WHAT WE DO

About AIMA

Australian International Movers Association (AIMA) is the peak industry body representing international removal companies operating in Australia.

We act as an intermediary between governmental regulatory agencies such as Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service, the department of Home Affairs and customs bonded and quarantine licenced approved international moving companies in relation to the importation, handling and clearance of household goods and personal effects into and out of Australia.

AIMA is a designated peak shipper body granted status via its associate membership of APSA (Australian Peak Shippers’ Association) by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport under Part X of the Consumer & Competition Act to represent the interests of Australian exporters generally in relation to outwards liner cargo shipping services.

AIMA sources and manages industry specific training in the disciplines of packing, quarantine hazard identification and compliance, air cargo security screening and forwarding.

AIMA requires all of its members to also hold Australian Furniture Removers’ Association (AFRA) membership and accreditation. AIMA offers consumers an independent disputes tribunal which is managed by AFRA and whose findings and resolutions are binding upon AIMA members.

AIMA is registered with the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as a foreign based non vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), registration no: 025787. This registration allows AIMA members to legally facilitate shipments into and out of the United States under the FMC’s regulatory requirements.

AIMA'S ROLE

What we do

Protect Consumers

Create transparency, ensure effective competition and provide a consumer disputes tribunal relating to the international carriage of personal effects and related services.

Create Better Outcomes

Communicate with regulatory bodies such as customs and quarantine agencies to facilitate better outcomes for international shippers.

Training & Support

Partner with training providers to support members in achieving best practices relating to packing standards, risk mitigation and continuing professional development.

Represent Members

Represent AIMA members, Australian international moving companies, in overseas jurisdictions.

Ensure Service Continuity

As a designated peak shipper body, we engage with international shipping lines to ensure continuity of services.

Support Border Regulation

Support improved border compliance and risk management strategies of international personal effects moving supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all personal effects shipments into Australia subject to mandatory quarantine inspection?

Yes – Australia is in the fortunate situation of being one of the few countries relatively free of common pests and diseases found in other countries. For this reason, the Australian Government has mandated that all unaccompanied shipments of used personal effects, motor vehicles and vessels be screened and physically inspected at approved and licenced unpacking depots by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources inspection officers.

Why is there a fee for the mandatory quarantine inspection?

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will only permit the unpacking of imported personal effects to occur within the confines of specially licenced and approved warehouses with adequate contamination containment measures, trained and accredited warehouse staff and the required electronic interface reporting systems. The fees for quarantine inspection, clearance and attendance charged by AIMA members cover the cost of annual depot licencing, use of bonded warehouse space, attendance and inspection fees for DAWR inspection officers and required interface software licencing.

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