Today’s post was inspired by a show that I have been watching a lot recently called “Border Security: Australia’s Front Line”. It’s a TV show that follows Australian Customs and Border Protection officers as they manage the tens of thousands of people who enter Australia everyday (ex. immigrants, tourists, international students etc) and as they try to protect the country’s borders by enforcing various immigration, quarantine, customs, as well as finance laws.
This article contains information that will give you an idea about the stuff that you can or can’t bring into the country as well as a few other Australian border rules which will help you avoid any complications when you travel to Australia.
The first time I arrived in Australia
The first time I’ve ever been to Australia was when I immigrated here with my husband back in 2020. We arrived at the Brisbane airport. Upon arrival, we went through passport control and got processed by an Australian Border Force officer. We showed the officer our passports and forms including the incoming passenger cards that we filled out during the flight. We weren’t asked any questions then but the officers can ask you questions regarding the details of your travel.
After that, we collected our luggage bags which a K9 dog sniffed. And then we went to the customs area. I had declared something in my incoming passenger card. The officer just asked me a bit about the thing that I had declared and then let us through. But that was it, no issues at all.
Australian Border Force
According to their website, the Australian Border Force is the country’s frontline border law enforcement agency and customs service. They aim to safeguard Australia’s national security and facilitate the movement of travelers and goods across the country’s border. They play such an important role at the country’s airports and seaports. For example, every week, they clear 750,000 air passengers, collect AU$340 million in revenue for the Australian government and seize 850 prohibited drug imports among others.
As a person travelling to Australia, you’ll most likely be dealing with the Australian Border Force when you arrive at the airport. You will do so when they:
- Check your identity and travel documentations.
- Inspect you and your luggage bags for any undeclared currency as well as illegal/prohibited and regulated items
- Seize illegal/prohibited goods and controlled substances as necessary.
What can you bring in?
There are some things that you can’t bring into Australia and some that require permission first before you’ll be allowed to do so. Stuff like illegal drugs are obvious things you’re not allowed to bring in but others, like food items, not so much. Certain food, animal items, and plant materials from overseas are prohibited from coming into the country because they pose great biosecurity risks due to the pests and diseases that they may introduce which can then destroy Australia’s valuable agriculture and tourism industries.
Food – Certain food products brought into Australia needs to be declared even if it’s just a tiny amount. But there are some goods (commercially prepared and packaged, for personal use) that you won’t need to declare.
Plants, Flowers, Seeds – Most live plants aren’t allowed into Australia unless you have a valid import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. As with seeds, you may be able to bring it if it’s a permitted species and it’s commercially packaged, properly labelled, doesn’t have live insects, diseases nor soil. You may need to obtain an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for non-permitted seeds and other plant material.
Medicines – Some medications are allowed usually as long as it’s a prescribed medication, it’s less than 3 months worth of supply, and it is in it’s original packaging.
Pets – Import conditions and quarantine requirements apply for pets that are currently allowed to be imported into Australia.
Duty free items – Be mindful of your duty free limits because if you exceed it, you will have to pay duty on all your general goods, not just the excess.
Please be aware that the officers may inspect you and the things that you bring with you. To look up specific items that you’re considering to bring over, check out this list.
Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)
As a passenger arriving in Australia, you’re required to provide specific information through your passenger card. So, what sort of information will you be asked to provide in an incoming passenger card (IPC)? You will need to fill it in accurately with your:
- Personal information (Full name, date of birth, occupation etc.)
- Passport number
- Flight details
- Intended address in Australia
You will also need to provide the following information in your IPC:
- If you intend to live in Australia for the next 12 months
- Declarations relating to customs and quarantine.
- Answers to questions concerning your migration status, health status and any prior criminal convictions.
Note that the incoming passenger card is offered in multiple languages.
Declaring items. What happens if you don’t?
Simply put, if an Australian citizen refuses to complete an incoming passenger card, they may be penalised. However, for non-Australian citizens, not declaring can lead to penalties and being refused immigration clearance. Know that the officers can still inspect your baggage even if you don’t declare anything. They may use X-rays or a detector dog to do so.
The following could happen if you provide false or misleading information in this regard:
- Be given an infringement notice specifying a penalty amount of up to AU$2,664
- Be subject to civil penalty proceedings
- Be prosecuted for a criminal offence (maximum penalty of AU$1.1 million and/or 10 year imprisonment if convicted).
- Your visa may also be cancelled and, if so, you will be refused entry into Australia.
Rest assured that if you declare all of the goods that you need to, you will not be penalised under the Biosecurity Act of 2015, even if they are not allowed into Australia. You just have to declare it!
Can bringing something not allowed lead to detention and deportation?
It can but it depends. Say, trying to bring in a bit of your favourite tea blend is very different from bringing in illegal drugs. Your visa may be cancelled in this aspect if:
- You don’t meet the requirements to answer the questions about the goods in your passenger card (IPC)
- Refuse to follow the directions of the officers in connection with your goods and baggage.
- You provide an officer with false or misleading information or documentation
- You import objectionable goods and materials i.e. stuff related to drug misuse/ addiction, sex crime, cruelty, violence etc.
If the situation had lead to your visa being cancelled making you an unlawful non-citizen, you will then have to be detained and/or deported by Australian Border Force Officers under the Migration Act of 1958.
Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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