Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at Australia customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) in Australia?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship used household goods (relocation) to Australia instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take used household goods (relocation) out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for used household goods (relocation) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Schedule 4 by-law. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The goods must be imported by an arriving person. The person must have personally owned and used the goods overseas for the twelve months preceding the arriving person’s departure for Australia.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

How much Used household goods (relocation) can I bring into Australia?

Allowed

You can bring Used household goods (relocation) into Australia without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Schedule 4 by-law Australian Border Force

Questions about Used household goods (relocation) in Australia

Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at Australia customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) in Australia?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship used household goods (relocation) to Australia instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take used household goods (relocation) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for used household goods (relocation) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Schedule 4 by-law. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The goods must be imported by an arriving person. The person must have personally owned and used the goods overseas for the twelve months preceding the arriving person’s departure for Australia.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

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