Paul is a content writer here at Seven Seas Worldwide. He has a passion for communicating directly with customers in way that both informs and engages.
Shipping update
Australia quarantine inspection prices increase
How quarantine pricing in Australia will affect your destination charge
Due to recent price increases by Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), costs to the inspection process for personal effects have increased. As of 1st July 2023, customs officials' handling of personal items has risen by approximately 25%. Quarantine inspections are checks on all goods entering Australia — a vitally important process designed to protect the country’s population and environment from harmful substances. Inspections involve reviewing documentation, physical examinations, and, if necessary, isolation.
A destination charge is the final payment you make after your goods have arrived at their destination country. Each nation has specific procedures and costs depending on its laws. A typical breakdown of charges includes customs inspection fees, port document fees, port handling charges and warehouse handling charges. Most shipping companies either don't know the costs of these destination charges or intentionally hide them. However, we at Seven Seas Worldwide pride ourselves on our commitment to 100% transparency.
New destination charges for removals and shipping to Australia
According to the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA), the price rises are partly a result of items being held for biosecurity reasons. "Currently when an item is held aside for treatment, the rest of the consignment can be delivered. In the new process, nothing will be able to be delivered until such time as the affected item treatment has been completed. This could cause significant delays", they said.
There has also been a change in customs officers' processing of completed jobs, causing a slowdown. Officers will now clear each job as completed instead of in groups.
The following list shows how this will affect your destination charge when shipping to Australia:
- Small MoveCube® - $50
- Medium MoveCube® - $75
- Large MoveCube® - $100
- Boxes and Bags Worldwide - $50 per job up to 12 then over 12 by $65
Find out more about quarantine price increases
We understand the price rise is frustrating, and we fully appreciate your patience. Our experienced team are working hard to ensure these changes cause as little disturbance to your shipments as possible.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with our 24/7 customer support team if you have any questions or concerns. Our experienced team speaks several languages, including Thai, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Afrikaans, and is more than happy to help.
To learn more about Australian quarantine price increases, here are some additional resources:
