Importing Personal Effects

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty free entry, provided that they have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to importation.

It is possible to have your goods cleared by customs before you arrive in the country, providing all the necessary documents are completed correctly.

Documentation

Britannia and our agents will assist you to complete the customs formalities. To assist us with this please let us have a copy of your passport [and visa if applicable].

We will provide you with the correct customs forms that must be completed prior to the goods leaving the UK.

To avoid additional charges it is essential that documentation is completed and returned promptly.

Prohibitions and Restrictions

In general it is in your interest not to import the following items:

■Firearms & ammunition
■Inflammable goods & substances
■Plants & plant material
■Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise
■Alcohol, narcotics and dangerous goods
■Pornography

Destination Services

Following customs clearance your consignment will be delivered to your home, if you have paid for a door to door service, on a mutually convenient date. Goods will be delivered into your new home and placed in the relevant rooms as directed by you.
Professionally wrapped and packed goods will be unwrapped and cartons unpacked onto a flat surface.
All used packing materials will be removed from site on the delivery day.
Although there will be insurance implications, you do reserve the right not to have some or all items unpacked or unwrapped should you so choose.

Insurance

Britannia Goodwins can offer fully comprehensive marine insurance cover.  Although every effort is made in the preparation of the effects for shipment, our choice of shipping lines and indeed the agents that deal with the destination services, there can be the unforeseen incident that could arise - so insurance cover becomes an important factor.

An Insurance information pack can be supplied on request.

On Arrival

Britannia can offer advice on a variety of issues related to living in Australia. We can also provide a selection of preferential products and services via our partner Moving Planet - please ask your Britannia representative for more details.

Customs clearance

It normally takes 10 to 15 days for customs clearance and delivery. The time taken to clear goods through customs can be affected by Government policy, X-raying of goods, physical inspection, volume of traffic and the levy of any import duties or taxes. Charges raised by customs or quarantine officials will be paid for by our Britannia agents, who will seek reimbursement from yourselves prior to delivery.

Britannia in Australia

Britannia has established a long standing successful relationship with a network of dedicated removers, who will assist you with your destination services. Their full contact details will be sent to you prior to the forwarding of your consignment. Our agents are part of our extended Britannia family and we meet with them on a regular basis to ensure high standards of service are maintained.

Storage

Should you require storage prior to delivery this can be arranged. You should expect to pay locally a one off storage handling fee, plus a monthly storage charge. Please ensure that your marine insurance policy is extended for the period of the storage.

Transit Times

Groupage or shared Load consignments usually take 9 to 14 weeks door to door. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions.
Sole use containers usually take 6 to 8 weeks port to port, and there is a weekly service to all major ports.

Computer Tracking

Through satellite and computer technology we are able to monitor the progress of your consignment.

Bar Coding

All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.

Domestic Pets

Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures.

Motor Vehicles

There are few countries outside the EU where it is practical or possible to send motor vehicles. Your local Britannia member will be able to guide you further on this.