What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) in Australia?

Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Subject to subregulations (2) and (2A), the importation into Australia of a drug is prohibited unless:”

How does Australia compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

How much Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into Australia?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) into Australia.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 Federal Register of Legislation

Questions about Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) in Australia

How many Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into Australia?: Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) may not be brought into Australia at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) at Australia customs?: There is nothing to declare — Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) in Australia?: Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Subject to subregulations (2) and (2A), the importation into Australia of a drug is prohibited unless:”
How does Australia compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the strictest.

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