Understanding the Import Process
Australia Customs Clearance for Household Goods is straightforward if certain conditions are met. Shipping household goods and personal belongings to Australia duty- and tax-free is possible when items have been personally owned and used for at least 12 months prior to shipping, and the owner arrives in Australia no later than six months after the shipment.
Unlike many countries, shipments cannot be delivered directly from the port or airport to a residence. As part of the Australia customs clearance for household goods process, all items must pass through an approved Customs and Quarantine Bonded Depot to comply with mandatory quarantine inspections.
Full Container Load (FCL) shipments are transported “under bond” from the port to our agent’s depot. Once at the depot, goods are carefully unloaded into containers. Our partner’s team counts and checks items for any obvious damage before returning the shipping line’s container to its depot.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) and airfreight shipments follow a similar “under bond” procedure, arriving at our depot for preparation before inspection. Items that may be subject to quarantine are set aside for easy access during inspection. FCL shipments generally remain in the container until clearance is finalised.
Two separate approvals are required: one from Australian Customs (Australian Border Force) and one from Quarantine (Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, DAWR). Clients do not need to attend these inspections personally. Typically, customs clearance is completed first, followed by the mandatory quarantine inspection, after which delivery can be arranged.
Expected Timescales: From Arrival to Delivery
Delivery timelines vary depending on shipment type, location, and season. Clients should provide a delivery address at least one week before the shipment’s estimated arrival to avoid delays or storage fees. Storage charges may apply 10 days after vessel arrival if clearance and delivery are not completed on time.
Typical clearance and delivery times:
- FCL (Full Container Load): 7–10 working days
- LCL (Less-than-Container Load): 12–15 working days
- Groupage: 10–13 working days
- Airfreight: 5–7 working days
Notes on LCL and groupage: LCL shipments depend on the forwarder in Australia to unstuff containers and transfer items under bond to our depot. Groupage shipments are deconsolidated at our warehouse before inspection and delivery scheduling.
Airfreight shipments require documentation at least 24 hours before arrival. Deliveries should ideally arrive Monday to Wednesday to allow enough time for clearance without incurring storage fees. The AWB should be consigned to OSS World Wide Movers, not the client.
Regulatory deadlines:
- Sea freight: Documents must be submitted at least 5 days before the vessel’s ETA (Australian Customs require reporting 48 hours prior).
- Airfreight: Documents should be submitted at least 24 hours prior to arrival (2 hours prior for customs reporting).
Peak Periods (December – January)
December and January are peak moving periods in Australia due to summer holidays, school vacations, and staff transfers. Clearance and delivery can take longer during this period, as Australian Border Force and Quarantine often operate with reduced staffing.
Estimated peak period timelines:
| Shipment Type | Normal Year | December / January |
|---|---|---|
| FCL | 7–10 working days | 12–18 working days |
| Groupage | 10–13 working days | 15–22 working days |
| LCL | 12–15 working days | 16–20 working days |
| Airfreight | 5–7 working days | 7–10 working days |
Clients planning deliveries during these months should provide early notice. Storage charges apply 10 days after ETA for FCLs and airfreight, and 15 days for LCL and groupage shipments.
How CM Relocation Makes Your Move Stress-Free
At CM Relocation, we take care of every step of your move to Australia:
- Packing and shipping your belongings safely.
- Managing bonded transportation to our depot.
- Handling customs and quarantine clearance.
- Scheduling and delivering your goods to your new home.
Whether it’s a full container, consolidated shipment, or airfreight, our experienced team ensures your move is smooth, safe, and fully compliant with Australian regulations.
At CM Relocation, we specialise in making moves to Australia seamless for individuals and families. From packing and shipping to bonded transportation, customs, and quarantine clearance, we handle every step of the process. Our team manages all the complex regulations and paperwork, ensuring your household goods and personal effects arrive safely, on time, and fully compliant with Australian law. Whether you’re moving a full container, consolidating shipments, or sending airfreight, we provide expert guidance and support throughout your journey. With CM Relocation, you can move with confidence, knowing your belongings are in safe hands.
Move with confidence — contact CM Relocation today and let us make your relocation effortless.