Hello Frank,
The move went smoothly and we received our things after 6 or 7 weeks. We were quite happy with the move and how things were handled. Well done!
Cheers,
Suzanne

Suzanne M Haddon
Rooland Design

Thanks you so much, i would really appreciate it as I am on the road again tomorrow to where I actually live, it a 10 hours car drive from here through rural Australia and I will be again out of contact, I don’t see that I could do much over the weekend either.

Sorry about all this its been a bit of nightmare with me but you people have been wonderful and I can’t thank you enough.

Nada Manthorpe

MOVING TO AUSTRALIA

If you are Moving to Australia or Shipping to Australia, IntlMOVE have the Best Rates for Shipping Household Goods to Australia.

This is an informational source regarding customs and immigration regulations; bus, train and metro routes for people looking to Move Iinternationally to Australia, and general information for people who are already in Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Fill in the form on the right and submit to receive the Best Rates for Shipping Household Goods to Australia.

This information is prepared by IntlMOVE for IntlMOVE’s customers Moving to Australia and Shipping Household Goods and or Personal Effects from USA to Australia.

If you are moving to Australia  and plan to ship your household goods and  personal effects, there are customs regulations in Australia you need to consider .
Below are Australia’s rules and regulations regarding the importation of used household goods and personal belongings

• All shippers (excluding Australian and New Zealand citizens) are required to have a visa to gain entry and to import household goods shipments to Australia
• A customs form B534 Unaccompanied Effects Form is required for all household goods shipments to be imported to Australia. This form can be obtained from the destination agent or downloaded at www.customs.gov.au
• The agent can clear the household goods shipment if the shipper is not in the Australia, provided the form B534 is complete and there are no dutiable items with the household goods  shipment
• The B534 must be the original as completed by the client. Australian Customs will not accept faxed or photocopied forms. Australian Customs will also ask for a photocopy of each page of the client’s passport
• An Authority to Act form must be completed by the client to authorize clearance on their behalf
• Owner packed goods require a list of contents from the owner
• A descriptive inventory (English) is required.
• Any receipts for goods not owned and used for at least 12 months

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS FOR IMPORTING HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO AUSTRALIA

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty free entry, provided that they have been owned and used by the shipper for at least twelve (12) months prior to importation. Household Goods may be cleared before the client arrives in Australia provided that all of the necessary, correctly completed documents are in order As of July 1, 2002, the Australian Customs Service (ACS) began implementing a new cargo reporting and clearance system. This system now requires forwarders and importers to electronically report all incoming cargo to the ACS at least 24 hours prior to the Vessel or aircraft arrival at an Australian port. This cargo report must contain the name and residential address of the owner/receiver of the cargo. It is acceptable for this address to be shown as a hotel, serviced apartment or the contact address of a friend, relative or place of employment. It is not acceptable to send no address or notations such as TBA, will advise, etc. No household goods  shipment will be dispatched from port of departure to an Australian port of entry until an address as such is advised to IntlMove, Inc.

All costs associated with the delay in advising IntlMove, Inc. with a contact address in Australia will be passed back to the responsible party or are to the owner’s account.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Food:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables (do not use fruit boxes to pack items, they are prohibited)
  • Grains such as popcorn (popped and unpopped), barley, beans, seeds, etc.
  • All meat and dairy products
• Plants or parts of plants, soil, seeds, dried flowers and the like
  • Ensure that ALL soil is PROPERLY washed off garden implements or shoes/boots, all grass/soil is removed from lawnmowers and bicycles, vacuum cleaner bags are disposed of, Christmas decorations do NOT contain any pine cones, pieces of bark, branches, or any leaves (i.e. parts of any plant)
• Most animals including wildlife and endangered species, animal products (such as ivory, skins, feathers, bones, shells and the like or products made from these items) or animal equipment and biological specimens
• If above items in shipment, shipment will be seized by Customs for identification
• Medications and narcotic drugs (letter from doctor must state that medication is required for Customer’s treatment, and it has been supplied on prescription)
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives and some types of martial arts weapons
  • Firearms are subject to severe restrictions
  • Weapons will undergo safety check
  • All firearms will be held by Customs upon arrival and held in “Queens Bond” pending approval by the Police Department for a “Shooters License”
• Radio transmitters, citizen band radios, cordless telephones (must be approved by the Department of Transport and Communication)
• If above items in shipment, shipment will be seized by Customs for safety checking
• Importation of any prohibited item without the necessary Australian Import Permit, may result in $50,000 to $100,000 fines and a jail term of 5-10 years

Any alcohol brought into Australia must be declared and is subject to duty/GST. Charges are calculated on the following -

• Value of each bottle
• Percentage of alcohol content
• Volume

Each bottle of alcohol needs to be listed, and have the above noted, on a separate inventory sheet

MOTOR VEHICLES

The importation of motor vehicles into Australia is strictly controlled and there are no duty/GST free concessions available. This means that all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, will be subject to duty and/or GST which will be calculated on the value of the vehicle. In addition, high value vehicles will attract a Luxury Car Tax. There are also strict regulations for the registration of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, for road use in Australia

All vehicles must comply with Australian Design Regulations which, in almost every case, will require modification to be undertaken to the vehicle to bring it up to the required standard. It is possible that in some instances a vehicle may not be able to be modified, or alternatively may require extensive modification so as to allow registration.

All such modifications must be undertaken and certified by an accredited Australian automotive engineer and can be a very costly undertaking which often results in an uneconomical situation arising in preparing a vehicle for road use.

• Customer must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a person who has applied to become an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident
• Customer must have owned and used the auto for at least twelve months prior to import
• The applicant is of an age that entitles him or her to hold a license or permit to drive a road vehicle
• The applicant undertakes to comply with any requirements as to road safety that are imposed in respect of the vehicle by the Administrator of Vehicle Standards
• Customer has not imported a road vehicle owned by him or her within the year ending on the day on which the vehicle in respect of which the application is made is landed in Australia
• All vehicles intended to be imported, including motor vehicles, motorcycles, caravans, trailers etc. must have an individual “Vehicle Import Approval” prior to their arrival in Australia
• An ‘Application For Vehicle Import Approval’ must be lodged with the Vehicle Safety Standards office in Canberra, prior to the arrival of the vehicle in Australia. This action must be undertaken as early as possible as motor vehicles are unable to be cleared until an approved application has been obtained
• The owner or spouse must produce the documents listed below and complete a B357 Form (Statement for Vehicle Imported by a Passenger)
• Documents Required:
  • Bill of Sale
  • Certificate of Steam Cleaning
  • Current Passport (previous passport required together with current, if current passport has been issued after purchase of vehicle)
  • Import Permit (will not be granted to Customers who are on a temporary visa)
  • Original Purchase and Registration Papers (showing purchase price and purchase date)
  • Receipts for any modifications to the vehicle which would add value to the purchase price
  • Insurance Policy
  • Drivers License
  • Service records and log books
  • Car Condition Report
  • Authorization from Federal Office of Road Safety
  • Clearance from the Australian Quarantine Service
• The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) inspects all vehicles on arrival, and requires them to be properly cleaned. This is usually effected by steam cleaning. The customer should remove all soil and any other matter from your vehicle (including and especially the underside) prior to its exportation
• Further information on Australian Quarantine Inspection Service can be located on their website at www.affa.gov.au and select the “Quarantine and Inspection” option
• CUSTOMER MUST BE IN AUSTRALIA FOR AUTO CLEARANCE TO AVOID BONDED STORAGE CHARGES AND DEMURRAGE
• LEFT-HAND DRIVEN VEHICLES SUBJECT TO TEMPORARY PERMIT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ROAD SAFETY
• Further information relating to the current Customs clearance and valuation process and the applicable Customs Duty, GST and Luxury Car Tax rates can be located on the Australian Customs Service web site at www.customs.gov.au

PETS

• Strict regulations and quarantine apply (quarantine space very limited)
• Length of quarantine will depend upon the type of animal and country of origin
• Proof of inoculation
• Must obtain an Import Permit from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
• Birds prohibited

NOTE – customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Australia and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, IntlMove cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

When you are not working, take advantage of the numerous activities Australia has to offer. You can ski and snowboard down Victoria’s powdered slopes or swim, snorkel, dive or sail the balmy waters of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space. Plan a walkabout or learn more about the Australian outback a place where plains stretch to eternity. Visit Sydney and view the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbor to Manly. Western Australia will take you back in time; enjoy Freemantle’s majestic and historic architecture. Perth’s marine heritage will draw you to the ocean.

Are you’re a returning citizen? Do you know what documents you will need to relocate to Australia? Are you moving permanently or for a temporary period of time? Are you going by yourself, as a family, considering taking any pets, considering taking a vehicle? Planning is the key to make your relocation successful and stress free.

Contact the local embassy, consulate or contact Customs directly and start to learn what you will need to do and what documents will be required. How long does it take to get a visa? What costs are involved in getting the paperwork in order? Will you need an attorney? If you are bringing your pets with you, be aware that the application process will take time and your pet will more than likely be quarantined for a period of time (about 30 days) before being released.

For your household goods, you will be required to complete form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Your customs clearance agent will provide you with the form or you may be able to download it directly from the Australian Customs website.

Terminal Handling Charges will be charged in the destination in Australian dollars. They are determined by the port authorities and are subject to change without notice. Your International moving company can provide you with an estimate of the charges at the current time.

If you are planning to take your vehicle, the vehicle will need quarantine clearance from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services after the vehicle has arrived at the port. This agency inspects all vehicles upon arrival and requires them to be properly cleaned; generally steam cleaned and all soil and other matter (including the underside of the vehicle) must be removed. You will need Vehicle Import Approval from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. You will be required to pay customs duty, goods and service tax (GST) and where applicable a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and obtain customs clearance at the port of entry.

Australia has very strict laws regarding soil. All bicycle tires, all shoes (especially golf shoes), golf clubs, lawn mowers, garden tools, outdoor furniture, hiking gear, BBQ’s motor cycles must be clean and free of soil. If traces of soil are detected, then AQIS will issue an instruction that each item is steam cleaned prior to being released for delivery. The additional cost of steam cleaning, fumigation and deep burial (if required) will be paid by you. Items that could require fumigation and gamma treatments are pine cones, authentic Christmas decorations, cane products, animal skins, drum skins, straw packaging, wheat bags, fruit and vegetable cartons used for packing. Be sure not to use these types of boxes for packing if you are packing yourself. Pack all of your shoes in one carton. Provide, on the outside of each carton, a brief description of the contents of each carton. Avoid generic terms such as PBO (packed by owner) or miscellaneous. This will be especially important when packing kitchen items, should your shipment be inspected, they will be looking for food, seeds, etc. So if the box just has pots and pans in it, it should be labeled as such. This step of labeling will avoid packing and repacking of your items should your shipment need to be inspected. These costs are not included in the services of any international moving company. This is not considered normal customs clearance. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of your destination country before you ship your belongings.

You should plan to take delivery of your shipment about 10 days from the AQIS approval for delivery. If you are not available or cannot take delivery within the approximate 10 day period, then you will be charged for storage and handling.

The process of relocating to Australia is easy. Your part is to do the research, learn the rules and regulations on what and what not to bring and to plan. Your international mover can direct you to where to find out information, they can help you determine the volume of your shipment, whether to pack yourself or not, what kind of insurance coverage is available and will take care of getting your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in Australia. Now you ready for your adventure and experience of a lifetime!

From: Vicki
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:22 PM
To: ops@inlmove.com
Subject: FW: Marine-Insurance 09-03-015-30

to whom it may concern:
I wanted to write and let it be known that Gloria has been the most kind and compassionate I have ever dealt with.  I know she has gone way beyond the duty and time limit that is ordinar just to help me when I’m going through such a very rough time in my life. I want you to know what an asset she is to your company and how fortunte ou are to have her there. I have made so many mistakes figuring the numbers- living in a hotel for 2 weeks have made it difficult on me to get this all done, while continuing to work and make this move, but she has made it as easy as possible on me and I GREATLY appreciate all that she has gone out of her way to do for me. You are one lucky company to have such a gifted and talented employee who really cares for your customers. Please thank her for me one more time and should the need ever arise, I would like Gloria to handle everything for me, as she has been absolutely wonderful to me.
Vicki G.

From: T., David
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:05 PM
To: Administration
Subject: RE: 08-11-002-07

Thanks. I will be leaving for the airport in 3 hours. The Movers come last Sat 8th November, and they performed a fantastic move and were very happy with them.
David

From: todd p.
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 8:20 PM
To: Operations
Subject: Re: 08-07-053-31 – Tracking Info

Thank you for your expediency in this matter. You can definitely use me as a reference if you wish

Thanks again, Todd M P. World Handcycle champion

From: Joel M.
Sent:  Thursday, May 04, 2006 9:03 PM
To:  eric@intlmove.com
Subject: Re: FW: FW: Shipment to Joel M. Shipton in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Eric, It is about 9 p.m. on the 4th of May here, which makes it 11 a.m. on the 5th in Brisbane. I am most happy to report to you and thank you on both Moya’s and my behalf; that the furniture has been delivered to her in tack!!!! And thank you so very much for following through on this and seeing it to its conclusion!  We really appreciate your involvement. Be well and have a nice weekend.
Regards and thanks to all! Joel

From: arielinc
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:48 AM
To: eric@intlmove.com
Subject: RE: Quote for your move overseas.

Thank you, Eric…the stats will remain the same.  You have been most responsive and is the reason I’ve chosen to go forward with your company. Forward this to your manager…worthwhile.
Kathryn