Replies

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Nov 26, 2007 11:42am | #1

   Hi Woodhors,

   I've got no idea on either, I'm afraid, except that our local customs might take a dim view of trying to bring wood into Australia.

   I live about 10 hours north.

   Perhaps others could comment?

   Cheers,

   eddie

2. 
   Lapun | Nov 26, 2007 02:37pm | #2

   Woodhors,

   because Australia is an island continent, the government is very conscious of the risk of imported material adversely effectingthe domestic agricultural industries.They are equally savy about the requirements for exportation of such materials.

   The agency charged with this protection process is The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). Their website is http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis.

   For best advice on your intensions on possible exportation of Australian native timbers, I recommend that you consult with them. I have contact with their officers regarding communication with foreign recreational vessels entering Australia at this port (Brisbane), and find them to be keen to 'help' visitors to stay within the law.

   If I can help with contacts regarding suppliers available for your purposes, Just let me know.

   Just remember, Melbourne can be pretty warm in January.

   Eric (aka Lapun)

3. 
   saschafer | Nov 26, 2007 06:58pm | #3

   "Personal" importation of wood into the U.S. is unlikely to be worth the effort. The agency in charge is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture. You can get a start on importation info here.

   On top of the health- and disease-related issues, the wood has to be inspected to ensure that it doesn't contain any species covered under CITES.

   -Steve

    

4. 
   Bolts | Nov 27, 2007 05:24am | #4

   I live in Melbourne as some one else has said it can be pretty hot as it is just about the height of summer in terms of what you should look at regarding timber are the old growth forests in the Otway Ranges outside Melbourne are definitely worth a trip.As bringing wood back to the US it probably isnt worth it most of which is probably available in the US anyway.

   regards from OZ

   John Bolton 

   You can make it fool proof but not idiot proof 

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   Edited 11/26/2007 9:26 pm ET by Bolts

   
   

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   Edited 11/26/2007 9:28 pm ET by Bolts

5. 
   Biker | Nov 27, 2007 07:44am | #5

   I've had two co-workers come back from Melborne with turning blanks for me in their luggage.  One was She-oak and the other was labeled iron bark burl.  I doubt that their luggage was opened so I don't know if they broke any rules.  As it was, I discovered the burl did have some bugs in it while I was turning it - so it probably shouldn't have been exported!  I did end up with some nice bowls though.

6. 
   Schtoo | Nov 27, 2007 08:41am | #6

   Unless it's something really nice or unusual, I'd not bother since it's probably not worth the trouble, legal or otherwise.

   If you have something that is particularly unusual or impossible to get in the US (say, 5kg of Huon pine. Just an example...), then check the rules regarding import into the US for diseases and wood products. There might be something there stopping you, but I'd seriously doubt it.

   I'm in Japan, and anything that is pine, cedar or cypress can't be imported because it might affect local industry. Like the above mentioned Huon pine,$B!!(BSpanish cypress, etc. Other than that, so long as it's not crawling along under it's own power from bugs, no real problems. That, and pretty much anything is available if you go through the right channels from local importers.

   If you do contravene importation laws, also check what the penalty is. Taking in something that might be harmful to Australia results in confiscation, and depending on how seriously you cross the line, a big fine and maybe jail time. I have taken numerous wooden things to Australia, and never had a problem because I always tell them what I got, and show it to them if they want to see it. Coming back to Japan, they ask about some foods, but that's about it. If you get nabbed with something serious, then yer in big trouble, but little stuff they usually confiscate and tell you to not do it again.

   So, go do some homework and find out what the rules and laws are, and have a good time in Melbourne.

   P.S. It wasn't that hot last January. My wife keeps asking when it's going to be hot when we visit...