Know the Rules for Your Move
There's no mandatory government removalist licence anywhere in Australia — but heavy vehicle regulation genuinely splits the country in two, and Western Australia sits on the side with its own separate system.
Before you rely on this
Australia does not licence the moving industry itself — there's no government removalist licence to check. What does apply is business registration (an ABN), the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, and the Australian Consumer Law for the contract itself. Critically, the HVNL applies in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria — but not in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, which each run their own separate heavy vehicle regulatory systems. Always confirm current requirements directly before hiring a mover.
What kind of question is it?
An ABN plus, for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) — but only in the states and territories where it applies.
Australia →AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) is a genuine industry accreditation body, not a government licence — but it's the closest thing Australia has to one.
Covered within the Australia pageWA does not participate in the national HVNL — it runs its own heavy vehicle regulatory framework through Main Roads WA and the Department of Transport.
Western Australia →No general import licence needed — but customs brokerage is a genuinely licensed profession, separate from freight forwarding.
International — Australia →Select a state or territory
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state/territory transport authority before hiring a mover.
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