships. It can be cheaper than air freight, but you will still need to use the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports. So, the cost could end up being more than you first expected. When using container shipping to Australia your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as the Port of Brisbane or the Port of Melbourne.
Shipping Goods to Australia
When shipping goods to Australia you need to be aware of the current customs rules. You should be aware of any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Australia, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.