The government prohibits the import of certain goods to Australia. Check with us if you have any doubts about a specific product, especially one you are importing for the first time. The Australian Border Force (ABF) has recently updated their list and it is important that you are absolutely sure before you place your order.
Some goods are under absolute prohibition, where you are not allowed to import them in any circumstance. Others can be imported with written permission, provided you meet certain conditions and requirements.
It is important to note that while some items may be imported at the border, their use may be prohibited under individual State laws.
There are certain items that will be quite obvious to you as being restricted, such as drugs, steroids, weapons/firearms, heritage items, plants, animals and protected wildlife.
Less obvious prohibited goods
Other items that you would have to stop and think about are tobacco and vape products, or consumer goods that could contain asbestos.
Then there are intellectual property and cultural items such as antiquities, art, fossils and historical documents.
Less likely consumer products items that might escape your attention are ceramic ware, cigarette lighters, credit cards, toys, pornography, laser pointers and cosmetics.
Some unusual ones:
The importation of certain glazed ceramic ware normally used for, or in connection with, the storage or consumption of food is prohibited. This includes glazed pottery and ceramics used for tableware and cooking (but not decorative items used solely for display).
The importation of cosmetic products containing more than 250mg/kg of lead or lead compounds is prohibited unless permission has been granted.
Animals and plants Items such as fur products, dangerous dog breeds, endangered species, tobacco leaf and toothfish are also on the list.
Goods from Certain Countries
Importation of certain goods from Iran, Eritrea and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya are on the prohibited list. Other countries that you might think of such as Russia, are not prohibited but instead have punitive tariffs placed on them.
‘Objectionable goods’
Most classified films, computer games or publications can be imported but content that has been classified RC (Refused Classification) is generally considered to be a prohibited import.
We are talking in terms of child pornography, offensive or sexualised violence, fetish material, criminal or terrorist material, matter related to drug use.
These types of goods may be seized by the ABF. If a product has not yet been classified in Australia you should consider whether or not it may be objectionable.
The more obvious categories
- Weapons / Defence and Strategic goods. This category includes electromagnetic weapons. The ABF defines ‘electromagnetic weapon’ as a device designed or adapted to propel or launch any substance by means of electromagnetic force and, when discharged, is capable of causing damage or bodily harm.
- Hazardous goods such as plastic explosives, hazardous waste, ozone depleting substances, pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls.
- Firearms, including ammunition, conventional firearms, paintball markers, soft air (BB) firearms and firearms parts
- Drugs, Medicines and Therapeutic Substances, such as antibiotics, narcotics, growth hormones and prescription medicines.
- Asbestos Work Health and Safety (WHS) and environment laws in all states and territories prohibit the unauthorised supply, transport, use (including manufacturing), or handling of asbestos.
A warning from the ABF
You are responsible for ensuring your goods can be imported, and for being certain they meet the relevant requirements under Australian law.
If you import prohibited goods without the relevant written permission or licence, your goods may be seized and you could face penalties of up to 2,500 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment, or both. As at November 2024 the amount of one penalty unit is set at $330.00.
It is important that you check beforehand and, if you have the slightest doubt, talk to us here at Colless Young.
Contact Andrew, email enq@collessyoung.com.au Tel: +61 7 3890 0800.
