International shipping can be full of surprises, with rules and restrictions that can leave people asking, “can I ship that?” While some regulations are straightforward like bans on explosives or chemicals, others can present unexpected customs complications.
Rules vary widely between countries, with items that are legal to ship from one place being restricted or even prohibited in another. Failing to check these regulations can lead to delays, extra fees, or the item being confiscated.
At Overseas Packers & Shippers, we are Australia’s quality international removalist, specialising in all of your overseas shipping requirements. We have compiled a list of unexpected items that need to meet strict custom regulations to be shipped to your destination. This guide will help ensure your items arrive promptly at your doorstep without the threat of custom delays.
The Customs Risk with Self-Packing
One of the biggest mistakes for international moves arises when individuals pack their own shipping containers without realising that certain items require permits. If customs identifies a restricted or prohibited item, they will open the container, unwrap the packing, and repack it hastily, significantly increasing the risk of damage. If an item requires manual inspection, it can cause delays, lead to fines for non-compliance, or even result in the item being seized.
Hiring professional, international moving companies will help avoid these complications, as they understand how cargo moves within a shipping container, use proper packing techniques to prevent damage, and are knowledgeable about what items require a permit to enter your destination. Since customs officials can see when shipping containers have been professionally packed, it is less likely to be flagged for inspection and reduces the chances of unnecessary delays or issues.
Weapons
Shipping weapons internationally, including firearms, ammunition, and blades, is highly regulated. It requires strict compliance and permits aligning with both international treaties and the specific laws of the countries involved. To avoid delays, fines, or confiscation, all necessary export and import licenses must be secured from the appropriate authorities in both the originating and destination countries.
Proper packaging and documentation are essential, as firearms must be securely packed and accurately recorded to meet local regulations. Whether you are shipping a single sporting rifle or an extensive antique sword collection, working with a professional moving company is highly recommended. They can ensure safe packing, handle complex customs requirements, and streamline the process to ensure your shipment arrives legally and securely.
Vehicles and Machinery
Shipping a car internationally can be more complex than it seems, as vehicles must comply with the safety standards of the destination country. Similarly, imported machinery needs to additionally meet strict environmental regulations, which may require extra certifications or modifications.
When moving to the U.S., importing vehicles requires strict adherence to federal regulations, particularly when the vehicles were not originally manufactured to comply with U.S. safety and emission standards. To facilitate the importation of these non-conforming vehicles, shipping companies often collaborate with registered importers that modify cars to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and emissions compliance.
This requirement is reflected in machinery and accompanying equipment standards, with these items needing to adhere to strict environmental and safety regulations. For expats moving to Canada, it is important to meet its emission standards and obtain necessary certifications to meet national sustainability and safety requirements. Experienced shippers are well-versed in these regulations and can handle compliance requirements to ensure your machinery meets these standards, minimising delays and ensuring your equipment arrives on time.
Wooden Items and Furniture
When shipping wooden furniture internationally, strict biosecurity regulations must be followed to prevent the risk of introducing foreign pests, fungi, and harmful organisms into your destination. These stringent import controls are in place to prevent biosecurity threats that could destroy the country’s native ecosystems and agriculture.
As a result, moving to Australia requires imported wooden items to meet specific quarantine and fumigation standards. This often involves heat treatment, chemical fumigation, or certification proving the wood has been properly treated before shipment, which is also a strict requirement that needs to be met when moving to New Zealand.
To ensure a smooth import process, it is crucial to work with a shipping company familiar with these biosecurity requirements to ensure the necessary wood treatments and certifications are prepared prior to sending your furniture overseas.
The Most Confusing Rules About International Shipping
By understanding these restrictions in advance, you can avoid unnecessary hassle and ensure your shipment reaches its destination smoothly. Always check the latest standards for your specific destination, and when in doubt, seek expert advice to navigate the complexities of international shipping.
Using a professional shipping company is the best way to ensure your items are packed securely to prevent breakages, properly treated to meet biosecurity regulations, and documented correctly to avoid customs delays. Their expertise can save you time, money, and stress throughout the entire international shipping process.
Contact Overseas Packers & Shippers
Make an international move easy with Overseas Packers & Shippers. Our expertise in navigating customs rules and regulations ensures that your items are delivered straight to your doorstep with minimal delays and complications. Contact us for a quick quote today.
