Customs & Duty Free Australia

Duty free allowance Australia
Most articles you can bring duty free, provided that customs is satisfied they are for personal use and that you will be taking them with you when you leave. Personal goods owned and used by you for at least 12 months can also be brought into Australia. (Proof of date of purchase may be required). Members of the same family may combine their individual duty/tax free allowances.

The duty free quota per person is:
- 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or cigars;
- 1.125 litre of any alcoholic liquor;
- Articles for personal hygiene and clothing, not including perfume.;
- Gifts are counted as part of the AUS $ 400 duty free allowance;
- Other goods to a value of AUS $ 400 (AUS $ 200 if under 18);
For example, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrate, jewellery, watches, sporting goods, etc.

There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts over AUS $ 5,000, or equivalent must be reported.

For more information on Australia Customs: http://www.customs.gov.au 

Quarantine
Anyone on arrival in Australia carrying fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs and egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant products, must tick the appropriate box on the Customs, Quarantine and Wildlife statement. There is up to 6-months quarantine for pets and other domestic animals. 

For more information on Australia Quarantine: http://www.agis.gov.au 

Business Travellers
Business travellers may need to obtain permits for their Commercial goods or samples, depending on the nature of the goods, regardless of value. A customs entry form may be required if the goods carried are valued over AUS $ 250. Laptop computers and other similar electronic equipment for personal use may also be brought in duty/tax free provided Customs is satisfied you are taking these goods with you on departure.

Temporary importation of commercial goods
Carnets may be obtained for temporary duty/tax free entry of goods such as commercial samples, jewellery, goods for exhibitions etc. You should contact the International Chamber of Commerce in your country for application details.
 
Prohibited items
Do not bring: non-prescribed drugs, weapons, firearms, wildlife, domestic animals and. There are severe penalties for drug trafficking. Note that all medicines must be declared. You will be asked on arrival to declare all goods of animal or plant origin and show them to quarantine officer. Food is also prohibited; particularly meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables and flowers, plus there are restrictions on taking fruit and vegetables on internal flights.

If you fail to declare quarantine items on arrival and are caught, you are risking an on the spot fine or prosecution, which may result in up to 10 years imprisonment.