Outdoor equipment, footwear and luggage

Remove visible residue thoroughly rather than only knocking off loose dirt. For shoes, clean the soles, tread, laces, hook-and-loop fasteners and outer surfaces. Brush away soil, mud, clay, plant material and manure; wash the surfaces with water and detergent, then dry them well. Inspect them again afterwards. Residue in boot lugs or seams can be visible during inspection even if the upper looks clean.

Use the same approach for tents, pegs, guy lines, backpacks, trekking poles, bicycle tyres, fishing equipment and waders. Look for clumps of soil, seeds, leaves, roots, animal or faecal matter. Pack cleaned footwear separately from other clothes so it cannot transfer dirt through your bag. For a short trip, hiring equipment at your destination may be simpler than bringing used outdoor gear.

Equipment used in overseas lakes and rivers needs particular attention. Fishing gear, water-sport items and other equipment used in freshwater must be free of visible clumps of algae and completely dry. Check rods, reels, line, waders, neoprene footwear, buoyancy vests and cases. Water can remain inside compartments, padding or coiled lines; leave those items open to dry before packing. If an item cannot be verified as clean and dry, it may be treated, exported or destroyed at your expense.

If you wore boots or used gear on a farm, in a rural area or near livestock, separate that use from ordinary city wear: clean the items and declare the relevant visit or equipment. Even thoroughly cleaned articles may be selected for inspection. A declaration does not automatically mean the item will be taken away; the decision follows the inspection.

Pack the most relevant items so you can take them out easily if requested. A small brush or cloth can help with a final check, but it does not replace thorough cleaning before departure. Inspect pockets, shoe bags and compartments for seeds, dried plant material or attached dirt. Clean, dry gear is easier to examine; remaining contamination may lead to treatment and additional costs.

Keep the arrival routine simple: identify the outdoor equipment you used, remove soil and plant residue, and declare affected or used items truthfully. The overview of customs, biosecurity and travel luggage sets out the arrival context. More specific goods guidance covers food, plants and animal products and pets. For wider planning, see travel planning and stays, health and safety and nature and activities.