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Importing Timber Furniture and Wooden Items
Why importers must meet Australia's import conditionsFumigation
Heat treatment
Gamma irradiation
Inspection
For more information about importing wooden items
Download/print this fact sheet
Why importers must meet Australia's import conditions
Quarantine protects Australia from exotic pests and diseases that could devastate our agricultural industries and environment.
Auger beetles, powder post beetles, longhorn beetles and drywood termites have caused significant damage in other countries: we don’t want them in Australia.
Any of these pests could hitch a ride into Australia in timber and wooden items, emerging later to cause considerable damage to our native forests and timber industries as well as to furniture and wooden structures such as buildings.
Wood boring insects can remain undetected in wood used for construction or to make furniture and other items. Wooden items can also become infested in storage prior to shipment. That’s why Australia has stringent import conditions — and that’s why importers must make sure consignments meet these import conditions.
Many wooden items need some kind of treatment to address pest and disease risks. You’ll be given a range of options, but some requirements may be mandatory.
Items can be fumigated offshore or on arrival. Offshore fumigation must be carried out by an AQIS approved treatment provider: if the fumigator isn’t approved by AQIS, the items will have to be fumigated again in Australia. For more information go to www.aqis.gov.au/treatmentproviders
Heat treatment may be required for items made from timber species that are hosts for diseases such as sudden oak death syndrome or pine pitch canker.
Gamma irradiation is routinely used for smaller articles brought in through airports or for items too thick for fumigants to penetrate.
Quarantine inspections may be performed to ensure items are free from bark and signs of pests or diseases. Risks aren’t always visible, so goods may still have to be treated after inspection.
Suspect items will be inspected by AQIS and the goods may be ordered into quarantine. AQIS will then discuss the options available to address the situation including treatment, destruction or re-export of goods where necessary.
Quarantine conditions are subject to change. You should refer to the AQIS Import Conditions Database (ICON) for up-to-date import conditions for wooden items.
To report suspected infestation contact your local AQIS office.
For more information about importing wooden items:
Contact the AQIS Timber and Timber Products National Co-ordination Centre:
Phone: (03) 8318 6929 (9 am – 4 pm weekdays)
Email: Timber Imports Web: www.aqis.gov.au/timber
If someone you know is breaking Australian quarantine, export or food inspection laws, AQIS wants to hear from you. Report quarantine and export breaches to the AQIS Redline 1800 803 006. Information can be reported anonymously.
This fact sheet can be downloaded in the following format: 
PDF [241kb]
