Do I have to declare gifts sent by post at Australia customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for gifts sent by post 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 GST and other taxes when importing. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Australia compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 limit it and 14 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

How much Gifts sent by post can I bring into Australia?

Allowed

You can bring Gifts sent by post into Australia without a special limit.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 900 AUD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 900 AUD
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

GST and other taxes when importing Australian Border Force

Questions about Gifts sent by post in Australia

How much gifts sent by post can I bring into Australia?: Australia publishes no quantity limit for gifts sent by post carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare gifts sent by post at Australia customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for gifts sent by post 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 GST and other taxes when importing. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Australia compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 limit it and 14 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

Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods