Can I bring biscuits to Australia? Or maybe just a pack of tea bags? What food can I bring into Australia? Those questions might cross your mind when you prepare for your upcoming travel to Australia. Well, bringing food abroad is always a tricky business. All countries have different regulations for bringing food into their territories. Australia is no exception. Known as the ‘land down under’, Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity measures at its international borders, including measures to food items brought into the country. Regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, which sets strict guidelines and import conditions for various food items entering the country, Australia's biosecurity procedures are to safeguard its environment, agriculture, and native wildlife from harmful pests or diseases. The Australian government needs to mitigate the risk of invasive pests, pathogens, and diseases that could pose a threat to Australia's agricultural industry, environment, and public health. Therefore, travelers are asked to declare some required items when arriving in Australia.

When traveling to Australia, you have to be mindful if you carry some food items. Certain products are subject to strict regulations and may require special permits or inspections before entry into the country. Common examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and honey. Additionally, even small amounts of food or ingredients for cooking may need to be declared and inspected by biosecurity officers. It is within the mandate of the Australian Border Force, which is the frontline border law enforcement agency and customs service under Australia’s Home Affairs portfolio, to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border in safeguarding Australia’s national security.

For more details, you can consult the following list below defined by the Australia Border Force in alphabetical order to find out what to and not to bring into Australia.

You should be careful because failure to declare such items can result in penalties, including fines and confiscation of the prohibited goods. There are biosecurity officers stationed at international airports and seaports in Australia who may conduct random inspections of your luggage and/or parcels to detect and intercept any undeclared or prohibited items.

Upon arrival in Australia, you as a traveler must comply with Australian law by completing an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), as outlined in the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994. You are required to declare any food items you are bringing into the country on an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). What is an Incoming Passenger Card? It is basically an identification and a record of entry into Australia. Usually, the IPC is provided to travelers before arrival by the Australian Border Force or onboard their flight or ship. The IPC must be completed in English, and you are required to provide information such as personal details, intended address in Australia, flight details, and contact information. Additionally, you can also complete an IPC on behalf of another traveler by a person in charge, such as parents/guardians or caregivers, if applicable.

The Australian High Commission has already laid out some of the things that need to be declared on your IPC on the following list:

If you are found to be non-compliant with Australia's biosecurity regulations, it can have serious consequences, not only for you as a traveler but also for the broader environment and agricultural sector. The introduction of invasive pests or diseases can devastate native ecosystems, decimate crops, and jeopardize public health in Australia. If you are unsure about Australia's biosecurity measures, you are encouraged to consult the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON), an online database maintained by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. BICON provides comprehensive information on the import requirements for a wide range of products, including food items, plants, and animals. You can search for specific items to determine whether they are permitted entry into Australia and if any additional requirements or restrictions apply.

Most personal items such as new clothes, shoes, and personal hygiene products can be brought into Australia with your accompanied baggage without having to pay duty or tax. These items qualify for duty-free entry if they have been owned and used by you overseas for at least 12 months or are imported temporarily. However, there are limits for other goods, such as those purchased overseas, purchased in Australia duty or tax-free and previously exported, or bought from inward duty-free shops upon arrival in Australia. Please be mindful that duty-free concessions do not apply to commercial goods. If you are 18 years or older, you can bring up to AU$ 900 worth of general goods into Australia duty-free, while the limit is AU$ 450 for those under 18 or crew members. If you are under the age of 18, you are not allowed to bring tobacco and alcohol into the country without paying duty or tax, regardless of the quantity or value.