Customs, biosecurity and travel luggage

Food, plant material and animal products can have their own import conditions. Certain foods must be declared on arrival, including small amounts and ingredients used for cooking. Food categories include fruit and vegetables, meat products and dairy products. Include snacks, spices, ingredients in dishes and travel provisions on your packing list. Plants, seeds, nuts and wood products are other relevant categories; the conditions for animal products depend on the specific item.

Keep four groups distinct while packing: food, plants and animal products; personal medicines and medical travel supplies; used footwear and outdoor equipment; and travelling pets with their documents. Keep related goods accessible and identify them clearly on your packing list. This helps you explain individual items at arrival and present them from your luggage when required. Pets and their particular entry requirements belong in a separate part of the travel arrangements.

The duty-free concession is separate from biosecurity inspection. The general-goods concession is AUD900 for adults and AUD450 for children; alcohol and tobacco have their own limits. A good may fall within a duty-free value allowance and still be subject to a declaration or import condition. Treat value and goods category as two different details.

You must declare physical cash you are carrying totalling AUD10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency. Include the total amount in your arrival preparation.

The paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) is provided on board before arrival or in the arrival terminal. Limited digital alternatives are also available: passengers on international Qantas flights into Brisbane and select international Qantas flights into Sydney and Melbourne can submit the Australia Travel Declaration through the Qantas app. Anyone not invited to use it continues with the IPC. The declaration method therefore depends on the flight and eligibility.

If you use the IPC, answer its goods questions fully and truthfully. A biosecurity officer may inspect your luggage even if you declare nothing. Goods with a biosecurity risk must be declared or disposed of before inspection; restricted goods and items requiring permission also remain subject to their own import conditions.

As you pack, make a short list of food, plant and animal products, personal medicines, equipment and cash you are carrying. Keep product packaging and available receipts together so you can identify specific items. For arrival documents and travel stays, see travel planning and stays. Travel health and safety context is covered in health and safety in Australia, while everyday life, culture and the economy provides broader local context.