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.

How much Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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 2026-09-19

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 Federal Register of Legislation

Questions about Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices in Australia

Do I have to declare firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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 firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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 firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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.
How does Australia compare with other countries on firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices, 12 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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