Moving to Australia: Importing Christmas Decorations

Australia is well known for being very strict on what goods can and can’t enter the country. If you are thinking about moving to Australia from the UK and want to take your Christmas decorations with you, you need to make sure you check with your removals company what you can and can’t take. The risk of food, plant material and animal products from overseas could introduce serious pests and diseases into the country, devastating their valuable agricultural, tourism industries and unique environment.  Therefore all goods entering Australia are assessed by the Department of Agriculture’s biosecurity officers using X-rays, detector dogs and manual inspection. Some items may require treatment or may be destroyed or exported at your expense.

According to the Department of Agriculture Christmas decorations containing plant material are one of the most common items volunteered for destruction at the owner’s expense.

It is common to own some Christmas decorations that are sometimes made from organic items. For example wreaths and some tree decorations made from pine cones and nuts. Although these may have strong sentimental value and attachment, they will still be seized by the Department of Agriculture and individuals will be charged for the goods to be destroyed.

The following Christmas good are prohibited and may be seized by the Department of Agriculture:

–  Toys containing seeds and sand
–  Potpourri
–  Wreaths
–   Pine cones
–   Fresh mistletoe, holly and conifer
–   Fresh fruit and vegetables
–   Raw nuts
–   Salami and other meats
–   Goods made from or containing bark or straw
–   Hampers (containing food, meat or material)

Common Christmas gifts permitted into Australia:
–    Cooked Christmas cakes and puddings
–    Chocolates, confectionary (commercially produced and packaged)
–    Toys not containing seeds and sand.

If you require any further clarification on the above or if you have other questions regarding your move to Australia, please don’t hesitate to contact us for free advice and information about the international removals.