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Can you bring it in?

​A guide to what you can and can't bring in to the country​​​​​​.​ When you’re travelling overseas​ or importing items, you need to know that some items can’t be brought back with you and for others you need to get permission.

Certain goods can't be brought in to Australia, and some items require permission before you can bring it in.


Overview
Incoming passenger biosecurity video
Don't be sorry, just declare it
If you don't declare an item
Fines for not declaring

Overview

Certain food, plant material and animal items from overseas could introduce serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for protecting Australia from biosecurity risks.

Incoming passenger biosecurity video


Incoming passenger biosecurity video

Don't be sorry, just declare it.

When you fill out your Incoming Passenger Card, and you have something to declare, just declare it.

Our Australian Biosecurity laws are strict. This is to protect Australia's agriculture and unique wildlife from animal and plant diseases. And that's why…

NO EXCUSE IS GOOD ENOUGH!

If you're carrying food, just declare it and mark “Yes” on your Incoming Passenger Card.

If you're carrying animal products, just declare them and mark “Yes” on your Incoming Passenger Card.

If you're carrying plant material or natural medicines, just declare them and mark “Yes” on your Incoming Passenger Card.

If your shoes, clothing or anything you are carrying has dirt or mud on them or have come in contact with rivers, they may pose a risk, so please, just declare them and mark “Yes” on your Incoming Passenger Card.

Do NOT bring food from the plane with you.
If you are feeling really unwell or have a fever, tell a crew member.

It is important that you answer truthfully on your Incoming Passenger Card.

Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. You may be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information.

We're here to help and want your entry into Australia to be as smooth as possible.
So, don't be sorry, just declare it.

Don't be sorry, just declare it

When travelling to Australia you will be provided with an Incoming Passenger Card by the crew on your aircraft or cruise vessel. This is a legal document. You must mark YES on your card to declare if you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal items. You can take these declared goods with you to the clearance point where they will be assessed by a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources biosecurity officer and may be inspected. Alternatively, you can voluntarily dispose of food, plant material or animal products in bins located in the terminal.

When you send mail to Australia, you must accurately declare the contents of your package on the postal declaration label.

If you don't declare an item

A biosecurity officer may inspect your baggage, even if you do not declare any goods. They may use X-ray or a detector dog. You must declare or dispose of any goods with a biosecurity risk before inspection. If you do not or make a false declaration on the Incoming Passenger Card, you:

  • will be caught
  • may be subject to civil penalties
  • may be prosecuted, fined more than A$420,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years and a get criminal record.

You will not be penalised under the Biosecurity Act 2015 if you declare all goods, even if they are not allowed into Australia.

Fines for not declaring

There are a few items that we come across, or get asked about often. Some of them are allowed, some are not, and some require you to get a permit before bringing them in.

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for protecting Australia from biosecurity risks associated with imported food, plant material and animal products. For more information visit the department’s website agriculture.gov.au/travelling or call 1800 900 090 (+61 3 8318 6700 from outside Australia).