Importing personal effects to Australia

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Who Can Import Personal Effects

Anyone moving to Australia or returning after time overseas may be eligible to import personal effects. These items must be owned and used by you for at least 12 months before shipment.

You can import personal effects if you are:

An Australian citizen or permanent resident returning home after living or working abroad.
A temporary resident or visa holder (such as a student or skilled worker) relocating to Australia with their household goods.
A migrant or new permanent resident is bringing personal belongings as part of their move.
A returning traveller who has been away for an extended period and is shipping personal items back to Australia.

To qualify for duty-free entry, your personal effects must be for genuine personal use and not intended for sale, gift, or commercial purposes. New or unused items may attract duty and GST.

Platinum® can confirm your eligibility, prepare the necessary paperwork, and liaise with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture to ensure your belongings are cleared without delays.

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How Platinum Makes The Process Easier

Our handy video explains the often confusing process of importing your Personal Effects into Australia.

We also have PDF infographics explaining the process for each kind of freight.

Download LCL (Less than a Container Load) Infographic

Download FCL (Less than a Container Load) Infographic

Download Fed Ex® Infographic

Download Air Freight Infographic

Our Services

SEA FREIGHT LCL PERSONAL EFFECTS

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AIR FREIGHT PERSONAL EFFECTS

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SEA FREIGHT FCL  PERSONAL EFFECTS

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FED EX® PERSONAL EFFECTS

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Required Documents For Customs Clearance

To ensure your personal effects are cleared smoothly by Australian Customs and the Department of Agriculture, Platinum® requires the following documents before your shipment arrives in Australia:

BILL OF LADING: Should be available from your supplier. We require the First Original to be endorsed with your printed name, signature, date and company stamp on the reverse side and then to be posted to our office.

AN ITEMISED INVENTORY LISTING

PHOTOS/SCAN OF YOUR PASSPORT: If you hold an Australian passport, we only require the photo page from the passport to be forwarded with the documents. If you are not an Australian passport holder, we require every page (including the blank pages) of the passport to be copied and forwarded with the documents.

AUTHORISATION FORM

AN UNACCOMPANIED PERSONAL EFFECTS STATEMENT

Personal Effects Resources

TRADING TERMS

AND CONDITIONS

DOWNLOAD HERE

Unaccompanied

Personal Effects

DOWNLOAD HERE

AUTHORITY AND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DOWNLOAD HERE

Frequently asked questions about Importing Personal Effects

What qualifies as personal effects when importing to Australia?

Personal effects include items you have owned and used for at least 12 months before your arrival in Australia. These can be clothing, books, furniture, household goods and personal belongings. They do not include items purchased recently overseas for resale.

Do I have to pay duty or GST on personal effects?

In most cases, genuine personal effects are cleared free of duty and GST. However, if your shipment includes new or unused goods, taxes may apply. Platinum® can confirm your eligibility before you ship.

What documents are required for customs clearance?

You will need:

Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
A detailed inventory list
A copy of your passport (all pages if you are not an Australian citizen)
Authorisation form to act on your behalf
Completed Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement

How long does customs clearance take?

Clearance usually takes a few business days once all documents are received and lodged correctly. Delays can occur if paperwork is incomplete or if the Department of Agriculture requires inspection.

Can I ship personal effects by courier, sea freight or air freight?

Yes. Platinum® handles all modes: FedEx® courier, sea freight (FCL/LCL), and air freight. We’ll advise on the most cost-effective option for your timeline and shipment size.

Why should I use a licensed customs broker?

Using a licensed customs broker ensures that your belongings clear customs quickly and legally. Platinum® has over 25 years of experience and manages the entire process, avoiding delays, extra charges, or compliance issues.

About Platinum® Freight Management

Platinum® Freight Management is an Australian-owned and operated company specialising in customs clearance and freight forwarding. For more than 25 years, we have assisted individuals, families and businesses in navigating the complexities of importing goods into Australia.

Our team of licensed customs brokers ensures that every consignment complies with Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture requirements. Whether you are relocating, returning after time abroad, or sending belongings to loved ones, we provide reliable, efficient and transparent solutions.

We pride ourselves on professional service, clear communication and a commitment to minimising costs for our clients. From personal effects and household goods to commercial imports, Platinum® has the knowledge and experience to make the process straightforward.

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