Bikes, Barbecues and Garden Kit: Navigating Biosecurity Cleaning in Australia and New Zealand

January 15 2026

Moving to Australia or New Zealand means being prepared for some of the world’s toughest biosecurity measures. Both countries work tirelessly to keep foreign soil, seeds, insects and plant matter out, and that means your household goods are going to get a close inspection when they arrive. Outdoor gear in particular can cause delays and extra costs, but a bit of pre-move cleaning can make all the difference.

Below is a down-to-earth, step-by-step checklist to help you get your bikes, barbecues, garden equipment and other outdoor gear ship-shape before you leave.

Why Biosecurity Cleaning is a Must

Australian and New Zealand authorities are on the lookout for any contamination that could introduce pests or diseases into their countries. Any item showing even a hint of soil, organic residue or untreated wood could be held for cleaning, fumigation – or even re-exported at your expense. Going the extra mile to get your gear cleaned up properly before you pack is way cheaper and way less stressful than dealing with the fallout at the other end.

Bikes, Scooters and Sports Gear: What You Need to Do

Bikes and outdoor sports gear often get flagged because dirt can hide in all the nooks and crannies.

So here’s what you need to do:

Give those wheels, pedals and accessories a good kicking – or remove them if you can.\
Scrub your tyres, treads and frames with hot water and soap.\
Use a stiff brush to get into all the crevices on chains, gears and brake components.\
Get into all the hidden bits like mudguards, suspension forks and under saddles where dirt likes to hide.\
Give everything a good drying to stop corrosion and mould from setting in during transit.

Don’t forget: Helmets, skateboards, golf trolleys, hiking poles and surfboard bags all need a good clean too.

Pushchairs, Prams and Little Kids’ Outdoor Gear

The stuff kids play with in the park and garden can easily pick up soil or seeds along the way.

What to do:

Give your pushchair or pram a good going-over and stretch the joints and hinges out.\
Clean the wheels, axles and fabric seams with a bit of care.\
Start with a quick vacuum and then give everything a wipe-over with some warm soapy water.\
Pay particular attention to storage baskets and footrests.

Barbecues and Outdoor Cooking Gear: Be Prepared

Barbecues can be a real high-risk item due to all the grease and food residue they collect.

Get these done:

Remove any ash, charcoal and gas bottles. Gas bottles can’t be shipped anyway.\
Give the grills, trays and drip pans a good degreasing.\
Clean the inside and outside of the barbecue, including the base.\
Check the wheels and lower frames for any dirt and cobwebs.

Tip: If your barbecue is a real old favourite but tough to get clean, it might be cheaper to sell it and replace it after you arrive.

Garden Tools, Furniture and Outdoor Storage

Garden gear is probably the most scrutinised at inspection time.

So here’s the plan:

Give those spades, forks, rakes and hoes a good scrub until they’re spotless.\
Clean the lawnmower decks and wheels and empty the fuel tanks completely.\
Wash your outdoor furniture, paying special attention to the feet and undersides.\
Empty any pots and planters – and get rid of all the compost and soil.

Important: You can’t ship soil, plants, seeds or organic mulch at all.

Treated Wood and Packaging Materials: Check Your Wood

Wood packaging and wooden items can cause all sorts of unexpected problems if they’re not up to scratch.

The key things to check are:

Any wooden crates, braces or pallets need to be ISPM 15 compliant.\
Look for that official heat-treated or fumigated stamp on any wooden materials.\
Untreated or uncertified wood might be removed, treated or destroyed when it arrives.\
If you’re using wooden items – or a wooden crate – extra costs can arise for inspection, treatment, storage and delays.

Anglo Pacific uses compliant packing materials, but if you’re using your own gear, it’s always best to check before you send it off.

Where Extra Costs Can Sneak Up On You

If your gear doesn’t pass inspection, you might face:

Cleaning or fumigation fees.\
Inspection and handling charges.\
Storage costs while you’re waiting for your gear to get sorted out.\
Delays to your delivery.

Getting your gear cleaned up properly before you pack is the best way to avoid all these headaches.

Final Checks Before You Ship: Getting it Right

Give everything a good once-over in good light – and re-clean anything that’s still looking dodgy.\
Declare all your outdoor gear and garden items on your shipping paperwork.\
If you’re still not sure, ask for advice before you decide to ship an item.

Getting it right the first time can make all the difference between a smooth sailing and unexpected costs. If you’re moving to Australia or New Zealand and want some expert guidance on getting your household gear ready, contact Anglo Pacific for some tailored support and peace of mind.