Australian Customs and Quarantine Control

Before travelling to Australia, check which items you can and cannot bring into the country. Upon arrival you will be required to complete documentation declaring the items you are bringing with you.
 

Documents required for Customs clearance

All arriving passengers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card, and present their passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card to an Australian Customs officer on arrival.

Items you Must Declare on Arrival:

  • Goods that may be prohibited or subject to restrictions, such as medicines, steroids, illegal pornography, firearms weapons or illicit drugs.
  • More than 22ml of alcoholic beverages or 25 cigarettes or 25g of tobacco products
  • Goods obtained overseas or purchased duty and/or tax free in Australia with a combined total price of more than AUD $900 including gifts.
  • Goods obtained overseas or purchased duty free and/or tax free in Australia with a combined total price of more than AUD$900, including gifts
  • Goods/samples for business/commercial use
  • AUD$10,000 or more in Australian or foreign currency equivalent
  • Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables
  • Grains, seeds, bulbs, straw, nuts, plants, part of plants, traditional herbs or medicines, wooden articles
  • Animals, part of animals, animal products including equipment, pet food, eggs, biologicals, specimens, birds, fish, insects, shells, bee products
  • Soil, items with soil attached or used in freshwater areas e.g. sports/recreational equipment, shoes
     

Declaring Restricted Items

Declared risk goods will be inspected by a biosecurity officer. There are penalties for not declaring illegal and restricted items and for making false declarations on your Incoming or Outgoing Passenger Card. If you’re in doubt, declare your goods or ask a customs officer for advice.

When Arriving in Australia:

  • Your baggage may be X-rayed.
  • Counterfeit or pirated items may be seized.
  • Customs officers may question you.
  • Trained dogs may be used to detect illegal drugs or imports.
  • You must hold an individual international yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have stayed overnight or longer in a declared yellow fever infected country within six days prior to your arrival in Australia.

For more information visit www.customs.gov.au