Removals to Australia from the UK

Sea freight times from the UK to Australia are around 6-9 weeks for a full container load (FCL) or 8-12 weeks for a shared container/groupage service (Sometimes called less than container load – LCL). In addition, you will also need to allow added time for customs clearance.

Usually, it will take our professional packers 2-4 days to pack and load a container.

Average international removal time to Australia from the UK in 2025

The cost of removals to Australia from the UK varies considerably as it is such a large country. As we specialise in removals from the UK to Australia and have years of experience, we are able to offer the best prices.

As PSS are members of BAR your removal costs are covered by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme. As a member of FIDI Global Alliance and having achieved FIDI FAIM top performer status, you can be assured that PSS and our partners in Australia have the highest standards of professionalism in international moves.
However, due to the nature of international removals, it is highly recommended that you take out a Maritime Insurance policy or Shipment Protection Cover. At PSS we offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover which is very flexible and has a lot of advantages.

PSS International Shipment Protection Cover

We provide a very flexible shipment protection cover through Basil Fry & Company – the UK’s leading insurance broker for international removals and shipping:

• Our policy is quick and easy to set up, simply complete our Shipment Protection valuation form with the items you would like to cover and their values.
• Removal (we pack) consignments cover costs 3.5% of the total insurable value you declare.
• Vehicle shipments cover costs 2% of the vehicles declared value.
• Self-Pack (you pack) consignments cover cost 5% of the total insurable value you declare.
• Baggage/Airfreight consignments, which are owner packed, will cost 5% of the total insurable value you declare.

Your dedicated Move Manager will advise you on the required documents and help you with their completion. Example documents required are:

• Fully completed Australian Customs form B534
• Removal inventory (PSS will prepare this for you if we are packing)
• Valuation form for Shipment Protection cover
• Copy of your Passport and Visa
• Purchase receipts (only applicable if you are importing any newly purchased goods)
• Import approval (if you are importing a car)

Similarly to all countries, Australia has a unique list of restricted or prohibited items that you cannot take with you when travelling to or relocating to Australia. When you import goods to Australia you must always make sure you check the listings for prohibited or restricted items and take action accordingly.

Please see our FIDI Australia Customs Guide for removals

Restricted imports into Australia that may require prior approval include:

• Antibiotics, medicines & therapeutic drugs
• Erasers (novelty) resembling food in scent or appearance
• Some types of cosmetics
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks, ivory etc. (With CITES certificate)
• Firearms, ammunition and accessories
• Knives and daggers (even for sport)
• Martial art swords or weapons
• Bamboo, wicker or cane items

Prohibited imports to Australia

• Seeds, plants and dried floral arrangements
• Original pine cones or any plant matter used for Christmas decorations or wreaths.
• Raw untreated wood or bark
• Food and meats
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks or ivory (Without CITES certificate)

The Australian Government provides detailed guidance on you can/can’t import to Australia as well as guidance on how items should be prepared.

For more details about prohibited items for overseas removals to Australia visit the official DAWR website.

Artwork and Antiques

If the antiques you are sending are valued at AUD $1000 or above, they will likely need an import declaration. Antiques over 100 years old might be imported free of duty if you can supply a Certificate of Antiquity that has been issued by a recognised association.

We are able to help you ship vehicles overseas including cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans to Australia. They can be shipped in the same container as your household goods or separately.

There are a number of factors you need to consider when importing cars into Australia, so we suggest you speak to one of our advisers or visit our Australia vehicle page for more information.

Your personal effects and household goods will need to pass through Australian customs clearance before being allowed into the country.

Australia’s Customs Duties, Taxes and Other Fees

Australian Customs inspection and customs fees, as well as any quarantine fees, will be charged and payable locally before your container can be released. These may vary depending on the contents of your shipment and their condition upon arrival.

In most cases, immigrants and returning residents are allowed to import used household and personal effects into Australia duty free. The items must have been owned and used overseas for at least 12 months and must be intended for continued use in Australia.

PSS International Removals and our trusted agents in Australia will manage the customs clearance process on your behalf, ensuring it is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Your dedicated Move Manager will also advise you on what items you can and cannot take with you, as well as how best to prepare and clean your belongings. This is particularly important for meeting the strict requirements of Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR), Biosecurity.

• We will contact you before your container arrives at the port in Australia to confirm your delivery requirements. If you are not yet ready to take delivery, we can organise secure storage at competitive rates.
• We recommend you get in touch with our agents as soon as you arrive in Australia. You may be required to complete customs and quarantine paperwork and provide copies of your passport and visa.
• All goods arriving into Australia are subject to customs and quarantine clearance. You must arrive in Australia before your goods do. Failure to comply may result in clearance delays and additional fees at the port.
• Once your shipment has been cleared, we will contact you to schedule delivery. Our crew will deliver your belongings to your new residence, place them in the rooms of your choice, and remove any packing materials.

Please note that customs regulations and quarantine rules in Australia are subject to change. You should check you have the latest information, which can be found in the FIDI Customs Guide. 

If your goods do not qualify as personal household effects, or if they are deemed to be commercial imports, customs duty, GST, and other taxes may apply.

These charges are typically handled by our local agents and will need to be reimbursed before your shipment can be delivered.

Further information can be found in the FIDI Customs Guide. 

We do international removals from anywhere in the UK (including London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to all destinations in Australia including:

PSS International provide a full door to door international removal service which includes delivery of items to your new home.

We will contact you before your container arrives in Australia to ensure that we have all your relevant paperwork to enable us to start the customs clearance process as well as making sure that we have your correct requirements in place for delivery.

Once the customs clearance of your goods has taken place we can then arrange your delivery and the unpacking of your goods. Our crew will arrive at your new property and place your items in the rooms of your choice and unwrap and remove the packing material. If you are not ready to take delivery then we can offer competitive storage rates for your goods at one of our local Australian depots.

• Delivery to all locations in Australia
• Dedicated FIDI regulated international movers in Australia
• Dedicated import clerk in Australia
• Customs clearance
• Up-to-date information on delivery & customs clearance process
• Trained import delivery team
• Unpacking of all furniture & removal of any packaging materials on the day of delivery

This is not a problem as all we will require is a contact address and contact details. The delivery address can be advised at a later date or when you arrive.

If required, we can also arrange storage of your household goods and personal effects in Australia whilst you arrange your new home. Once you’re ready our local movers will be able to deliver your belongings.

No matter whether you’re a British Expat returning home or an Australian migrating to the UK, we will be able to assist you with your move. Our partners and professional packing teams will take care of your move in Australia and we can handle customs and delivery of your belongings to anywhere in the UK or Ireland.

Please contact us for more details.