What can you bring through customs in Australia?

Travellers have a duty-free allowance for goods and gifts, and goods above it are taxed. The arrival declaration also covers biosecurity, which is the main focus.

Adults have allowances for alcohol and for tobacco products, set per person. Tobacco duty is high and the allowance for tobacco is small.

All food, plant material, animal products and some used outdoor and sports gear must be declared. Many items are banned, such as most fresh fruit, meat and dairy, and officers inspect luggage with scanners and dogs.

Cash above a set amount must be reported on entry and exit.

Medicines for personal use are generally allowed with a prescription in limited quantity, and some need a permit. Illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods and wildlife products are banned.

• Declare when you are not sure; you can still be allowed to keep an item after inspection.

Australia belongs to the Common law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the Australia legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

• Australian Border Force: can you bring it in?
• Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia