Transhipping refers to the movement of goods through Australia from one overseas port to another. Australian ports (air or sea) are used to facilitate the discharge and re-loading of these goods.
The Department of Home Affairs defines transhipment as 'the transfer of goods without payment of duty and taxes from the importing ship or aircraft to another ship or aircraft engaged in international travel for the purpose of shipment overseas'. The goods do not pass out of customs control from importation until exportation from Australia.
Examples of tranship activities of interest to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry include:
Transhipped ship and aircraft stores
Transhipped stores are goods used by passengers or crew on a vessel or aircraft. Both the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Home Affairs define them this way.
Some of the commodities associated with transhipped stores can pose a high biosecurity risk to Australia. These may include goods that are not normally allowed into the country. Australia’s environment and agriculture are free from many pests and diseases found elsewhere. Without proper controls, transhipped stores could introduce harmful pests or diseases.
For more details on how these goods are managed, refer to the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON)
Lodging Stores for Transhipment in COLS
Ship or aircraft stores for transhipment must be lodged through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS). The COLS support page provides guidance on how to submit these lodgements.
Ship’s spares
Ship’s spares are parts or accessories needed to maintain or operate a vessel. Examples include engines, engine parts, seals, bearings, lubricants, filters and o-rings. These items usually don’t contain animal or plant materials.
However, if the spares do include biosecurity risk materials, or are used parts, they must be referred to the department for assessment. This follows the usual reporting process.
Further information
For information about a specific consignment, contact your local department office.
For Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry related inquiries about transhipped goods, please email imports or phone 1800 900 090.
For Department of Home Affairs related inquiries about transhipped ship's stores see the Department of Home Affairs website or contact:
Phone: 1300 363 263 (within Australia) or +61 2 6275 6666 (outside Australia)
Email: Department of Home Affairs