Thank you for your enquiry.
I have outlined the import conditions below for wooden articles -
The importation of wooden articles are permitted into Australia, however the items will need to be declared as they are subject to inspection on arrival at the airport to ensure that they are free from contaminants such as bark and insect infestation.
The articles will only need to be treated if bark, insect infestation or other contaminants of quarantine concern are found. To help make this screening process easier, look closely at wooden items for holes, sawdust or any signs of boring insects. If the guitar has been professionally manufactured then you should not encounter any problems, unless there are signs of borer activity (very rare), bark on the guitar, or other contaminants of quarantine concern.
If your item(s) require treatment, the cost for this type of product is AUD$30 (per treatment). Treatment will consist of fumigation - for live insect activity - this treatment is undertaken through the use of a gas - methyl bromide.
You are not required to obtain a quarantine entry prior to importation.
Once you arrive in Australia, you will be required to complete an Incoming passenger Card (IPC), on this you will need to declare that you have the guitar (Question 7 - wood), plus any other articles that are covered on the card (e.g. medicines, food) - please remember that these items are only examples to get passengers thinking of what types of items fall under each category, so remember to declare anything you think may be of interest to Australian Quarantine and Customs inspectors.
Once you collect your luggage you will need to go through the Red Channel (passengers with items to declare). A Quarantine officer will inspect items and all things being right you will be permitted to take them with you when you depart the arrivals area. For further information on what goods can or cannot be brought into Australia, please go to our website at www.affa.gov.au/airports or our import conditions database (ICON) at www.aqis.gov.au/icon <http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon> Additionally please remember that you must declare all items of food, animal or plant origin on your Incoming Passenger Card, upon your arrival into Australia for the purpose of inspection by an Australian Quarantine Inspector.
I hope this is of assistance to you. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
<name removed>
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Airports Program
Fax: +61 (2) 6272 3468
Email: airports@aqis.gov.au
Web: www.affa.gov.au/airports
The information here covers AQIS quarantine requirements only and is current on the date of transmission but may change without notice. Importers must satisfy quarantine concerns and comply with quarantine conditions applicable at the time of entry. The Commonwealth through AQIS is not liable for any costs arising from or associated with decisions to import based on conditions presented here which are not current at time of importation.
It is the importer’s responsibility to be aware of and to ensure compliance with the requirements of all other regulatory and advisory bodies prior to and after importation. eg. Australian Customs Service <http://www.customs.gov.au/>, State Departments of Agriculture, Imported Foods Program, Therapeutic Goods Administration <http://www.health.gov.au/tga/>, National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals <http://www.nra.gov.au/>.
