Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at Australia customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 Duty free. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can bring most personal items into Australia in your accompanied baggage, free from duty and tax.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use cosmetics (each item) can I bring into Australia?

Allowed

You can bring Personal-use cosmetics (each item) into Australia without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

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

Duty free Australian Border Force

Questions about Personal-use cosmetics (each item) in Australia

Do I have to declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) at Australia customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 personal-use cosmetics (each item) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use cosmetics (each item) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for personal-use cosmetics (each item) 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 Duty free. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can bring most personal items into Australia in your accompanied baggage, free from duty and tax.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on personal-use cosmetics (each item)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use cosmetics (each item), 4 limit it and 16 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

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances