Do I have to declare powders and other granular substances at Australia customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare powders and other granular substances 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.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the Australia allowance for powders and other granular substances?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for powders and other granular substances 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 Entering Australia Can I bring it in?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Inorganic powders less than 350 millilitres or 350 grams per person.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

How much Powders and other granular substances can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Powders and other granular substances into Australia only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 350 milliliter

What you need to know

350 milliliter (11.83 fl oz)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Entering Australia Can I bring it in? Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

Questions about Powders and other granular substances in Australia

How much powders and other granular substances can I bring into Australia?: Australia allows 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare powders and other granular substances at Australia customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare powders and other granular substances 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.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the Australia allowance for powders and other granular substances?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for powders and other granular substances 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 Entering Australia Can I bring it in?. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Inorganic powders less than 350 millilitres or 350 grams per person.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. Australia is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Canada China France Germany

Other items in this group

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