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Customs guide — Australia
Australia Removals Customs Guide
Everything you need to know about Australia customs when shipping your home from Dubai — including transfer-of-residence relief, who qualifies and how the timing works. We manage all of it for you.
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What is transfer-of-residence?
In Australia it is the Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) concession: the customs relief that lets you bring your used household goods in without paying import tax or duty. It has to be claimed correctly, with the right paperwork, and we handle the whole claim as standard on every move to Australia.
Conditions for the UPE concession
- You personally owned and used the furniture and household goods overseas for the 12 months before you leave for Australia.
- You arrange the shipment before you arrive, and it is sent in connection with your move.
- The goods are for your own use — not for sale or trade.
- You are 18 or over.
Source: Australian Border Force — Unaccompanied personal effects, checked September 2026. Rules change — we confirm them for your move.
Timing matters most
There is no approval in advance: the goods are cleared with an Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (form B534), and the Australian Border Force decides eligibility at clearance. We track the shipment so the paperwork is ready when your goods reach customs.
Not covered by the relief
- Alcohol and tobacco — assessed for duty and GST
- Commercial goods, or goods in unreasonable quantities
- Items left to you in a will
- Anything arranged to be sent after you arrive
- Cars — checked separately at survey
Unsure whether you qualify? Talk to a customs specialist before you ship — call +971 800 FUSION (387466) or message us on WhatsApp.
Australia Customs Guide — Dubai to Australia
Australia’s Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief eliminates import GST (10%) and customs duty on qualifying household goods for people permanently relocating to Australia. The Australian Border Force (ABF) administers the process — but Australia also has the world’s most rigorous biosecurity requirements, meaning incorrect packaging or prohibited organic materials can result in quarantine holds and significant additional costs. This guide covers both the ToR customs process and the biosecurity requirements your goods must meet.
Dubai to Australia ABF ToR Relief & Biosecurity Managed Speak to an Australia customs specialist:📞 +971 800 FUSION (387466)✉ dxb.relocations@fusionshipping.co
What Is ABF Transfer of Residence Relief
ToR Relief — Australia’s Household Goods Import Exemption
Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief allows individuals permanently relocating to Australia to import qualifying household goods free of Australian import GST (10%) and customs duty. It is administered by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and requires a B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) declaration.
Australia’s biosecurity requirements apply to all imports regardless of ToR status. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) inspects all incoming shipments for biosecurity risk items — organic materials, untreated timber, soil, seeds, plant matter, and certain foodstuffs. Non-compliant items are treated (fumigated) or destroyed at the importer’s cost. Fusion screens every inventory for biosecurity risk items before packing begins.
What ABF ToR Relief Covers
- Household furniture and furnishings owned and used in Dubai
- Personal clothing and personal effects
- Electrical appliances (owned and used, not new)
- Books and personal collections
- Sporting equipment for personal use
ABF ToR Relief — At a Glance
- Ports used: Sydney (Port Botany), Melbourne, Brisbane
- Vehicles: Excluded — RA approval + compliance required
Source: ABF Personal Effects Guide
ABF ToR Eligibility Requirements
Who Qualifies for Australian GST & Duty Exemption on Household Goods
ABF ToR relief applies to individuals genuinely and permanently relocating their normal place of residence to Australia. Fusion assesses eligibility at survey stage before anything is packed or shipped.
You Must Be Permanently Relocating to Australia
ABF ToR relief is for individuals permanently relocating their normal place of residence to Australia. Temporary residents, holiday home purchases, and investment property purchases do not qualify. Australian citizens returning from overseas and visa holders taking up permanent Australian residence both qualify.
Valid Australian Visa or Citizenship
You must hold a valid visa that entitles you to live and work in Australia, or be an Australian citizen. Eligible visa types include permanent residence visas (subclass 186, 189, 190, 191, 494, 887), partner visas (subclass 820/801, 309/100), and most other permanent migration visas. At survey we confirm which of these documents Australian customs will ask for — the visa itself is between you and your immigration adviser.
Goods Must Have Been Owned & In Personal Use
Items claimed under ToR must have been owned by you and in your personal use before the move. New items, commercially packed goods, and items purchased specifically for Australia do not qualify. The ABF does not specify a minimum ownership period in the same way as HMRC, but goods must demonstrably be ‘used personal effects’ — not new stock.
All Goods Must Meet DAFF Biosecurity Requirements
Regardless of ToR status, all goods entering Australia are subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection. Items containing organic material (timber, cane, bamboo, straw, seeds, soil, feathers) require treatment or declaration. Prohibited food items will be seized. Non-compliant items attract treatment or destruction costs payable by the importer. This is separate from ToR eligibility.
B534 Must Be Lodged with ABF Before Import
The B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects declaration must be lodged with ABF before or at the time your goods arrive at the Australian port. Late lodgement after arrival means GST and duty are assessed at standard rates. Fusion lodges the B534 on your behalf before goods leave Jebel Ali.
Goods Cannot Be Commercially Disposed of After Import
Goods imported under ToR relief must not be sold, hired, or otherwise disposed of commercially for a reasonable period after import. The ABF does not specify a precise period (unlike HMRC’s 12 months) but treating ToR goods as personal effects means keeping them in your household use.
Required Documentation
Every Document Required for ABF ToR Relief — Prepared by Fusion
The ABF requires a specific documentation package for ToR relief. Fusion prepares every document listed below in-house. All documents are lodged through our licensed Australian customs broker before your goods arrive at the Australian port.
B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Declaration
The B534 is the ABF’s primary document for personal effects imports. It requires: your personal details, Australian address, visa or citizenship details, a description of goods, and a declaration that goods are personal effects for domestic use. Fusion prepares the B534 through our licensed Australian customs broker on every Dubai to Australia move.
Complete Itemised Packing List
ABF requires a complete, itemised packing list describing each item being imported. The packing list must include item descriptions, quantities, and estimated values. Generic descriptions are rejected. Fusion’s packing team compiles the inventory during packing and formats it to ABF standards.
Copy of Passport & Australian Visa or Evidence of Citizenship
ABF requires a copy of your passport (bio data page) and either your Australian visa grant notice or evidence of Australian citizenship. You supply your visa evidence; our customs broker files it with the customs entry.
Proof of Australian Address
ABF requires confirmation of your Australian residential address. Acceptable evidence includes: signed tenancy agreement, property settlement statement, or a letter from a family member confirming your residence at their Australian address. Fusion advises on options if your Australian address is not yet confirmed at time of shipment.
Bill of Lading
The shipping document must match the B534 declaration and the packing list. Fusion ensures all shipping documents are consistent with the customs declaration before lodgement with ABF.
Marine Insurance Certificate & Biosecurity Declaration
Marine insurance covering the shipment value is required. Additionally, the packing list must include biosecurity risk item declarations — identifying any timber, bamboo, cane, or organic materials in the shipment. Fusion prepares the biosecurity declaration in conjunction with the standard customs documentation.
Australian Port & Biosecurity Process
What Happens at Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
Australia’s biosecurity inspection process is mandatory for every incoming shipment — it is separate from and additional to the ABF customs clearance process. Understanding both processes removes uncertainty from your move.
ABF Customs Clearance
Your B534 is lodged electronically by Fusion’s Australian customs broker before vessel arrival. ABF processes the declaration and issues either an automatic release or refers the entry for further assessment. With correctly prepared documentation, most ToR entries are granted electronic release without physical examination. ABF customs clearance typically takes 1–3 working days after vessel arrival.
DAFF Biosecurity Inspection — Mandatory for Every Shipment
After ABF customs clearance, every household goods shipment must undergo DAFF (Department of Agriculture) biosecurity inspection at an approved examination facility. This is not optional — it applies to all household goods containers regardless of ToR status. Inspection typically takes 1–3 working days. Fusion’s Australian agent manages the DAFF booking and coordinates inspection directly.
Common Biosecurity Risk Items
- Untreated timber furniture, cane, bamboo, rattan, and wicker items
- Straw packing materials and organic padding
- Seeds, dried flowers, and plant-based decorations
- Soil, sand, or organic matter on items (outdoor furniture, garden equipment)
- Feathers, down, and certain animal products
- Foodstuffs — most fresh and packaged food is prohibited
- Certain wooden items with bark or live insects present
Furniture made from cane, bamboo, rattan, or wicker is one of the most common biosecurity issues for Dubai to Australia moves. These items require fumigation treatment (methyl bromide or heat treatment) which takes additional time and incurs a treatment cost (typically AUD 300–600 per treatment). Fusion advises on biosecurity risk items at survey stage.
Treatment vs Destruction
Items that do not meet biosecurity requirements are either treated (fumigated) at the importer’s cost, or destroyed if treatment is not possible. DAFF makes this determination. Fusion’s guidance at survey stage minimises the risk of unexpected treatment costs or destruction of items.
Total Clearance Timeline
- ABF customs clearance (electronic): 1–3 working days after vessel arrival
- DAFF biosecurity inspection: 1–3 working days
- Treatment if required: add 2–5 working days
- Total typical clearance (no treatment): 3–7 working days
Australian Ports Fusion Uses
- Port Botany (Sydney) — primary
- Melbourne (Webb Dock)
- Brisbane (Fisherman Islands)
- Perth (Fremantle)
- Adelaide (Outer Harbour)
High-Risk Biosecurity Items
- Cane / bamboo / rattan furniture
- Straw packing materials
- Seeds and dried plants
- Soil on outdoor items
- Most food items
Talk to an Australia Specialist
Questions about DAFF biosecurity or ABF ToR? Speak to Fusion before you ship.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
What Cannot Enter Australia — DAFF Biosecurity & ABF Customs Restrictions
Australia has the world’s strictest biosecurity border controls. Items that violate biosecurity requirements are treated or destroyed. Items that violate customs prohibitions are seized. Fusion screens every inventory before packing begins.
DAFF Biosecurity — Prohibited Organic Materials
Items that cannot be imported without treatment or at all: fresh fruit, vegetables, and most food products. Straw, hay, and organic packing materials. Soil, sand, and earth. Live plants and seeds (without permit). Items with bark or evidence of insects. Most items from listed biosecurity risk countries may trigger additional screening. Fusion removes all biosecurity risk packing materials before any container is packed.
ABF Customs — Absolutely Prohibited
Controlled drugs and narcotics. Child exploitation material. Weapons capable of causing mass harm. Items that violate Australian intellectual property law. Counterfeit currency and goods. Certain communication devices without licence. Asbestos products. Most of these apply universally to all imports regardless of ToR status.
Restricted — Permit or Declaration Required
Firearms (strict Australian licensing required before import). Medications above personal use quantities (TGA import permit may be required). CITES-regulated items (ivory, certain skins, coral). Certain food products with biosecurity permits. Firearms components. Explosives.
Motor Vehicles
Fusion ships cars and motorcycles from Dubai to Australia by RoRo where the route offers it, or in a container, on their own or with your household goods, and handles the UAE side — export clearance, RTA deregistration and the export certificate. UAE cars are left-hand drive, and Australia drives on the left. Import duty, tax and registration in Australia depend on the vehicle and your circumstances, so we check the current rules for your car at survey, before you commit to shipping it. The official guidance is published by Department of Infrastructure. See our Automobile Relocation page.
Fine Art, Antiques & CITES Items
Artworks and antiques may be subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection if they contain timber, organic materials, or animal products. CITES-regulated items (ivory frames, tortoiseshell, certain animal-derived materials) require advance CITES permits from Australian CITES management authority. Fusion’s fine arts team handles specialist documentation for high-value items.
Pets — Strict Quarantine Requirements Apply
Australia has one of the world’s strictest pet import regimes. Dogs and cats from the UAE require: ISO microchip, approved rabies vaccination, rabies titre test (blood test showing sufficient antibody levels, taken no earlier than 180 days after vaccination), Australian import permit, and mandatory quarantine at the Post Entry Quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria (minimum 10 days). The process takes a minimum of 6–12 months to complete correctly. Fusion’s pet team manages the full process.
Check Your ABF ToR Eligibility — Free
Tell us your Dubai address, Australian destination, approximate move date, and visa type. A Fusion Australia customs specialist will assess your ToR eligibility, advise on biosecurity risk items in your inventory, and flag anything that may cause delays — before you ship anything.
- B534 prepared and lodged through our licensed Australian customs broker
- DAFF biosecurity risk screening at survey stage
- Biosecurity risk packing materials removed before loading
- ISO 9001 certified
Common ABF & DAFF Mistakes
The Four Most Common Dubai to Australia Customs & Biosecurity Mistakes
These are the most common errors Fusion encounters when clients approach us after a problem has already occurred. All four are preventable with correct preparation before goods leave Dubai.
Not Declaring or Removing DAFF Biosecurity Risk Items
The most costly mistake. Cane, bamboo, rattan, and wicker furniture — extremely common in UAE homes — almost always requires fumigation treatment in Australia. If not declared on the biosecurity declaration, DAFF will identify these items at inspection and the container must be re-fumigated at the importer’s expense, adding 2–5 days and AUD 300–600+ to the process. Fusion identifies all risk items at survey stage.
Using Organic Packing Materials
Straw, dried grass, organic padding, and some types of wood wool packing material are biosecurity-prohibited in Australia. Using these materials (common in older UAE packing practices) will result in mandatory treatment and delays. Fusion uses only DAFF-approved synthetic packing materials for all Australia-bound shipments.
Lodging the B534 After Vessel Arrival
The B534 must be lodged before or at the time of vessel arrival at the Australian port. Late lodgement means GST and duty are assessed at standard rates. On a typical 3-bedroom household move, this is an AUD 5,000–15,000 avoidable cost. Fusion lodges all B534 declarations through our customs broker before goods leave Jebel Ali.
Starting the Pet Import Process Too Late
Australian pet import requires a minimum of 6–12 months preparation time. The rabies titre test must be taken at least 180 days before arrival. Australian import permits have lead times. Clients who contact Fusion about pets after booking their move date frequently cannot complete the process in time. Fusion’s pet team advises on timelines at the first contact.
Special Cases & Less Common Scenarios
ABF ToR in More Complex Situations
The scenarios below arise in a minority of Dubai to Australia moves but require specific expertise when they do.
Returning Australian Citizens
Australian citizens returning from the UAE after a genuine period of overseas normal residence fully qualify for ABF ToR relief. The key criterion is that the UAE was your normal place of residence — not just a work posting while maintaining an Australian home. Fusion’s customs team advises on documentation to establish overseas normal residence for returning Australians.
Corporate Relocations
The B534 must be in the name of the individual relocating, not the company. However, a company relocation letter confirming the employee’s overseas posting and Australian assignment is useful supporting documentation. Fusion manages corporate relocation documentation for HR departments at major multinationals with Australian operations.
Goods Arriving Before Visa Grant
If your goods arrive at an Australian port before your visa has been granted — which can happen with processing delays — the shipment cannot be released. Fusion’s Australian agent can hold goods at the port under a Storage Order while the visa is processed. Fusion advises on timing risks at survey stage.
Wine Collections
Wine shipments entering Australia are subject to Australian import duties and GST regardless of ToR status — wine is explicitly excluded from personal effects relief. Personal use quantities are assessed case by case. Significant wine collections require commercial import treatment. Fusion advises at survey stage.
Multi-Consignment Moves
If your move is split across multiple shipments (sea freight + air freight, or multiple containers), each consignment requires its own B534 and biosecurity documentation. Fusion coordinates multi-consignment documentation as standard for clients who split their shipments.
Temporary Residents
Temporary visa holders (e.g. 457/482 TSS, student visas) do not qualify for ToR relief as they are not permanently relocating. When temporary residents later transition to permanent visas, a separate assessment is needed. Fusion advises on the correct customs treatment for temporary visa holder shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABF ToR Relief & DAFF Biosecurity — Dubai to Australia FAQ
For personalised advice, request a free customs assessment.
How long does ABF and DAFF clearance take for Dubai to Australia shipments?
ABF electronic customs clearance typically takes 1–3 working days after vessel arrival. DAFF biosecurity inspection takes a further 1–3 working days. Total normal clearance is 3–7 working days. If DAFF identifies biosecurity risk items requiring treatment (fumigation), add 2–5 working days for treatment. If ABF refers the entry for examination, add 2–5 working days.
Does all my cane and bamboo furniture need to be treated?
Almost certainly yes. Cane, bamboo, rattan, and wicker furniture is one of the most common biosecurity risk categories for Dubai to Australia shipments — it’s extremely popular in UAE homes and almost all of it requires fumigation treatment. Fusion identifies these items at survey stage and advises on treatment costs so there are no surprises at the Australian port.
What happens if DAFF finds food in my shipment?
Most food items are prohibited under Australian biosecurity regulations. Fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and many packaged foods will be seized and destroyed. Declaration on the biosecurity form and subsequent destruction is better than undisclosed discovery — which can attract fines. Fusion advises clients to remove all food items before packing.
Can I import my car from Dubai to Australia?
Fusion can ship a car from Dubai to Australia by RoRo where the route offers it, or in a container, and handles the UAE side — export clearance, RTA deregistration and the export certificate. UAE cars are left-hand drive, and Australia drives on the left. Whether your particular car can be imported and registered in Australia, and at what cost, depends on the vehicle and your circumstances — we check Australia’s current rules for it at survey, before you commit to shipping it. See our Automobile Relocation page.
How long does Australian pet import take from Dubai?
A minimum of 6–12 months if started from scratch. The rabies titre test must be taken at least 180 days (6 months) before the planned arrival date, and the titre test must show a satisfactory level. Add time for the Australian import permit application, which takes 4–8 weeks. Upon arrival, dogs and cats must spend a minimum of 10 days in quarantine at the Post Entry Quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria. Fusion’s pet team manages the entire process.
What if my Australian address is not confirmed when my goods are shipped?
The B534 requires an Australian address. If your property has not settled or your tenancy has not started, a care-of address (family member’s address or your employer’s Australian office address) can be used. Fusion advises on the correct approach at survey stage. Goods can also be held at the port in storage while your Australian address is confirmed.
Is there GST on my move if I’m only going to Australia temporarily?
If you are not permanently relocating — i.e. you hold a temporary visa and will return to the UAE — ToR relief does not apply and standard Australian GST (10%) and duty apply to your entire shipment. Fusion advises on the correct customs treatment for temporary residents at survey stage.
What packing materials does Fusion use for Australia shipments?
Fusion uses only DAFF-approved synthetic packing materials for all Australia-bound shipments. Straw, dried grass, organic wood wool, and other organic packing materials that would trigger DAFF biosecurity issues are never used. All crating for Australia shipments uses heat-treated timber compliant with ISPM 15 international standards. Related Guides & Services
Moving to Australia? You May Also Need
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Full Dubai to Australia Moving Guide
Complete route guide covering transit times, port options, shipping methods, delivery coverage, and step-by-step process for a Dubai to Australia move.
Read the Guide →
All Customs Guides
Customs guides for all five destinations — UK, Canada, Germany, France. Same DAFF biosecurity depth for every relevant country.
Pet Relocation to Australia
Australia has the world’s strictest pet import requirements. Full management of the 6–12 month process by Fusion’s specialist pet team.
Car Shipping to Australia
RoRo or container shipping from Dubai, UAE export paperwork handled, and Australia’s import rules for your car checked at survey.
Fine Arts & Antiques
CITES permits, DAFF biosecurity screening for organic materials, and specialist crating for artwork moving from Dubai to Australia.
Storage Services
Dubai storage before departure, or Australian storage while your property settles or biosecurity clearance completes.
Get Your ABF ToR Relief & DAFF Biosecurity Managed by Fusion
Tell us your Dubai address, Australian destination, approximate move size, and preferred date. A Fusion Australia specialist will assess your ToR eligibility, flag biosecurity risk items, and provide a written quote within one business day.
DAFF Biosecurity — What Every Dubai to Australia Move Requires
Australia’s biosecurity requirements are the most stringent of any destination we serve. Getting them wrong means treatment fees, delays, and potentially destroyed goods. This is what you need to know — and how Fusion manages it.
Australian Biosecurity — DAFF Requirements for Household Goods
Australia’s biosecurity regime is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Every household shipment entering Australia is subject to biosecurity assessment. Items that present a biosecurity risk — soil, plant material, untreated timber, certain foods, animal products — will be treated, re-exported, or destroyed. Treatment costs are charged to the consignee.
High-Risk Items — Must Be Declared
- Timber items — furniture, carvings, decorative wood — must be free of bark, soil, and insects
- Cane, bamboo, rattan, and wicker items — must be commercially manufactured and bark-free
- Animal products — leather, wool, feathers, shells, coral — must be clean and commercially processed
- Seeds and dried plant material — dried flowers, potpourri, straw items — generally prohibited
- Soil or sand — including decorative items with soil or sand inside
- Food items — most packaged foods are permitted; fresh produce is prohibited
- Sports equipment — must be clean, free of soil and plant material
Import Duty & GST on Household Goods
Used household goods and personal effects imported by a person transferring residence to Australia are generally exempt from import duty. However, GST (10%) applies to goods valued above AUD 1,000 unless a specific concession applies. New or unused goods purchased before departure do not qualify for the used goods concession and attract both duty and GST. Fusion calculates the GST exposure on your shipment as part of the quotation process.
Prohibited Items — Australia
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, and plant material
- Soil and sand in any form
- Untreated timber, bark, or wood shavings
- Live plants and seeds (without permit)
- Straw and hay products
- CITES-regulated items (ivory, certain skins)
- Certain firearms and weapons
- Controlled drugs and substances
Full list: ABF Prohibited Goods
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