Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world, and the items British households are most likely to underestimate are the ones from the garden and the shed. Soil, seeds, plant material and insects can all hitch a ride on tools, furniture and bikes. This piece explains what tends to cause problems at the border, how to prepare garden items before they are packed, and where to check the current rules.
Why the rules are so tight
Australia’s isolation has kept out many pests and diseases that are established elsewhere, including some that affect crops, livestock and native plants. A single shipping container carrying contaminated soil or a hidden insect could introduce something that is expensive or impossible to eradicate. As a result, the border system is designed to stop risk material, not simply to tax it.
Biosecurity inspection of personal effects is carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, while customs and border control sit with the Australian Border Force under the Department of Home Affairs. In practice, your removal company and its Australian agent will deal with both on your behalf, but the responsibility for a clean shipment remains yours.
Soil is the main problem
If there is one thing to remember, it is that Australia treats soil as a serious biosecurity risk. A thin crust on a spade, dried mud in the tread of walking boots or a film of dirt under a lawnmower deck can all lead to an item being held for cleaning, treatment or, in some cases, destruction. You are likely to pay for that work, and it can delay the release of the whole shipment.
Items that commonly need attention include:
- Garden tools. Spades, forks, rakes, hoes and trowels should be scrubbed, washed and dried, including inside sockets and around handles.
- Lawnmowers, strimmers and garden machinery. Clean under decks and around blades and wheels. Drain fuel and oil as your removal company advises; many will not ship machinery with fuel in it.
- Bicycles, prams and outdoor toys. Clean tyres, mudguards, frames and chains thoroughly.
- Footwear. Walking boots, football boots, wellies and golf shoes should have every trace of mud removed from the soles.
- Outdoor furniture and barbecues. Wash off soil, spider webs, egg sacs, nests and leaf litter, and empty barbecue grease trays.
- Camping and sports gear. Tents, pegs, groundsheets, golf bags and fishing equipment often carry soil and seeds.
Plants, seeds and natural materials
Most live plants, cuttings, bulbs and garden seeds cannot be brought in through a household shipment, and even commercially packaged seeds are subject to specific conditions. Leave the seed tin behind, gift your pots of herbs to the neighbours and plan to restock locally. Australia’s seasons run the other way round, so our guide to the upside-down gardening calendar will help you plan what to sow when you arrive.
Other natural items may also be inspected. Wooden furniture, wicker, cane, bamboo and items made from feathers, shells, animal skins or straw can carry insects or diseases. Many are allowed if they are clean and free of pests, but some may need treatment such as fumigation. Firewood, pine cones, dried flower arrangements and potpourri are generally not worth shipping.
Certain countries are also subject to seasonal measures for particular pests, such as the brown marmorated stink bug, which can mean extra treatment requirements for goods shipped at certain times of year. Whether these apply depends on where and when your goods are shipped, so ask your removal company to confirm.
Declaring and checking the current rules
Your removal company will provide forms, including a packing inventory and declarations about the contents. Be specific and honest. Declaring an item does not necessarily mean it will be refused; it allows inspectors to assess it properly. Failing to declare risk items can lead to penalties.
The rules change from time to time, so check them close to your moving date rather than relying on a friend’s experience from years ago. The Department of Home Affairs sets out customs and border requirements for people arriving in Australia, and its pages link through to the biosecurity guidance on what you can and cannot bring. For a broader view of the move from the British side, the UK Government’s guidance on living in Australia covers practical matters such as healthcare, pensions and documents.
Is it worth shipping garden kit at all?
This is a fair question. Hand tools are usually worth bringing if they are good quality and you are willing to clean them properly. Large petrol machinery is less clear-cut: by the time it has been cleaned, drained, shipped and possibly inspected, it may be close in cost to buying new, and Australian models suit local conditions and parts supply. Electric tools from the UK may also need their plugs changed, and should be checked by a qualified electrician if you are unsure about compatibility.
Old garden furniture and worn barbecues are often better sold or given away before the move. The money and effort saved can go towards things that suit an Australian garden, such as shade and outdoor furniture built for strong sun.
Questions readers ask
What happens if inspectors find soil on my tools?
The item will usually be held for cleaning or treatment at your expense, and if that is not possible it may be exported or destroyed. The rest of your shipment can be delayed while this is resolved.
Can I bring garden ornaments and pots?
Clean, empty ceramic, stone or concrete pots and ornaments are generally acceptable. They must be completely free of soil, plant matter and insects.
Do I need to declare items in my air luggage too?
Yes. The incoming passenger card asks about soil, plant material, animal products and used outdoor equipment, and you should answer accurately even if you believe the items are clean.