Do I have to declare fish and other fishery products at Australia customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare fish and other fishery products in Australia?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship fish and other fishery products to Australia instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take fish and other fishery products out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking fish and other fishery products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for fish and other fishery products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Bringing or mailing goods to Australia. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “There are various import conditions that must be met for seafood, including crustaceans (crabs and lobsters) and molluscs (abalone, octopus, squid).”

How does Australia compare with other countries on fish and other fishery products?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and other fishery products, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Fish and other fishery products can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Fish and other fishery products into Australia only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Bringing or mailing goods to Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Questions about Fish and other fishery products in Australia

Do I have to declare fish and other fishery products at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare fish and other fishery products in Australia?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship fish and other fishery products to Australia instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take fish and other fishery products out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking fish and other fishery products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for fish and other fishery products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Bringing or mailing goods to Australia. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “There are various import conditions that must be met for seafood, including crustaceans (crabs and lobsters) and molluscs (abalone, octopus, squid).”
How does Australia compare with other countries on fish and other fishery products?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and other fishery products, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

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Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables