BEFORE bringing personal items into Australia such as timber or wooden furniture, familiarize yourself with the local laws that are applicable to such imported items.
Imports of a personal nature are considered by the Australian authorities to be non commercial consignments of which are imported from other countries via air, sea cargo, conventional mail or on a person whilst in transit on a flight.
Prior to imported furniture or wooden items being cleared for release at customs, such items are scrutinized via biosecurity intervention. Conditions for the importation of non commercial wooden furniture and related items into Australia can be located via the DAFF Biosecurity Import Conditions Database.
In the event that you are engaging furniture removalists in Brisbane Australia to collect your items from an Australian airport in Brisbane, ensure your removal crew also familiarize themselves with local procedures prior to collection of the items. More information regarding bringing such items to Australia as an emigrant can be located here.
To avoid fines by violating local declaration laws, ensure that the following items are declared:
1. Should you be importing timber consignments on your person, or via a bulk shipping parcel, you will need to declare your items on your incoming passenger card.
2. Larger items which are being imported via air or sea cargo need to be clearly marked and must display its contents description.
3. When you are importing personal consignments via cargo, you’ll be required to supply a list which contains every item within the package or crated freight. If you are importing timber furniture, ensure your packing list describes the furniture material e.g ‘timber furniture’.
DAFF Biosecurity will undertake random inspections of your imports to ensure it complies with local authority guidelines and that the timber item/s pose no risk of insect infestation. Depending on the nature of goods your are importing, those items are often held for thorough inspection and returned to its owner a few days later.
If authorities deem the import to be a biosecurity threat and presents potential disease concerns, the item/s will be detained and you’ll be offered the following options to consider:
1. Arrange for the item’s to be treated. Fees apply.
2. Pay for storage and quarantine costs so the items can remain at the airport for collection upon your departure.
3. Have the item/s destroyed by DAFF Biosecurity. Fees apply.
In the event that you plan to buy furniture or timber related products from overseas via the Internet, make sure you review the daff government website regarding the regulations and advice concerning ordering such items over the Internet into Australia.
The Australian authorities impose heavy fines and penalties on individuals and companies that knowingly import prohibited items, particulary timber items which can easily spread foreign pest infestations and potentially destroy farming industries. Always take measures to seek the correct advice regarding import laws prior to sending your cargo to Australia.
The aim for the local authorities is to prevent prohibited insects entering Australia and to prevent the spread of disease and pests. For more information on importing furniture and timber items to Australia, call this number for details: + 61 3 8318 6929.
