Do I have to declare pet food at Australia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare pet food 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 pet food 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 pet food out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking pet food out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for pet food 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: “All pet food, treats and chews made from, or containing, animal or plant derived material, require an import permit, and/or an official government veterinary certificate or manufacturer's declaration.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on pet food?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit pet food, 13 limit it and 6 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring pet food to Australia?

Official classification: Pet food

Restricted

You can bring pet food 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 Pet food in Australia

Do I have to declare pet food at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare pet food 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 pet food 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 pet food out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking pet food out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for pet food 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: “All pet food, treats and chews made from, or containing, animal or plant derived material, require an import permit, and/or an official government veterinary certificate or manufacturer's declaration.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on pet food?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit pet food, 13 limit it and 6 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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