Do I have to declare knives and bladed weapons at Australia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, Schedule 13, Part 2 (Compilation No. 147, compilation date 13 July 2026). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-20.

How does Australia compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit knives and bladed weapons, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Knives and bladed weapons can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Knives and bladed weapons into Australia only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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 2026-09-20

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, Schedule 13, Part 2 (Compilation No. 147, compilation date 13 July 2026) Federal Register of Legislation, Office of Parliamentary Counsel (Australia)

Questions about Knives and bladed weapons in Australia

Do I have to declare knives and bladed weapons at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, Schedule 13, Part 2 (Compilation No. 147, compilation date 13 July 2026). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-20.
How does Australia compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit knives and bladed weapons, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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