Do I have to declare soil at Australia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare soil 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 soil 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 soil out of Australia?

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

Does the Australia limit for soil 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: “If the goods are identified as soil, an import permit will be required, refer to BICON.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on soil?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

Can I bring soil to Australia?

Official classification: Soil

Restricted

You can bring soil into Australia only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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 Soil in Australia

Do I have to declare soil at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare soil 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 soil 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 soil out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for soil 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: “If the goods are identified as soil, an import permit will be required, refer to BICON.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on soil?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

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