Avoid Fines: What to Bring (and Not Bring) to Australia

Every country must apply rules both to its citizens and to its visitors. Australia is no exception, Australia is famous for its strict rules. This is done because Australia is trying to protect its natural resources so that they are free from diseases, pests or parasites originating from other countries.

The following is an overview of what can I bring to Australia and what cannot be brought there:

Food and Plant Products

You cannot bring these food and plant products to Australia:

• Meat. Carrying meat is considered to have the potential to spread pests, and if you are found violating this rule you will be subject to visa revocation and expulsion from Australia and have to pay a fine plus a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Scary isn’t it?
• Fruit and vegetables. Apart from processed meat, the Australian government also prohibits plant-based products, both fruit and vegetables. The reason is still the same, this kind of food is prone to spread of pests. 
• Rice. Like vegetables and fruit, rice should not be brought when you visit Australia. Unless the rice you bring meets the requirements listed on the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment’s website to protect against pests in Australia.

Meanwhile, several types of biscuits, bread, pastries, Christmas cakes and Christmas pudding are allowed to enter Australia provided that the food is for personal consumption and is fully cooked, does not contain meat or requires refrigeration.

Animal Products and Wildlife

There are several types of live animals that can be brought to Australia, such as cats and dogs that meet the requirements. Birds (including chickens, turkeys, ducks) are not permitted unless you have a valid import permit. Animals such as reptiles and amphibians are also not allowed.

Medicines and Health Products

It is prohibited to bring these medicines and health products to Australia:

• Anabolic or androgenic substances. Drug substances such as anabolic or androgenic substances, also known as steroids, are prohibited from being brought into Australia. This can be permitted only if you bring a copy of a prescription from a doctor as proof that the medication is needed as part of medical treatment or do not carry a supply of more than three months.
• Drugs and narcotics. The following medicinal substances that may not be brought into Australia are drugs and narcotics including: Isomers or mixtures of isomers of controlled chemicals or compounds, derivatives of controlled chemicals or compounds, including isomers and mixtures of isomers, growth hormones and substances of human or animal origin and new psychoactive substances and serious drug alternatives.

Personal Items and Household Goods

Some kinds of personal items and household goods are prohibited, but there are items that are allowed to be imported to Australia. Below is the list of what can I bring to Australia in term of personal items and household goods.

• Fishing, hiking and sports equipment are allowed if it is clean and free of contamination
• Cosmetic products are permitted to enter Australia if they are produced and packaged commercially and for the personal use.
• Fur and items containing fur are permitted to enter Australia from any country if the goods are produced for personal use.
• Sea shells, sand, rocks or fossils are allowed if the products have been cleaned. But these products still need inspections to avoid contamination.
• Animal horns, teeth or bones are allowed to enter Australia if they are clean and free from contamination from seeds, soil and animal or plant remains. If contamination is found on the item, the item will be processed and exported.

Cultural and Heritage Items

Based on the 1986 Movable Cultural Heritage Protection Law, provisions are made that illegally imported foreign cultural objects can be returned to their country of origin if the government of that country makes a request and it can be proven that the export is illegal.

Objects submitted for return must be part of the cultural heritage of the country and protected by the laws of that country. These objects include: fossils, prehistoric stone beads, ceramics and other antique items.

That is the review of what can I bring to Australia. If you intend to visit this country, make sure that you do not violate any of the rules that have been implemented which will actually harm yourself.