We are responsible for managing the pest and disease risks associated with goods, containers, aircraft and ships arriving in Australia.
Before you import goods to Australia, it is important to understand:
- your responsibilities as an importer
- the import conditions that may apply to your goods.
Meeting these requirements can reduce costly delays and help keep biosecurity risks offshore.
Learn more about how to import goods to Australia.
What you can import
We regulate the biosecurity import conditions for goods allowed into Australia. The conditions relating to your goods may vary depending on the country of export or origin of the goods.
You can find out if your goods can be imported in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
Special conditions apply to imports into external territories:
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Norfolk Island.
For more information contact externalterritories@aff.gov.au.
Imported foods are also monitored for compliance to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
You can find import information on the following goods:
- Animal feeds
- Biological products
- Fertiliser
- Cats and dogs
- Food
- Goods for industrial or environmental purposes
- Importing biological products for use in non-laboratory animals
- Live animals and reproductive materials
- Major resource and energy sector imports
- Military equipment, vehicles and ration packs
- Motor vehicles, motorcycles, machinery and tyres
- Plants and plant products
- Timber, wooden articles, bamboo and related products
- Vessels with timber components
- Uncooked prawns
- Urban search and rescue taskforces
- Returning Australian Products
- Veterinary Products
- Veterinary Vaccines
Customs brokers
First time or infrequent importers are encouraged to use the services of a licensed customs broker. To find a customs broker, search online or in your local Yellow Pages.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges apply to the import and clearance of goods.
Penalties for not complying
Import conditions and imported food standards are set under legislation administered by the department.
Failure to comply with this legislation in a criminal manner can result in large fines or imprisonment.
Declare your goods
You must also declare goods arriving in Australia to the Department of Home Affairs.
See more on clearing goods through the border.