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: “Business travellers carrying commercial goods or samples may need to obtain permits for their goods depending on the nature of the goods, regardless of value.”

How much Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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

Duty free Australian Border Force

Questions about Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) in Australia

Do I have to declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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: “Business travellers carrying commercial goods or samples may need to obtain permits for their goods depending on the nature of the goods, regardless of value.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit), 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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