What can't I take into Australia?

Declare or Beware

These items must be declared and inspected upon arrival.  They pose a high quarantine risk but may be allowed if accompanied by an Import Permit (issued by AQIS prior to arrival), or with treatment* in Australia to make the item safe.  Alternatively items will be seized and destroyed by AQIS, or you can drop them in quarantine bins at the airport.

• commercially prepared, cooked and raw food and ingredients
• dried fruit and vegetables*
• instant noodles and rice*
• packaged meals*
• herbs and spices*
• herbal and traditional medicines, remedies, tonics and herbal teas*
• snack foods*
• biscuits, cakes and confectionery*
• black tea, coffee and other beverages
• infant formula (must be accompanying a child)
• airline food/snacks.

• dairy products (fresh and powdered) including milk, cheese and ‘non-dairy’ creamers
• dairy products that contain more than 10 per cent dairy – as stated on manufacturers ingredients list
• cheese – must be commercially prepared and packaged and originate from countries free from foot and mouth disease
• airline food containing dairy including milk, yoghurt and sandwiches containing cheese
• all whole, dried and powdered eggs, and egg products that contain more than 10 per cent egg as an ingredient, such as mayonnaise
• homemade egg products including noodles and pasta that are not commercially manufactured.

• all uncanned meat including fresh, dried, frozen, cooked, smoked, salted or preserved - from all animal species
• sausages, salami and sliced meats
• airline food including sandwiches containing meat
• fish and other seafood products*
• pet food – including canned products and rawhide chews
• rawhide articles and handicrafts including drums.

• cereal grains, popping corn, raw nuts, pine cones, birdseed, unidentified seeds, some commercially packaged seeds, and ornaments including seeds.

 Fresh fruit or vegetables

• all fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables.
   

  Live animals and animal products

• all mammals, birds, birds’ eggs and nests, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects
• feathers, bones, horns, tusks, wool and animal hair
• skins, hides and furs
• stuffed animals and birds (taxidermy certificate required - some may be prohibited under endangered species laws)
• shells and coral (including jewellery and souvenirs)
• bee products including honey,* beeswax and honeycomb
• used animal equipment including veterinary equipment and medicines, shearing or meat trade tools, saddlery and tack and animal or bird cages.

• biological specimens including tissue culture*
• craft and hobby lines made from animal or plant material
• used sporting and camping equipment including tents, footwear, hiking boots, golf equipment and bicycles (need to be checked to ensure they are clean and free from soil contamination)
• used freshwater watercraft or fishing equipment including rods and nets, waders, kayaks, paddles and life jackets.

• all potted/bare rooted plants, cuttings, roots, bulbs, corms, stems and other viable plant material
• banana products including food (fresh and dried) and souvenirs made with banana plant material
• souvenirs made with or filled with straw, including Thai cushions
• wooden articles and carvings including painted or lacquered items
• items that include bark
• artefacts, handicrafts and souvenirs made from plant material
• mats, bags and other items made from plant material, palm fronds or leaves
• straw products and packaging*
• bamboo, cane or rattan basket ware and furnishings 
• potpourri* and coconut shells
• Christmas decorations, wreaths and ornaments 
• dried flowers and arrangements
• fresh flowers and leis.

There is a significant risk that the freshwater alga, Didymo could enter, establish and spread in Australia on used watercraft, sporting or fishing equipment.

If you are planning to bring fishing rods and nets, waders, kayaks, paddles, life jackets or any other recreational freshwater equipment into Australia, you should:

1. make sure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and dry - not wet or damp, and
2. present all equipment (clean and unclean) to a Quarantine officer for inspection when you arrive.
    

Quarantine officers may send the equipment for treatment to make sure it is safe.
 

There are two ways these items can be brought into Australia:

1. The first and most common method is to use a removalist or mover that specializes in packing and transporting goods internationally. These companies, with worldwide affiliations, are a dedicated and professional group that can assist with the import of both sea and air freight. They generally charge a total door-to-door fee that may include the costs associated with clearing your goods through Quarantine (but not charges for treatments directed by AQIS).
   
    
2. Alternatively, you may choose to use a freight forwarding company to move your goods; once they arrive in Australia you can employ a customs broker who will facilitate the clearance of your goods through Quarantine on your behalf, or you can clear your goods yourself.