Thanks to its isolation as an island nation, Australia has managed to avoid some of the pests and diseases that plague other countries. But burgeoning tourism increases the risk of contamination from imported goods, and the Customs Bureau takes the need to protect Australia's shores seriously.

Articles not automatically forbidden but subject to a quarantine inspection may include camping equipment, live animals, food, animal products, plants, plant products, and protected wildlife. Don't risk large fines or hassles when entering Australia---throw out questionable items in the big customs bins as you leave the plane, and declare anything about which you have the slightest suspicion. The beagles in orange smocks know their stuff, and they will find you out.

If you must bring your pets with you, contact the Australian Quarantine and Inspections Service, GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601 (02 6272 3933; animalimp@gov.au) to obtain a permit. Pick up Customs Information for Travellers at an Australian consulate or any travel agency for more info. Australia expressly forbids the entry of drugs, steroids, and weapons.

Duty free allowance - entering Australia

Goods brought into Australia may require the payment of customs duty and tax; however, travellers are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty and tax free when the goods accompany the passenger:

• General:...$900 worth of goods ($450 for people under 18) including gifts (given to you or intended for others), souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be included in this allowance. These goods can be
  
  • Obtained overseas
  • Purchased in Australia duty or tax free before departure
  • Goods for which a tax refund has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme
  • Purchased from an inwards duty free shop on arrival
  
  
  
• Alcohol:...2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages for each passenger aged 18 years or over.
  
  
• Tobacco:...250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products for each passenger aged 18 years or over.
  
  
• Most personal items such as new clothing, footwear, articles for personal hygiene/grooming.
  
  
• Personal goods owned and used for at least 12 months can also be brought into Australia without payment of duty and tax (proof of date of purchase may be required).
  
  
• Goods bought overseas, or bought duty/tax free before leaving Australia, are included when determining a duty-free allowance.
  

Members of the same family who reside at the same address and who are travelling together may combine their individual duty-free allowances... Gifts (given to you or intended for others) are counted as part of the $900 duty-free allowance... Note however that if you exceed any of the concession limits set out above, Customs will charge you duty and tax on the entire importation or purchase within that group of items.

Australia operates a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) that refunds the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on items bought in Australia. For more information on customs requirements, contact the following information centres:

Illicit drugs

Do not carry illicit drugs. Penalties for drug offences in Australia are severe and could result in a jail term.

Medicinal products

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival by using the red channel exits from baggage halls.

An import permit may be required for products containing prohibited substances such as narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, tranquillisers, hallucinogens, growth hormones, anabolic and androgenic steroids. Some medicinal products may also require quarantine clearance, such as medicines with components of human or animal origin, and traditional medicines which contain, or represent to contain, protected wildlife species, have special import requirements or restrictions.

• Sporting teams and visitors may bring in limited quantities of medications with them, subject to certain conditions.
  
  
• Medicinal products brought in by visitors but not used should be taken out of Australia on departure. As a general rule, visitors may bring medications required for personal use. The maximum amount allowable is three months supply.
  
  
• Medications should be kept in the containers in which they were dispensed or supplied. Visitors needing to bring prohibited substances should check about import permit requirements, and also bring a letter from their doctor or medical practitioner.
  
  
• Visitors must not send medications in advance through the post or as unaccompanied goods.

For more detailed information about drugs, herbal and traditional medicines, therapeutic substances and vitamins, see Australian Quarantine and Inspection service or telephone 1800 020 504 or +61 2 6272 5365 outside Australia.

Quarantine clearance

You must declare all food, plant and animal items on your Incoming Passenger Card, and you will be directed to the red channel exits in the baggage halls. A Quarantine Officer will arrange to have your items inspected to ensure they will not harm Australia's plants, animals or human health.

Goods may be returned to you (some items may need treatment before they are returned); however, some may be confiscated.

Amnesty quarantine bins are available in the arrivals area, or on the way to collect your baggage.

If you declare prohibited items, you may be given the option of re-exporting them. If you do not declare items of quarantine concern, an on-the-spot fine could be imposed or you could be prosecuted.

For general information on Australian Quarantine measures, see Australian Quarantine and Inspection service or telephone1800 020 504 or +61 2 6272 5365 outside Australia.

Wildlife trade

Trade in endangered and threatened (animal and plant) wildlife and native Australian wildlife is strictly regulated. It may be illegal to take them out of, or into Australia.

For information and permits to bring in endangered wildlife or products/ souvenirs made from them, see Australian Quarantine and Inspection service or telephone 1800 020 504 or +61 2 6272 5365 outside Australia.