What can you bring through customs in Australia?

Its own customs territory

Australia has some of the strictest border biosecurity in the world. You must declare all food, plants, animal products and some outdoor gear on your arrival card, and undeclared items can mean an immediate fine.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

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.

Alcohol and tobacco

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

Food, plants and animals

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 and valuables

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

Medicines and banned items

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.

What to watch for

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

Understand the legal system first

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 →

Official sources

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.