Thread: Importing AM & UHF CBs into Australia??

Originally Posted by LandieMan

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice regarding importing AM & UHF CB radios into Aussie from NZ.

We're planning on temporarily importing our Landie for a trip around the big country and I was wondering whether we can legally import and use the AM & UHF CBs bought and fitted to the vehicle in NZ?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Cheers, Iain

NZ AM channels were slightly different frequencies to the Aussie units IIRC.


Not sure about the UHF, but I think it's the same as ours.

Legally, I don't think there is an issue.

Legally speaking all transmitting equipment needs to have Australian approval. If as suggested the channels covered are the same or very similar, it is likely that equipment is purchased in NZ, it will also have been approved in Australia. Should be able to find something on ACMA website.

In practice, it is unlikely to represent a problem, as the CB bands, both HF and UHF, are virtually unmonitored. However, if NZ frequencies are different and you use a frequency not assigned to CB in Australia, but which is assigned to some other service, there is a slim chance of getting into strife if you interfer with a licensed service.

John

UHF are the same freq range so it's not a problem.

AM is different freq range but since there seems to be bugger all people on 27mhz AM these days, it's also not a problem.

you might as well take the 27mhz unit out. I have been flicking through for days now and never get any thing more then a grumble somewhere.

Thanks of all the replies.

I'll check the frequencies in a bit of detail, especially AM. I'm pretty sure most of the CB gear here comes from Aussie anyway so there a strong likelihood that it'll be OK as far as approval of the equipment.

I was just concerned that there might be some blanket law prohibiting their import. We've previously driven in Africa and the Middle East and the advice their was to leave the radios at home because it just wasn't worth the hassles at the borders.

Thanks again.

Cheers, Iain