Biosecurity for timber, rattan and bamboo furniture

Australia is strict about pests and diseases that can travel in wood and plant materials. Furniture made from solid timber, rattan, cane, wicker or bamboo can carry insects or bark, so it may need a treatment certificate, an inspection when it arrives, or both.

Heavily processed materials like plywood, MDF and particleboard generally carry less risk than raw or lightly processed timber and natural fibres.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) publishes its import conditions in BICON, which is its biosecurity import conditions system. The conditions depend on the material and how it's been processed, and your customs broker can look up the right case for your products.

• Ask the factory whether the timber, rattan or bamboo has been treated, and if so, how (for example heat treatment or fumigation).
• If you need a treatment certificate, the treatment usually has to be done by an approved provider, and the certificate has to match the shipment.
• The goods should be clean and free of bark, soil, insects and plant debris.

Pallets, crates and other solid-wood packaging have to meet the international standard ISPM-15, which means they're treated and stamped with the ISPM-15 mark. If wooden packaging isn't marked, it may be inspected, treated or destroyed, and the importer pays for that.

Full-container shipments usually also need a packing declaration from the shipper that describes the packaging and confirms the container is clean. Your forwarder should have a template you can use.

The importer pays any inspection and treatment fees, and an inspection can add days to clearance. The cheapest way to avoid both is to get the paperwork right before the goods leave China.

We flag products made with solid timber, rattan or bamboo on the product page and in your landed-cost estimate. Our inspectors photograph the materials and packaging, and when you request a quote, you can ask us to confirm the treatment details with the factory.