Customs and Quarantine

Article by: Jay
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

There are two different Australian Government Agencies responsible for customs and quarantine that you will have to deal with when you enter Western Australia either as an individual or as a family. They are the following:-

The Australian Customs Service

They carry out the passport inspection and review your paperwork and then allow you to enter Australia. Their duties are as follows:

Australian customs is the regulatory agency responsible for protecting the Australian community from the illegal movement of goods and people accross borders. They collect customs duties and other revenues.

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)

This Government Agency provides inspection services for the arrival of international passengers, animals, mail and cargo of every description into Western Australia.

You will encounter both of these agencies at the airport and if you are shipping goods into Western Australia as unaccompanied items.

Customs are responsible for the clearance of all unaccompanied items from overseas and AQIS are responsible for any quarantine issues.

Clearance

The owner must clear unaccompanied goods and this is usually done by nominating the removal company to act on your behalf or as your agent. The removals company will carry out all the necessary documentation and process the goods for clearance. If you have undertaken the shipping of the goods yourself then you will also have to clear the goods yourself. This you can do by contacting your nearest Customs office which can be located by phoning 1 300 363 263

Customs may wish to to examine your goods and you will need to provide invoices or receipts for any new items you have declared.

If you have any questions about the unaccompanies effects statement ask a Customs officer or your removals company or agent.

Concessions

As a migrant arriving in Western Australia for the first time or to take up permanent residency, any unaccompanied items other than controlled items (drugs, seeds, firearms, etc.) can be brought in duty / tax free.. You must have owned and used these items, other than in Australia, for 12 months or more prior to your departure to Western Australia.

Items owned and used for less than 12 months prior to your departure to Western Australia, will be liable for tax and duty. This also applies to any gifts given to you. For full details of these and items classed as "controlled", contact customs.

Useful websites:

The Australian Customs Service
www.customs.gov.au

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
www.aqis.gov.au

Australian Commonwealth Government site and there are a number of useful links off here
www.fed.gov.au