When you choose to move abroad there are many decisions to make about what you take with you to your new home and what you leave behind. In some instances, what you leave behind will be determined by the restrictions imposed by the customs department of the country to which you are relocating. Each location is vastly different so it’s worth having a look at all the relevant information before starting to pack. In all instances countries have strict laws on the import/export of illegal goods, weapons and drugs. You’ll also need to declare certain limits on currency, alcohol and cigarettes.
To make things easier we have put together a list for our two most popular destinations and looked at what they’ll be looking out for in your crated belongings.
Australia:
There are a vast range of goods that Australian customs are interested in, many of which reflect their concerns about the importation of pests and diseases into the country.
Items that need to be declared at customs include:
Furnishings included: Dried plant products such as hats and bags, beads, mats and rugs. Commercially manufactured instruments including pianos.
Wooden items included: Furniture e.g. bamboo, banana leaf, cane, rattan, timber, water hyacinth, wicker, willow or furniture parts. Picture frames.
Kitchen equipment included: Dried / dehydrated food item and all fresh foods. Flat-packed kitchens, large kitchen equipment such as fridges and wooden goods including chopping boards and bowls.
Sporting goods and playground equipment included: Bicycles, hockey sticks, golf clubs, swings, trampolines. Sporting footwear, wetsuits and fish equipment.
For the complete list visit:
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/aqis/travel/upe-packing-tips.pdf
For more information about customs:
New Zealand:
In New Zealand there is also concern that new diseases will be brought into the country so they too have a list of goods they may inspect on arrival.
Items that need to be declared at customs include:
Food included: Fresh or dried fruit, vegetables, mushrooms or fungi. Any meat, fish, shellfish or poultry. Ingredients used in cooking, all milk products, cheese, eggs or egg products, and milk based baby foods.
Wooden items included: Drums, items stuffed with seeds or straw, made from bamboo, cane, coconut or straw.
Outdoor equipment included: Camping gear, sports equipment, hiking boots and any other footwear contaminated with soil, seeds or water.
Grooming and veterinary equipment included: Bee-keeping equipment, saddles, bridles, bird cages and pet beds.
Gardening equipment and outdoor furniture included: Spades, shovels and footwear such as wellington boots. BBQ’s.
For a complete list visit: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/goods-clearance/household-goods-and-personal-effects/
For information about New Zealand’s customs service visit: http://www.customs.govt.nz/Pages/default.aspx
Other Popular Destinations:
For more information about what can be brought into Canada visit: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990
For South Africa: http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/Travellers/Pages/Prohibited-and-Restricted-goods.aspx
PSS International removals are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receive a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 32 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance in ensuring that our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.
Contact us now for a free estimators survey, online moving and baggage quote.
