Moving from the US to Australia
A move from the US to Australia sends belongings across the Pacific, typically by sea freight, with air freight sometimes used for smaller loads.
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Australia calls household goods that travel apart from you unaccompanied personal effects, and clears them with a statement lodged with the Australian Border Force. Every such shipment goes through a biosecurity assessment, the goods may be examined, and the form asks pointed questions about weapons, medicines and wildlife items.
Documents and customs basics
Know the shipping options
The Australian Border Force says belongings sent ahead of you can travel by air, sea cargo or international mail, and covers household and personal items under unaccompanied personal effects. Source
Complete the statement in English
Clearance uses the Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement, form B534. It is a legally binding document, must be written in English, and any errors must be initialled. It asks when and how the goods are due to arrive, including sea bill or air waybill details. Source
Choose who clears the goods
The form lets you clear the goods yourself or nominate a representative such as a freight forwarder, customs broker, friend or relative, who must present identification. Source
Answer the restricted goods questions
The statement asks whether the goods include weapons, drugs, medicines, wildlife products or offensive material, and tells you to give details for any yes. It notes that effects may be examined and keys should be at hand. Source
Declare recently owned goods
The form's notice says goods owned for less than 12 months must be declared and are assessed for duty and taxes, with penalties for leaving them out. Source
Arrange shipping before you arrive
For the duty and GST concession, the ABF says furniture and household goods must have been owned and used for 12 months before you leave for Australia, the transport must be arranged before you arrive, and the sending must be linked to your travel. Motor vehicles and vehicle parts are outside the concession. Source
Prepare for the biosecurity assessment
All unaccompanied personal effects are assessed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which checks the B534 and the packing list. It looks closely at items made from animals or plants, such as wooden furniture, and at things that have touched soil, water or animals, such as bike tyres, golf clubs and pet blankets. Risk items may need cleaning, treatment, export or destruction at the importer's expense, and the ABF cannot release the goods until the department clears them. Source
What your estimate needs
Your estimate starts from your inventory: the rooms, the larger items and anything that needs special handling, such as a vehicle. Share your list and your move date, and your consultant confirms the details for your route.
FAQ
Moving from the US to Australia
What do I give for an Australia estimate?
A room-by-room inventory. Keep a copy handy, since the B534 asks about the contents and who packed them.
Can my belongings travel by air?
Yes. The Border Force lists air, sea cargo and international mail as ways to send unaccompanied belongings.
Who signs the customs statement?
The owner signs the declaration, and a nominee can lodge it for you if named on the form.
Does the form cover my car?
No. The form asks whether a vehicle is in the shipment, but the ABF excludes motor vehicles and parts from the personal effects concession. Vehicle import is a separate process that is not covered on this page.
Sources
- Australian Border Force: Moving to Australia (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Border Force: Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534) (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Border Force: Unaccompanied Personal Effects (opens in a new tab)
Last updated November 1, 2026
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