Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia

Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia - Interior of light apartment with different clothes on wooden hangers in wardrobe near white walls

I have been travelling and have picked up some neat wooden trinkets.

I will be holidaying in New Zealand before travelling back to Australia.

I know that both countries have restrictions on such products.

Obviously I should declare such items, but I want to avoid losing the items at the border.

What are customs specifically looking for, and how can I avoid them confiscating them?



Best Answer

Customs would look for a certificate that you have had them professionally fumigated to avoid bringing in bugs that does not exist natively in those countries

You can also check because last time I went to NZ they offered this fumigation service at the airport on arrival for a few but please check first before you go to avoid loosing items due to misunderstandings




Pictures about "Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia"

Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia - White Notes Beside a Pencil on Brown Wooden Surface
Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia - Interior of bathroom table with soap and cosmetic oil placed near white sink and faucet under mirror in wooden frame in modern apartment
Importing wooden trinkets into New Zealand and Australia - Brown and Orange House With Outdoor Plants



Can you import wooden items into Australia?

The short answer is yes, however they must meet strict import conditions relating to biosecurity. The items need to be pest free and preferably treated (e.g. painted or varnished). Items that are untreated wood, and/or show signs of past or current infestation, will present a risk to Australia's biosecurity.

What items are not allowed into New Zealand?

You can't bring any of these items into NZ:
  • objectionable material contained on items like videotapes, films, records, CD-ROMs and in publications.
  • weapons like flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters.
  • any weapon which is disguised as something else.
  • equipment for using cannabis or methamphetamine.


Can you bring wooden items into New Zealand?

Your wood products can be imported into New Zealand when the requirements of the IHS for your wood product are met. You'll also need to check with other agencies, like the New Zealand Customs Service, whether there is anything else you need to do to import your wood products.

Can I send a wooden gift to New Zealand?

If you want to take or send a wooden product to New Zealand it must be declared and will possibly be inspected depending on the nature of the article. Wood with bark attached or insect holes or in a raw unfinished state will attract attention while finished wooden products will usually be allowed through.



Costs to Import One Pallet (or More) from Australia to NZ




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Liza Summer, Tirachard Kumtanom, Monstera, Bence Kondor