Why are the freight rules to Christmas and Cocos (K) Islands different from elsewhere in Australia?

All Office of Transport Security regulations for airfreight apply as usual when sending cargo to the islands. The main difference being that although Christmas & Cocos (K) Islands are part of Australia, they are deemed External Territories  and therefore Australian Customs and Quarantine enforce 100% compliance on international freight rules & regulations. In order to comply with their regulations Freightshop will require a Shipper’s Declaration for every shipment. For shipments valued greater than $1,999.99 (AUD) Customs Invoices are also required.