What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Travellers and online shoppers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You will need a permit to import or export Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES ) listed wildlife or export Australian native wildlife products for commercial purposes.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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

Travellers and online shoppers Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Questions about Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) in Australia

Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 Travellers and online shoppers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You will need a permit to import or export Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES ) listed wildlife or export Australian native wildlife products for commercial purposes.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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