Australia prohibits items like illegal drugs, automatic/flick knives, certain weapons (stun guns, mace), asbestos, counterfeit goods, and many biosecurity risks (fresh food, plants, soil, animal products) to protect its unique environment and security; proper declaration is crucial for restricted items like medication, used camping gear, and even some electronics to avoid penalties.
You can't bring many things into Australia, especially fresh food (fruits, veggies, meat, dairy), plants, seeds, soil, and most weapons (firearms, replicas, knives, pepper spray), along with illegal drugs and counterfeit goods; you must always declare items like certain medications, large amounts of currency, and specific food/plant/animal products, or face penalties, as strict biosecurity protects Australia's environment.
In Australia, prohibited checked baggage items include weapons, explosives, flammable liquids/solids, compressed gases, strong acids/alkalis, poisons, and certain hazardous chemicals/materials, alongside items like self-balancing boards (hoverboards) and large quantities of lithium batteries; while some toiletries (aerosols, alcohol) have limits (100ml containers for carry-on) and restrictions for checked, always check the Home Affairs website for the full, official list, especially for international travel.
Food. Food items brought into Australia need to be declared on your Incoming Passenger Card if you come by plane, or on the parcels you mail. Biosecurity officers may need to inspect some of the food you're bringing with you.
Generally speaking, the following must be declared:
not covered by the Traveller Exemption and require written permission from the Office of Drug Control when travelling to Australia:
Failing to declare items can have serious legal and financial consequences. Whether intentional or accidental, neglecting this responsibility may result in fines, confiscation of goods, or even criminal charges.
Prohibited or restricted goods including medicines, steroids, illegal pornography, firearms weapons or illicit drugs.
You must declare all food products. If you declare all agricultural products you are bringing into the United States, you will not be penalized even if an agricultural specialist determines they cannot enter the country. If you fail to declare food products, you could face up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.
Entering Australia
Keep the product in its original packaging. Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor. Don't bring more than a 3-month supply. Take any remaining products with you when you leave Australia, and make sure you always.
You can't pack explosives, firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), flammable liquids/solids (like gasoline, lighter fluid, large aerosols), strong acids/bleach, disabling sprays (pepper spray), large quantities of alcohol (>70% ABV), spare lithium batteries, or hoverboards in checked luggage due to safety risks; instead, keep essentials like medication, electronics, and valuables in your carry-on.
Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
You may need to remove items from your carry-on baggage such as laptops, iPads, aerosols or liquids. If so, place them in the tray for separate screening through the X-ray. The requirements will differ at each airport depending on the type of equipment used.
Australia has very strict customs and quarantine laws, especially in regard to the importation of food, drugs, and animal products. Importations into Australia are regulated by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
US customs has the right to search all of your luggage, including your checked bags. ¹ If you don't declare goods and are questioned about an item, they may ask you to prove that you purchased it in the United States.
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But, the list of items you cannot bring on a plane is too long to cover in its entirety here. Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed.
Biscuits, cakes, bread and pastries are allowed into Australia if they are commercially prepared, fully cooked, shelf stable, and contain no meat.
When entering the United States, what items must I declare?
"Oy oy oy" in Australia is most famously part of the patriotic chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!" used at sporting events to show national pride, but "Oi" also functions as a general Australian informal interjection, like "hey" or "excuse me," to get someone's attention. The chant itself comes from the British "Oggy Oggy Oggy" cheer for Cornish pasties and became popular in Australia after the 2000 Olympics.
Prohibited items include weapons and some common household items and sporting goods that people can use as weapons or to cause harm to a person or an aircraft. This includes replicas or imitations of weapons.
Required documents
All arriving and departing passengers must have a valid passport or travel document. Arriving passengers need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. If you are not an Australian Citizen you must hold a valid visa when entering Australia.
It means are you bringing back anything you didn't have when you left. If you do have things to declare just say, yes about (insert value) dollars worth of goods. You don't need to name off every single item.
When you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, you are required to declare all items acquired abroad that you're bringing with you. U.S. Customs law mandates that anything you obtained during your trip and did not have when you left the U.S. must be declared.
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