Shipping & Customs Tips: Moving Your Belongings from Dubai to Australia Smoothly
Relocating from the UAE to Australia is a big move — not just emotionally, but logistically. Getting your furniture, clothing, and personal items from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth requires planning, paperwork, and patience.
Australian customs and quarantine rules are famously strict, so understanding the process early will save you time, money, and stress. Here’s everything you need to know to make your international move as seamless as possible.
1. Start Planning Early — at Least 8–12 Weeks Before You Move
Unlike regional moves, international shipping involves multiple steps — freight booking, export clearance, customs declaration, and biosecurity inspection. The earlier you start, the better.
Timeline guide:
12 weeks before: Get quotes from at least three reputable international movers.
8 weeks before: Confirm your booking and schedule packing dates.
4 weeks before: Finalise your item list and complete customs paperwork.
2 weeks before: Notify your mover of any last-minute changes.
Peak periods (especially between June and September) can see shipment delays, so early booking helps you lock in the best rates.
2. Choose Between Air Freight and Sea Freight
Your choice depends on budget, time, and how much you’re taking.
Air Freight
Best for small moves, essentials, or urgent shipments
Typical transit time: 7–14 days
Approximate cost: AED 6,000–10,000 for 100–200 kg
Sea Freight (Full Container Load)
Best for full household moves
Typical transit time: 6–10 weeks
Approximate cost: AED 15,000–30,000+, depending on container size
Sea Freight (Less than Container Load)
Best for shared containers and smaller shipments
Typical transit time: 8–12 weeks
Cost: Priced per cubic metre (around AED 600–900 / m³)
Tip: Many expats combine the two — send daily essentials via air freight and the rest via sea freight.
3. Understand What You Can and Can’t Ship
Australia’s biosecurity laws (run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – DAFF) are among the strictest in the world. Items that may carry soil, plant material, or pests must be declared or cleaned professionally.
Restricted or high-risk items include:
Wooden furniture (especially untreated timber)
Outdoor items like garden tools, sports gear, or camping equipment
Food, seeds, spices, and dried flowers
Animal products, fur, shells, or coral
Liquids, aerosols, and batteries (especially by air freight)
Pro tip: Clean everything thoroughly before packing — vacuum furniture, wash shoes, and disinfect outdoor gear. Movers can arrange fumigation or steam cleaning certificates, which speed up clearance.
4. Prepare a Detailed Inventory List
Australian customs requires a clear, itemised inventory for every shipment.
Label every box and number them (for example, “Box 1 – Kitchen Utensils”).
Keep a digital spreadsheet with descriptions and estimated values.
Declare all items honestly — under-declaring can lead to fines or confiscation.
If you’re sending household goods you’ve owned for over 12 months, they usually qualify for duty-free import, provided you’re entering Australia on a long-term visa or permanent residency.
5. Documentation You’ll Need
Your international mover will help prepare the paperwork, but it’s useful to know what’s required:
Copy of passport and visa
Australian arrival declaration
Packing list and inventory
Bill of lading or air waybill
Import declaration form (B534) for unaccompanied personal effects
Cleaning or fumigation certificates (if applicable)
Keep all documents digital and printed — customs officers may ask for verification when you collect your goods.
6. Quarantine and Inspection Process in Australia
Once your shipment arrives, it goes through Australian Border Force (ABF) and DAFF Biosecurity checks.
Shipments are usually inspected within 5–10 days of arrival.
If any items require cleaning, fumigation, or disposal, you’ll be notified and charged a service fee (typically AUD 100–400).
Once cleared, your goods are released for delivery to your new address.
You can track the progress through your shipping agent or freight forwarder’s online portal.
7. Insurance Is a Must
Even with the best movers, international freight carries risks — weather, rough seas, or handling damage. Always take marine or transit insurance that covers:
Loss or total damage
Partial damage to individual items
Storage delays or extended transit
Comprehensive cover typically costs around 2–3% of the declared shipment value, and is worth every dollar for peace of mind.
8. Decide on Door-to-Door vs Port-to-Port
While door-to-door service costs more, it’s usually worth it for long-distance relocations.
Door-to-Door:
Includes packing, shipping, customs clearance, and home delivery
Best for busy professionals and families
Port-to-Port:
You drop off and collect items at shipping terminals
Best for smaller or budget-conscious moves
Relocation Services Australia can coordinate with shipping agents to arrange delivery, unpacking, and property access, so your home is move-in ready when you arrive.
9. Customs Duties and Taxes
Most returning residents and new migrants are eligible for duty-free import on personal belongings if:
The goods have been owned and used overseas for at least 12 months, and
They are for personal use, not resale.
If you’re importing brand-new items or high-value electronics, duties and GST may apply (typically 5–10%). Keep receipts handy to prove ownership dates if needed.
10. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t ship prohibited items like weapons, vaping devices, or unapproved medications.
Don’t pack dirty outdoor gear or shoes — it will delay clearance.
Avoid last-minute bookings; air freight fills quickly.
Don’t assume your UAE insurance covers international transit — confirm in writing.
Taking the time to plan and clean properly can save weeks of delays and hundreds in inspection fees.
Shipping your life across continents is no small task — but with the right preparation and professional guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is planning early, declaring honestly, and partnering with experienced relocation specialists who understand both UAE export and Australian import systems.
Need Help Managing Your Move?
At Relocation Services Australia, we assist UAE-based professionals and families with:
Securing rental properties prior to their arrival
Coordinating international movers and shipping quotes
Managing customs paperwork and quarantine requirements
Organising delivery, unpacking, and rental property setup
If you’re relocating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE, get in touch for end-to-end support to make your move to Australia smooth and stress-free.
