Duty-free allowance in Australia
General goods up to AUD 900 per adult (AUD 450 under 18). Go over and duty is charged on ALL general goods. Families on the same flight can pool. ✅ Official
About 5% duty plus 10% GST. ≈ Estimated
Status
| Gold jewellery | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Gold bars & coins | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Mobile phones | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Laptops & tablets | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Other electronics | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Watches | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Perfume & cosmetics | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Clothing & shoes | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Gifts & other goods | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Alcohol | allowed | 2.25 L of alcohol (18+). ✅ Official |
| Cigarettes & tobacco | allowed | 25 cigarettes or 25 g of tobacco (plus one open packet). ✅ Official |
| E-cigarettes / vapes | restricted | Nicotine vapes need a prescription. ≈ Estimated |
| Cash & currency | declare | Declare AUD 10,000 or more in cash. ✅ Official |
| Medicines | restricted | Personal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated |
| Packaged food & sweets | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Meat, milk & dairy | restricted | Declare all meat, dairy, eggs, fruit and vegetables. Strict biosecurity, with big fines for not declaring. ✅ Official |
| Plants, seeds & fruit | restricted | Declare all plant material, seeds and wooden items. ✅ Official |
| Drones | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Weapons & ammunition | restricted | Firearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated |
| Narcotics & drugs | prohibited | Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated |
⚖️ If you don't declare
- Not declaring food, plant or animal items: on-the-spot infringement notice (thousands of AUD), visa cancellation possible for visitors.
- Undeclared goods over the concession: duty plus penalties; cash of AUD 10,000+ undeclared can be seized.
≈ Estimated
Frequently asked questions
How much can I bring duty-free from to Australia?
General goods up to AUD 900 per adult (AUD 450 under 18). Go over and duty is charged on ALL general goods. Families on the same flight can pool.
How much cash can I carry to Australia?
Declare AUD 10,000 or more in cash.
Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to Australia?
There is no online pre-payment for Australia at the moment. Declare at the red channel on arrival if you are over the allowance.
Popular routes
Sources
- ✅ Official Australian Border Force – Duty free
- ✅ Official Tourism Australia – Customs & biosecurity FAQs
Last checked: 2026-11-09