Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Australia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for goods banned by law 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 Prohibited goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can import or export most prohibited goods with written permission if you meet certain conditions and requirements.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on goods banned by law?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

How much Goods banned by law can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Goods banned by law 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

Prohibited goods Australian Border Force

Questions about Goods banned by law in Australia

Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for goods banned by law 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 Prohibited goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can import or export most prohibited goods with written permission if you meet certain conditions and requirements.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on goods banned by law?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

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Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks