Australia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Australia enforces strict biosecurity laws. All arriving travelers must declare food, plant material, animal products, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on the Incoming Passenger Card. Non-declaration risks on-the-spot fines of AUD 2,664 or prosecution. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
2.3 L
2.25 liters of alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine, beer, or spirits) duty-free. Traveler must be 18 or older.
Tobacco
25 cigarettes
Per adult traveller
Cash to declare
$10,000
You must declare AUD 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent, including USD 10,000) in cash or monetary instruments on the Incoming Passenger Card and to a customs officer.
Goods duty-free
$600
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is AUD 900 (approximately USD 600) for goods purchased overseas or duty-free. Goods over this value must be declared and duty may apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Illicit drugs and narcotics (including cannabis, even for medicinal use without a permit)
  • Weapons and firearms (including pepper spray, tasers, and flick knives)
  • Pornography (including child sexual abuse material and some adult material)
  • Certain food items (e.g., fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy products from most countries)
  • Protected wildlife and endangered species products (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, crocodile skin without CITES permit)
  • Soil, sand, and rocks (unless accompanied by an import permit)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines (prescription and over-the-counter; must be in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter for more than 3 months' supply)
  • Plants and plant products (e.g., seeds, dried flowers, wooden souvenirs; require biosecurity inspection)
  • Animal products (e.g., wool, leather, honey, pet food; require biosecurity inspection or permit)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (require CASA approval for import; may need a permit)
  • Satellite phones and certain radio transmitters (require ACMA approval)

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration is Mandatory

All arriving travelers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card truthfully. Declare any food, plant material, animal products, or outdoor equipment (e.g., camping gear, hiking boots). Failure to declare can lead to on-the-spot fines of AUD 2,664 or prosecution.

Strict Quarantine for Certain Items

Items like wooden artifacts, seeds, and honey are subject to biosecurity inspection. If found to be contaminated or prohibited, they will be confiscated and destroyed. You may be charged a cleaning or disposal fee.

Cash Declaration Threshold

You must declare AUD 10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent) in cash or monetary instruments. This includes traveler's checks, money orders, and promissory notes. Non-declaration can result in seizure and fines.

Frequently asked questions

It depends. Most fresh food (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy) is prohibited. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., biscuits, chocolate, tea) are generally allowed but must be declared. Always declare any food item to avoid fines.
You can bring up to 2.25 liters of alcoholic beverages duty-free. This can be any combination of wine, beer, or spirits. You must be 18 or older.
You can bring up to 25 cigarettes OR 25 grams of tobacco products (including cigars and loose tobacco) duty-free. This is a combined limit, not per item. You must be 18 or older.
Yes. All medications, including over-the-counter drugs, must be declared. For prescription medicines, carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. For more than 3 months' supply, you may need an import permit.
You risk an on-the-spot fine of AUD 2,664 or more. For serious breaches (e.g., drugs, weapons), you could face prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation. Always declare if unsure.
Pet food and treats are restricted. They must be commercially packaged, heat-treated, and free of meat or dairy. You must declare them for biosecurity inspection. Homemade or raw pet food is prohibited.

Official source

Australian Border Force

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Australian Border Force before travelling.