The actual act of relocating your possessions to Australia from the United States is going to seem like a breeze compared to all the other affairs you’ll have to fulfill. This is especially true for those who choose to hire experienced overseas movers for help. The services they have available to those in need of moving help will prove their value once you find that you have more time to focus on the important and time sensitive matters involved with your international relocation.
Moving your household goods and vehicle to a new nation obviously will obviously have its hurdles. However, an overseas mover will make these hurdles their responsibility by seeing that all facets of your move are carefully carried out. Depending on what services you chose to buy through the mover, you’ll have very little to worry about.
Meeting Australia’s Import Policies to Gain Approval
Every country has the right to set their import policies. Some are much stricter than others, but luckily, Australia’s import laws aren’t too difficult to comply with. Their restrictions and requirements include the following:
Prohibited Items
- Fresh produce
- Live plants and bulbs
- Certain types of seeds including those that are unidentified
- Various spices
- Animals and pets that require an import permit
- Biological products including some that are plant based or used as herbal medications
- Unprocessed goods of plant or animal origin
- Goods containing organic residues
- Goods infested with pests or a disease
Other than restricting certain items from importation, you’re expected to fulfill other requirements such as cleaning the items you wish to ship and making sure they are packaged properly and according to Australia’s import laws. You’ll also have to pay all relevant taxes and fees associated with the importation of your household goods. You may also have to undergo an inspection.
Importing a Vehicle into Australia
Transporting your vehicle to Australia will involve a lot more paperwork and attention to detail. Not to mention, gaining approval for your car’s import holds different regulations then those set for household goods. The stipulations associated with your vehicle will depend on what type it is and whether or not it is new or used. You can find out if your vehicle matches the requirements through the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities for the Australian Government.
Once you find out if your vehicle is eligible for import, you must fulfill all the requirements to obtain the proof you need for Customs. Customs must approve the vehicle and provide you with a certificate of import approval. However, part of gaining this certificate demands proof that you paid all levies and tariffs required of you. These expenses will rely on what type of vehicle you’re shipping over and other pertinent details.
Choosing a Method of Transport for Your Belongings
There are only a few ways to safely ship your household goods and vehicle overseas. Each one is very different in its operation but all of them provide security during the transport. The cost of each shipping method also varies so you’ll need to decide what best suits your budget and preference.
The three main forms of transport used in international moves, these include ground, oversea and air shipping methods. Air shipping is the most expensive and often unaffordable. Ground shipping and sea freight are the most common and least costly options of transport and in most cases, both are necessary in the international delivery of household goods. Within those transport methods, you’ll have the options to send your stuff through open and enclosed services. For such a long transport, it is wise to choose enclosed methods for further security assurance. The mover you hired for the job should also provide insurance coverage according to their state law.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
