Yes, you can post a knife in Australia, but it must be securely packaged and must not be a prohibited weapon. Both federal import regulations and state/territory laws apply, so checking local regulations is crucial.
You can't mail weapons (including replicas), illegal drugs, fresh foods, plants, soil, certain animal products (ivory, some furs), counterfeit goods, or hazardous materials (explosives, aerosols, large batteries, strong chemicals) to Australia; biosecurity (pests/diseases) and security risks are key concerns, so declare everything, especially food, alcohol, tobacco, or items with cultural/security implications. Always check the Australia Post and Australian Border Force (ABF) official sites for detailed, up-to-date lists before sending.
The legal definition of a knife in Australia is any instrument with a cutting edge or blade, and designed to be used as a weapon. It is illegal to carry any type of knife in a public place in Australia, except for utility knives, such as a Swiss Army knife or a pocket knife with a blade no longer than 10 cm.
Egg cartons. Wooden boxes (all wood boxes, crates or pallets must be fumigated, and be accompanied by a fumigation certificate for entry into Australia) Cardboard boxes that have been used to hold fruit, vegetables or meat (this packaging is prohibited, and at risk of quarantine) Straw material.
Age Verification Required for Knife Purchases
Please note that knives are restricted to customers who are 18 years of age or older. Upon purchasing a knife, we will reach out to you via email to request valid identification to verify your age. Your order will only be processed once this verification is complete.
USPS permits shipping knives with any of its service offerings as long as the item is securely packed to prevent injury to postal workers handing the packages. We'll cover some recommendations on packing materials and how to keep them secure in transit in the paragraphs that follow.
Declare sharp objects: While not mandatory, it's a good idea to declare sharp objects like knives to TSA when you check your bag. This can help avoid any confusion or delays during the screening process.
Sharp objects like knives*, kitchen utensils and gardening tools may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they are no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients.
What happens if I bring restricted goods to Australia? Restricted goods without declaration face inspection fees ($150-500 AUD), cleaning requirements, delays (7-14 days), or confiscation. Fines start at $340 AUD with potential legal action for serious violations.
Fixed Blade / Single Edged Knives
This includes kitchen knives, hunting knives, fishing knives or skinning knives are generally allowed as long as they are both fixed blade, and single edged. Multi-tool, swiss army or pocket knives are also allowed as long as the blades need to be operated manually.
For domestic flights within Australia, most knives can be transported in checked luggage without customs declaration. However, for international flights: You may need to declare knives when entering or exiting Australia. Ensure your knives comply with the destination country's regulations as well.
Australia's customs laws prevent you from bringing drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms and protected wildlife into Australia. Penalties may apply, so before travelling, check the Australian Government website for information on prohibited goods, item declaration and penalties.
Checked Bags: Yes
Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
For friends in Australia, send a care package with classic Aussie treats like Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment, Aussie snacks (like Tim Tams or Caramello Koalas, but be wary of Vegemite), native-scented body products (lemon myrtle, frangipani), unique Aboriginal art items, or practical Australiana-themed socks, tea towels, or Ugg boots, focusing on locally-made items for a true taste of Down Under.
"Australia Post does not have, for example, sniffer dogs, X-ray machines or explosive trace detectors. "Australia Post lacks legal authority to open mail."
There are some obvious things that you cannot send with DHL (such as animals, illegal substances, guns and explosives for instance). But there are also less obvious items that DHL can't transport, including aerosols, perfumes, aftershaves, eau de toilettes and cash.
You generally can't send dangerous goods (explosives, flammable items, aerosols, dry ice), illegal drugs, counterfeit items, certain live animals/plants, fresh food (meat, dairy, fruit, veg), pornography, and large amounts of currency or gift cards to Australia, due to strict biosecurity and customs regulations. Firearms, replicas, and their ammunition are also banned.
Any person sending such an item does so at their own risk:
Glass Items Of Any Type - Including Glassware, Crystal, Bulbs, Screens, Fiberglass, Fish Tanks, Mirrors, Spectacles, Windows, Perspex. Packaging - Including The Box, Media Packaging, Suitcases Used As Packaging.
Detector dog teams work at Australian airports, seaports, cargo depots and international mail centres. We train our detector dogs to find drugs, firearms, explosives, currency and tobacco. They provide an effective complementary detection capability alongside technologies such as x-ray and trace particle detection.
Regulatory Compliance: Although knives are not controlled for export from the U.S., they are restricted for import into many destinations, and some transit countries prohibit packages containing knives. Customer Responsibility: Customers must ensure compliance with applicable regulations for the shipment of knives.
Key Considerations for Shipping Knives via FedEx
FedEx offers services like FedEx Ground and FedEx Express. Knives may be classified as “dangerous goods” and require special handling: FedEx Ground: Cost-effective but may need special handling. FedEx Express: Faster option; recipient must be 18+ years old.
Importing a knife from abroad is not an offence nor does it require prior import licensing. You may order knives (folding or fixed blade) from abroad so long as they are not offensive weapons.
In Australia, when it comes to knives and air travel, the rules are pretty clear-cut. Generally, packing knives in your checked luggage Down Under is a no-go. Yep, that includes all sorts of knives – from your everyday pocket knife to the sharpest chef's blade.
As a general rule of thumb, pack your EDC knives and other goods in your checked luggage to avoid any mishaps. In almost all cases, sharp objects will be confiscated at the security checkpoint should you place them on your person or in your carry-on.