Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to Australia from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to Australia.
Short answer
Moving household goods from the U.S. to Australia means two checks: customs (Australian Border Force) and biosecurity (Department of Agriculture). You complete an Unaccompanied Personal Effects statement and every item must arrive clean, free of soil, plant material and pests. Most shipments go by sea container to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Fremantle.
Duty-free import rules for Australia
- Complete the Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) statement the ABF requires.
- Clean outdoor furniture, bikes, garden tools and shoes thoroughly; biosecurity officers can inspect, treat or refuse items.
- Food, plant material, soil and some wooden items face strict biosecurity rules.
- Vehicles need separate import approval before shipping.
Official source: Australian Border Force: unaccompanied personal effects.
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Common container ports include Sydney (Port Botany), Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Good to know
Biosecurity inspection and treatment fees are a common destination charge; ask whether your quote includes them.
Getting quotes for Australia
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
Leaving from a U.S. city
- Moving abroad from Los Angeles
- Moving abroad from San Francisco Bay Area
- Moving abroad from Houston
- Moving abroad from Seattle
Licensed movers for Australia
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPE form for Australia?
The Unaccompanied Personal Effects statement the Australian Border Force uses to assess goods shipped separately from you.
Why is cleaning so important when moving to Australia?
Biosecurity rules are strict. Soil, seeds or insects on furniture or tools can trigger inspection, treatment or destruction at your cost.
Can I ship my car to Australia?
Only with an import approval obtained before the car ships. Check the current rules first.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Australia?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to Australia?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.