Do I have to declare jewelry and precious metals at Australia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare jewelry and precious metals in Australia?

Under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, if it is treated as smuggling: the case is referred to the responsible authority; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship jewelry and precious metals to Australia instead of carrying it?

Yes, and the allowance applies to the consignment as well as to accompanied baggage. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take jewelry and precious metals out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking jewelry and precious metals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for jewelry and precious metals 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 Importing precious metals, coins, jewellery and currency. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Goods valued at more than AUD1000 require an import declaration. Goods valued at, or below, AUD1000 require a self-assessed clearance (SAC) declaration.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on jewelry and precious metals?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit jewelry and precious metals, 7 limit it and 12 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

How much Jewelry and precious metals can I bring into Australia?

Declare

You can bring Jewelry and precious metals into Australia, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Importing precious metals, coins, jewellery and currency Australian Border Force
Importing precious metals, coins, jewellery and currency Australian Border Force

Questions about Jewelry and precious metals in Australia

Do I have to declare jewelry and precious metals at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare jewelry and precious metals in Australia?: Under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, if it is treated as smuggling: the case is referred to the responsible authority; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship jewelry and precious metals to Australia instead of carrying it?: Yes, and the allowance applies to the consignment as well as to accompanied baggage. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take jewelry and precious metals out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking jewelry and precious metals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for jewelry and precious metals 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 Importing precious metals, coins, jewellery and currency. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Goods valued at more than AUD1000 require an import declaration. Goods valued at, or below, AUD1000 require a self-assessed clearance (SAC) declaration.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on jewelry and precious metals?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit jewelry and precious metals, 7 limit it and 12 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

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

Canada China France Germany

Other items in this group

Accompanied cash Cash and bearer negotiable instruments (all currencies) Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) Currency and monetary instruments (CAN$10,000 reporting) Currency and monetary instruments over $10,000