has anyone had any problems with clearance at customs?

sattystevens · #1 (**permalink**) 10th July 2009, 09:09 PM

Hiya all,

I've just spoken with a removal company reference to shipping some of our house hold goods over when the time comes to emigrate. They were very funny with my American style fridge freezer (very new) and said that it would be in my best interest not too bother taking it with us as the customs will be all over it and the inspection fees would be high. When I asked why they said that it's to do with the gases and that if they think there's CFC gases they will inspect and de-gas or destroy at our expense. When I checked my fridge/freezer it only stated that it had Cyclopentane gases in it. I have read the Aquis web page to see about compliance etc but it so confusing. Has any one else had problems when taking any of their stuff over as I would like to do as much homework as possible and not face too many inspection fines etc.

many thanks

Satty

weelee · #2 (**permalink**) 10th July 2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sattystevens

Hiya all,

I've just spoken with a removal company reference to shipping some of our house hold goods over when the time comes to emigrate. They were very funny with my American style fridge freezer (very new) and said that it would be in my best interest not too bother taking it with us as the customs will be all over it and the inspection fees would be high. When I asked why they said that it's to do with the gases and that if they think there's CFC gases they will inspect and de-gas or destroy at our expense. When I checked my fridge/freezer it only stated that it had Cyclopentane gases in it. I have read the Aquis web page to see about compliance etc but it so confusing. Has any one else had problems when taking any of their stuff over as I would like to do as much homework as possible and not face too many inspection fines etc.

many thanks

Satty

Hi Satty,

which removal company told you this, I am curious as we were told the same from anglo pacific which after investigating at an expo in edinburgh found out to be true.

fortunataly we are leaving ours as part of the furniture in the sale of our house.

weelee

Dolly · #3 (**permalink**) 10th July 2009, 09:22 PM

Hi Satty,

I know people who have bought over their fridges/freezers and haven't had any problems at all. We decided not to bring ours over as they were really quite old. If they were relatively new we would have shipped them.

I remember when we were interviewing shippers they said the same thing about the CFC gases etc but if it's a new-ish appliance it will comply with the CFC standards anyway. Ring round a couple more shippers just to see what they say too.

Or why not email AQIS direct with the make and model number and ask them the question.

Dolly

sattystevens · #4 (**permalink**) 10th July 2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weelee

Hi Satty,

which removal company told you this, I am curious as we were told the same from anglo pacific which after investigating at an expo in edinburgh found out to be true.

fortunataly we are leaving ours as part of the furniture in the sale of our house.

weelee

hiya Weelee,

We spoke with 1st move International ltd who said don't bother. I'm going to email Samsung manufacturers and see if they can tell me exactly what gases are in the fridge as it cost me £900 and it's still new, if it's doable I want to take it but not if it's going to cost an arm and a leg. Yet, when I spoke with movecorp they said that there shouldn't be a problem as they will write what gases etc are in the fridge. so really confused as don't want to face fines when it gets to OZ. . both removals quoted me approx the same. But I'm still undecisive which one to go with as 1st move where quite strict on the "i wouldn't bring this if I were you". My daughters diabetic- insulin dependant and we were going to ship some of her medical stuff ie needles, sharps bin, blood testing strips etc but was advised not to ship the syringes as even with a doctors letter they will still inspect it. Apparantly the Customs inspectors charge by the hour. Yet Movecorp have said that there would be no problems with any of her medical stuff as long as we had a letter from doctor stating this was for her medication. The only thing they said was don't send her insulin in shipment which I wasn't going to do anyway. They also sent me a link to the Australian customs etc, but still no clearer. .... Ahhh decisions, decisions.

Customs home page

Australian Quarantine Service - What can't I take into Australia? - DAFF

xx Satty

sattystevens · #5 (**permalink**) 10th July 2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolly

Hi Satty,

I know people who have bought over their fridges/freezers and haven't had any problems at all. We decided not to bring ours over as they were really quite old. If they were relatively new we would have shipped them.

I remember when we were interviewing shippers they said the same thing about the CFC gases etc but if it's a new-ish appliance it will comply with the CFC standards anyway. Ring round a couple more shippers just to see what they say too.

Or why not email AQIS direct with the make and model number and ask them the question.

Dolly

Thanks Dolly, I will be emailing them as I need to make sure that everything is ok before I send them in the shipment. Good news is I've just opened an email from them reference to taking medication in my suitcase and they're absolutely ok with it so long as I have a letter. Oh yeah and I'm allowed to bring herbs and spices, so long as they're packed correcly ie from shops. Don't know if I'll bring them but was just curious. Been watching too much of "Nothing to Declare" on TV and just worried about leaving it to chance.

So, did you not have any problems or queries or did all your stuff pass with flying colours.

xx Satty

klp · #6 (**permalink**) 11th July 2009, 06:48 AM

I have read somewhere, I think in my moving and working in Oz book that you are not allowed to take fridges/freezers

Dolly · #7 (**permalink**) 11th July 2009, 07:09 AM

When we moved over we packed in our suitcases bags of prawn cocktail crisps, HP sauce, gravy powder, chocolate (think we just about left enough room for clothes

). We declared them and was allowed to bring them through customs.

Dolly

sattystevens · #8 (**permalink**) 11th July 2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolly

When we moved over we packed in our suitcases bags of prawn cocktail crisps, HP sauce, gravy powder, chocolate (think we just about left enough room for clothes

). We declared them and was allowed to bring them through customs.

Dolly

My kind of gal,
Thats what I'm thinking of doing. Clothes can come on shipment but def HP sauce for Mark and walkers crip as I've been told they're hard to get hold off. hmmmm... not too sure on the chocolate though. Why gravy powder???

xx Satty