When entering Australia, it is not recommended to bring food, animal, or plant products. If you must bring them, you should declare them truthfully. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, you may consult airline staff or Australian immigration officials, or it is best to declare it. Declaring an item does not necessarily mean it will be subject to physical inspection, but failing to truthfully declare prohibited or restricted items, dutiable goods, or providing forged documents may result in seizure, fines, or imprisonment. If you declare items truthfully, you will not be penalized even if they are not permitted entry. It is recommended to keep items that need to be declared together in preparation for inspection. Most declared items will be returned to the traveler after inspection; however, if they pose a threat to Australia's biological environment, you may be required to pay for disinfection or the items may be confiscated and destroyed. Inspections are usually targeted at suspicious individuals or items and may involve X-ray scanning, physical baggage inspection, or the use of detector dogs.
I. Prohibited Items for Entry and Exit in Australia
The following items are prohibited from being brought into or out of Australia, including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines. Australia has very strict penalties for drug-related offenses.
II. Controlled Items for Entry and Exit in Australia
You must truthfully declare the following controlled items when entering or leaving Australia:
1. Firearms, weapons, and ammunition. This includes various types of knives, crossbows, etc. Most of these items require prior written permission; you may contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection for consultation.
2. Objectionable material, such as offensive publications, including electronic devices like hard drives, computers, and mobile phones containing such content.
3. Medications. Medications that may be misused, abused, or cause dependency require prior permission and declaration, including: steroids, analgesics, or drugs based on cannabis or narcotics.
Prescription medications exceeding a 3-month supply must be declared. It is recommended to keep them in their original packaging and carry a doctor's prescription (preferably in English with a description of the medical condition). Supplies exceeding 3 months should be obtained by visiting a local doctor and purchasing them locally. For medications ordered by mail, an import permit must be applied for in advance.
Performance-enhancing drugs such as growth hormones, DHEA, steroids, and steroid hormones require prior permission and declaration. Certain traditional medicines may contain harmful animal or plant ingredients and must also be declared.
4. Cash. You must declare if you are carrying AUD 10,000 or more in cash or the equivalent in foreign currency. You must also truthfully declare checks, traveler's checks, personal checks, cashier's checks, postal money orders, or other negotiable instruments, regardless of the amount.
5. Food, animals, plants, and biological products. Overseas food, animal, and plant products may carry pests and diseases that threaten Australia's agriculture, tourism, and environment, and should be declared truthfully.
General food items: Including food provided on aircraft, dried vegetables, fruits, instant noodles (rice), herbs, spices, honey and bee products, and snacks.
Milk and egg products: Infant formula, dairy products (including milk powder, cheese), and egg-containing products (such as salad dressing, egg noodles, etc.).
Poultry, meat, and seafood: Fresh, dried, frozen, cooked, smoked, or salted meat products.
Seeds and nuts: Grains, popcorn, nuts, pine cones, birdseed, seeds, and ornaments containing seeds.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.
Other plant products: Tea containing seeds, fruit peels (such as citrus and apple peels), fruit slices; medicines containing seeds, bark, fungi, or other dried plants; fresh or dried flowers; handicrafts such as wreaths or Christmas decorations containing seeds or raw nuts; wooden products.
Animal products: Animals, birds and bird eggs, bird nests, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects; feathers, bones, horns, ivory, wool and animal hair, animal skins or furs; taxidermy specimens; shells and coral (including jewelry and souvenirs); beeswax or other bee products; used animal-related equipment such as veterinary supplies, saddles, etc.; pet food (including canned food); rawhide products and handicrafts (including drums); biological specimens; handicrafts made from animals or plants; used sports and camping equipment, including tents, footwear, fishing gear, etc.
Special reminder to Chinese citizens: Do not bring or mail the following items into Australia: chicken, sausages, or beef jerky; chicken or duck eggs; citrus, persimmons, or fresh bamboo shoots; fresh or dried fruits such as longan or lychee; traditional Chinese medicines containing cordyceps or ganoderma; mooncakes.
6. Wildlife. The law strictly controls the import and export of protected wildlife, including traditional medicinal wildlife, coral, orchids, caviar, ivory products, and hunting trophies.
In addition, you must apply for a permit to bring the following items into or out of the country: handicrafts, stamps, coins, archaeological artifacts, and mineral samples. You must declare veterinary medications upon entry.