AUSTRALIA – Restricted imports
Prohibited and restricted imports
The Australian Government controls the import of certain goods into Australia. The controls either take the form of:
- an absolute prohibition, which means that you are not allowed to import the goods in any circumstances, or
- a restriction, where you need to have written permission in order to import the goods.
The following information broadly outlines what goods are prohibited or restricted, where you can obtain more information about the control and, in the case of restricted goods, the mailing address or e-mail address to use to apply for permission to import.
The Customs Information and Support Centre (CISC) can provide general information about Customs procedures in relation to prohibited and restricted goods. You can contact the CISC by telephone on 1300 363 263 or by e-mail at information@customs.gov.au.
The information about prohibited and restricted goods provided on this website is a guide only. Customs recommends that you exercise care with its use. Customs further recommends that you seek more detailed information to ensure that you will comply with legislative requirements before attempting to import restricted goods.
| Anabolic or androgenic substances and Ketamine | Firearms and ammunition |
| Antibiotics | Fish and toothfish |
| ANZAC | Fly swatters/mosquito bats – electronic |
| Asbestos | Growth hormones and substances of human or animal origin |
| Australian flag and coats of arms | Hazardous waste |
| Cat and dog fur products | Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) |
| Ceramic ware – glazed | Incandescent lamps |
| Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) | Kava |
| Chemical weapons | Knives and daggers |
| Chewing tobacco and oral snuff | Laser pointers |
| Cigarette lighters | Money boxes, novelty – toxic materials |
| Cosmetics – toxic materials | Ozone depleting substances |
| Credit cards – counterfeit | Pencils and paintbrushes – toxic materials |
| Crowd control equipment | Pesticides |
| Cultural and heritage goods – general | Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Terphenyls and Polyphenyls |
| Cultural and heritage goods from Papua New Guinea | Pornography and other objectionable material |
| Diamonds – from Cote d’Ivoire | Radioactive substances |
| Diamonds – Kimberley Process | Suicide devices |
| Dog collars – protrusion | Tablet presses |
| Dogs – dangerous breeds | Therapeutic drugs and substances |
| Drugs and narcotics | Tobacco – unmanufactured leaf |
| Embargoed Countries (UN Sanctions) | Toys – toxic materials |
| Embryo clones – viable materials | Trade Practices Act goods |
| Endangered animal and plant species – CITES | Weapons |
| Erasers – novelty | Woolpacks |
| Explosives, plastic |
Anabolic or androgenic substances and Ketamine (restricted import)
Description: | Anabolic and androgenic substances to enhance muscle and bone growth. Health supplements and formulas may contain these substances. No passenger exemptions apply to the importation of anabolic or androgenic substances and ketamine. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | More information about substances controlled under Customs legislation and licensing and permit requirements is available from The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: +61 2 6289 2686 Fax: +61 2 6289 2500 E-mail: tmu@health.gov.au |
Antibiotics (restricted import)
Description: | Traditional antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracyclines as well as other substances including the sulpha drugs, nitrofurazones, dapsone and rifampicin. Anti-viral medicaments are not antibiotics.Exemption:You do not need a permit to import antibiotics where:
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Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | More information about substances controlled under Customs legislation and licensing and permit requirements is available from The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: +61 2 6289 2686 Fax: +61 2 6289 2500 E-mail: tmu@health.gov.au |
ANZAC (restricted import)
Description: | All goods bearing the word ‘ANZAC’ (or a similar word) and advertising material relating to such goods. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Veteran’s Affairs |
More information: | More information about protection of the word ‘ANZAC’ is available at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600Telephone enquiries should be directed to:Commemorations Branch Department of Veteran’s Affairs Telephone: (02) 6289 6067 |
Australian flag and coats of arms (restricted import)
Description: | Items or merchandise (such as souvenirs) that contain or to which is applied a representation of the Arms, a flag or a seal of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory of the Commonwealth. This includes a representation so nearly resembling the Arms, a flag or a seal of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory of the Commonwealth as to be likely to be taken as a true ‘national symbol’.Additionally a similar control applies to the Royal Coat of Arms, that is the coat of arms of the British Sovereign. This does not include any coat of arms of any member of the Sovereign’s family or any other royal person. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Persons seeking to import goods bearing a representation of the Arms, etc, must first obtain approval for the design and layout from the Awards and Culture Branch, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If approved, permission can then be sought from the Minister for Home Affairs to import the goods.More information about the use of the Arms is available at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’swebsite. Fact sheet – importing goods bearing an image of the Australian flag |
Address: | Requests to approve the design and layout of imported goods should be addressed to:Commonwealth Flag Officer Awards and Culture Branch Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 3-5 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 Telephone: 02 6271 5601 E-mail: nationalsymbols@pmc.gov.auIf the design and layout is approved then requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Asbestos (restricted import)
Description: | Asbestos, or goods containing asbestos, is prohibited unless:
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Permits/ Exemptions issued by: | An exemption/permit can be issued in certain circumstancesby the following authorities:
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More information: | For further information on the conditions for the issuing of exemptions/permissions, please contact the relevant OH&S authority in your State/Territory:
More information about the domestic controls underpinning this regulation is available at the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission website. |
Asbestos advisory: | Imported Decorative Stone Products |
Cat and dog fur products (restricted import)
Description: | The goods covered by this control include raw, tanned or processed furs or pelts, including goods that may contain such fur, that are derived from the cat and dog species listed below. These species are more commonly referred to as domestic cat and dog breeds.
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Permits Issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
Enquiries: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests for permission to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Ceramic ware – glazed (restricted import)
Description: | Glazed ceramic ware with heavy metals such as lead or cadmium that exceeds acceptable release levels used for, or in connection with, the storage or consumption of food. It includes all types of glazed pottery/ceramics used for tableware and cooking, but does not include decorative items manufactured solely for display on walls or stands. |
No permit needed: | You do not need a permit to import these goods.However you do need to obtain a testing certificate from the Australian Government Analytical Laboratory or a testing agency approved by the National Association of Testing Authorities Australia to certify that the goods comply with the regulation. |
Enquiries: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises)
Description: | Importing/Exporting a cetacean, a part of a cetacean or a product derived from a cetacean. |
Permits issued by: | Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
More information: | Available at Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities website |
Address: | Requests to import/export cetaceans should be addressed to:Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Wildlife Conservation Branch GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6274 1111 Facsimile: 02 6274 1666 Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au |
Chemical weapons (restricted import)
Description: | Chemicals controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention. |
Permits issued by: | The Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office |
More information: | More information about the Chemical Weapons Convention is available at the Chemical Weapons Convention Office website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to: Head Chemical Weapons Convention Office Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade RG Casey Building John McEwen Crescent BARTON ACT 0221 Telephone: 02 6266 1920Telephone: +61 02 6261 1914 +61 02 6261 1920 Facsimile: +61 02 6261 1908 email: asno@dfat.gov.au |
Description: | Chewing tobacco and oral snuff if imported in quantities greater than 1.5 kg. |
Permits issued by: | Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to: Director Product Safety Hazard Response Branch Australian Competition & Consumer Commission PO Box 3131 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: (02) 6243 1232 Facsimile: (02) 6243 1073 |
Chewing tobacco and oral snuff (restricted import)
Cigarette lighters (restricted import)
Description: | Refillable lighters with a customs value of AUD$5 or less, disposable lighters and novelty lighters that have been designed to light cigarettes, cigars and pipes.Exemption:You do not need a permit to import up to five lighters where you are a passenger 18 years or older on a ship or aircraft. |
Permits issued by: | Parliamentary Secretary to the TreasurerImporters need to produce to Customs either:
Exemption: You do not need a permit to import up to five lighters where you are a passenger 18 years or older on a ship or aircraft. |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to: Director Product Safety Hazard Response Branch Australian Competition & Consumer Commission PO Box 3131 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: (02) 6243 1232 Facsimile: (02) 6243 1073 |
Cosmetics – toxic materials (restricted import)
Description: | Cosmetic products containing more than 250mg/kg of lead except for products containing more than 250mg/kg of lead acetate designed for use in hair treatments. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Credit cards – counterfeit (restricted import)
Description: | Non-genuine credit, debit or charge cards that are made to imitate and pass for genuine cards. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: mailto:community.protection@customs.gov.au. |
Crowd control equipment (restricted import)
Description: | Anti-personnel sprays, body armour, extendable batons, electric shock devices, acoustic shock devices. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs, or an authorised person, prior to the arrival of the goods in Australia. |
More information: | Customs information centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auImport and export controls on anti-personnel sprays, chemicals, grenades and canisters – fact sheet (691 kb)Import and export controls on law enforcement and military goods – fact sheet (699 kb)Form B710 – Application for permission to import schedule 2 and schedule 3 weaponsForm B711 – End User/Owner Verification for Schedule 2 and 3 Weapons |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch C/- Firearms and Weapons Section Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
Cultural heritage goods – general
Description: | Objects created or collected on religious or secular grounds because of their importance with regard to archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art or science. |
Export permission may be required:: | You do not need the permission of the Australian Government to import cultural heritage goods into Australia. HOWEVER it may be illegal to export the goods from the country of origin without permission from the overseas government. If you export goods from the country of origin illegally then they could be seized on import and returned to the country of origin. As an importer you must ensure that all requirements to export the goods from in the country of origin have been met. .IMPORTANT NOTE: It is illegal to export dinosaur eggs or other fossils from the People’s Republic of China without a permit from the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources. Such goods when imported into Australia without a permit will be seized by Customs and the importer may be prosecuted. |
More information: | More information about importing cultural heritage is available at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet webiste or from the:Cultural Property Section Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet PO Box 6500 CANBERRA ACT 2600 Telephone: 02 6274 1810 Facsimile: 02 6274 2731 |
Cultural heritage goods from Papua New Guinea (restricted import)
Description: | Goods that are the national cultural property of Papua New Guinea such as objects connected with traditional cultural life or mineral specimens or fossil/animal remains of historic interest. |
Permits issued by: | The permission of the Trustees of the Papua New Guinea Public Museum and Art Gallery is needed to export or remove the goods from Papua New Guinea. |
More information: | Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 Telephone: 02 6275 6114 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Diamonds – from Cote d’Ivoire(prohibited import)
Description: | Rough diamonds from Cote d’Ivoire whether or not the diamonds originate from Cote d’Ivoire.Imports are not allowed under any circumstances. |
More information: | More information about United Nations Security Council Resolutions is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. |
Diamonds – Kimberley Process (restricted import)
Description: | Rough diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds or blood diamonds, under the terms of the Kimberley Process agreement. Rough diamonds can only be imported in a tamper proof container from a country participating in the process and must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate verifying the goods. |
Certificates issued by: | The relevant authority in the country exporting the goods to Australia. |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au More information about the Kimberley Process for trade in rough diamonds and a list of contacts in exporting countries is available at the Kimberley Process website. |
Dog collars – protrusion (restricted import)
Description: | Dog collars designed to puncture or bruise an animal’s skin. |
Administered by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Inquiries should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Dogs – dangerous breeds (prohibited import)
Description: | Dog collars designed to puncture or bruise an animal’s skin. |
Administered by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Inquiries should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Drugs and narcotics (restricted import)
Description: | Drugs being chemicals and compounds as listed in Schedule 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations. This includes
Exemption Passengers arriving on board a ship or aircraft do not need a permit if:
If the prescription is not in English, then a version translated into English must also be presented. The exemption only applies to drugs carried in the passenger’s accompanied baggage. Passengers aged 18 years or more do not need a permit to import kava if:
These exemptions apply only to passengers. Any amount of controlled drugs imported by other means such as post or air cargo require a permit. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | Healthwebsite.Fact Sheet – Importing Barbiturates Pentobarbital /Nembutal |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: +61 2 6289 2686 Fax: +61 2 6289 2500 E-mail: tmu@health.gov.au |
Embargoed Goods (UN Sanctions)
The descriptions listed below are not exhaustive so consider contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) if you have any concerns
about goods that may be subject to United Nations Security Council sanctions.
| Eritrea (ER) | |
Description: | Restricted – permission to import requiredArms or related matériel including: weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts for such goods where they are imported from Eritrea. |
| Iran (IR) | |
Description: | Restricted – permission to import requiredSanctioned goods include: Arms or related matériel including: weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts for such goods where they are imported from Iran. |
| Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) (KP) | |
Description: | Restricted – permission to import requiredArms or related matériel including: weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts for such goods where they are imported from North Korea. |
| Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (Libya) (LY) | |
Description: | Restricted – permission to import requiredArms or related matériel including: weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts for such goods where they are imported from Libya. |
More | More information regarding UN sanctioned countries is also available at: http://www.dfat.gov.au/un/unsc_sanctions/index.htmlEnquiries can be made on telephone 02 6261 1111 or by e-mail to: STC@dfat.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import restricted goods should be addressed to:Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Sanctions and Trans-national Crime sectionGPO Box 401 CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
Embryo clones – viable materials (prohibited import)
Description: | Living tissues and cells (viable material) derived from human embryo clones.The prohibition also covers advertising matter relating to viable material.Imports are not allowed under any circumstances. |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Endangered animal and plant species – CITES (restricted import)
Description: | Animal and plant species and all products manufactured from species listed in the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). |
Permits issued by: | The movement of species subject to CITES requires an export permit from the country of origin and an import permit from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
More information: | More information about CITES and the species covered by the Convention is available at the Department of Sustability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:International Wildlife Trade Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6274 1900 Facsimile: 02 6274 1921 Email: wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au |
Erasers – novelty (restricted import)
Description: | Erasers resembling food in scent or appearance. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFact Sheet – Restriction on importing certain novelty erasers into Australia |
Permit enquiries: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Explosives, plastic (restricted import)
Description:
| Plastic explosives.A plastic explosive is taken to mean an explosive product (including an explosive product in flexible or elastic sheet form) that is:
The term ‘plastic explosive’ would have the same meaning as in new Subdivision B of Division 72 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. |
Permits issued by:
| The Attorney-General or an authorised person. |
More information:
| From 25 August 2007 it will be an offence to import unmarked plastic explosives, unless a person or corporation has a valid written authorisation from the Attorney-General.To import unmarked plastic explosives you will need to complete the following documents:
It is recommended you complete and submit them at least 6 weeks before the goods’ expected arrival in Australia. Further information can be accessed via the internet link for plastic explosives, or by contacting: Security Law Branch, Attorney-General’s Department on telephone +61 2 6250 6666 or by e-mail to http://www.ag.gov.au/. and Customs Information and Support Centre Existing State and Territory legislation on explosives Each State or Territory has its own legislation governing the regulation of explosives including plastic explosives. You must comply with each State or Territory law and obtain a Licence or Permit to use explosives in that State or Territory. You will need to obtain a State or Territory Licence or Permit before you are granted approval to import plastic explosives. For further information on State and Territory explosive Licence or Permit requirements please refer to the following links: NSW – http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/ |
Address:
| Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Security Law Branch Attorney-General’s Department Robert Garran Offices National Circuit BARTON ACT 2603Applications may be sent by fax to: +61 2 6250 5985 Telephone enquiries to: +61 2 6250 6666Further information may be obtained at http://www.ag.gov.au/ |
Firearms and ammunition (restricted import)
Description: | Firearms, firearm accessories, firearm parts, firearm magazines, ammunition, components of ammunition and replicas are controlled on importation. |
More information: | Customs information centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auImporting ammunition and firearm magazines(862 kb)Importing Category A and B firearms(864 kb)Importing Category C firearms(865 kb)Importing firearm replicas(742 kb)Importing handguns(882 kb)Importing self-loading, pump action and automatic firearms (698 kb)Importing military-style firearms (884 kb) June 2008Importing paintball markers (748 kb) Importing soft air (BB) firearms (789 kb) Importing firearm parts and accessories (860 kb) |
Contacts: | Contact details of the police firearms and weapons registries and the Attorney-General’s Department can be found on the following fact sheet.Firearms and weapons information contacts (763 kb) |
Fish and toothfish (restricted import)
Description: | Fish: all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms that have been caught outside of the Australian fishing zone. Applies to all fish products, whether fresh, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or frozen.Toothfish: Antarctic Toothfish and Patagonian Toothfish found in sub-Antarctic waters, including waters around Australia’s external territory of Heard and McDonald Islands. Applies to all fish and fish parts of this species whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or in any other form. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation |
More information: | More information about restrictions on the import of fish and toothfish is available at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Australian Fisheries Management Authority PO Box 7051 Canberra Business Centre CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6272 5698 Facsimile: 02 6272 5784 |
Fly swatters/mosquito bats- electronic (restricted import)
Description: | Hand-held electric insect zappers that have no protection against accidental contact with the electrified grid. |
Administered by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auSee also: Australian Customs Notice 2008/56 |
Address: | Inquiries should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Growth hormones and substances of human or animal origin (restricted import)
Description: | Drugs including the following substances:
Exemption (see also note for sports competitors) Passengers do not need a permit if the substance:
Important note for sports competitors The exemption does not apply if the substance is for the treatment of:
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Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | More information about substances controlled under Customs legislation and licensing and permit requirements is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Therapeutic Goods Administration GPO Box 100 WODEN ACT 2606 Telephone: 1800 020 653 E-mail: info@tga.gov.au |
Hazardous waste (restricted import)
Description: | Waste that is explosive, flammable, poisonous, toxic, exotoxic or infectious substances, clinical wastes, waste oils, waste residue from manufacture or household waste as defined by the Basel Convention. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
More information: | An Australian Guide to Exporting and Importing Hazardous Wastes: Applying for a Permit is available at the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Hazardous Waste Section Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6274 1411 Facsimile: 02 6274 1164 Email: hwa@environment.gov.au |
Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) (restricted import)
Description: | Non-refillable containers containing hydrofluorocarbons designed for use in maintaining refrigeration and air conditioning units. |
Permits issued by: | The Minister of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
More information: | More information about the import of HFCs in non-refillable containers is available at the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Ozone and Synthetic Gas Team Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6274 1603 Facsimile: 02 6274 1610 E-mail: ozone@environment.gov.au |
Incandescent lamps (restricted import)
Description: | Incandescent lamps for general lighting services that have the following attributes as specified in the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4934.2(Int):2008 (‘Incandescent lamps for general lighting services Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) requirements’):(a) a shape described as any of:(i) A50 to A65; or (ii) PS50 to PS65; or (iii) M50 to M65; or (iv) T50 to T65; or (v) E50 to E65;(b) a cap described as E14, E26, E27, B15 or B22d; (c) a nominal voltage of greater than or equal to 220 V; (d) a nominal wattage of <150 W; but not including primary coloured lamps |
Permits issued by: | The Minister for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency or an authorised officer |
More information: | More information about this control can be found on the Australian Customs Notice No. 2009/04 |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to: Lighting and Equipment Energy Efficiency Team Energy Efficiency Branch Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency GPO Box 854 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone 1800 057 590Email: energyrating@climatechange.gov.au Web: energyrating.gov.au |
Kava (restricted import)
Description: | A plant that is traditionally used for therapeutic and recreational purposes by certain cultures.Importers must obtain the following from the Therapeutic Goods Administration before importing kava:
The original copy of the import permit for each consignment must be presented to Customs and Border Protection when the goods arrive in Australia. Exemption: A passenger, on a ship or aircraft, aged 18 years or more, may import up to two (2) kilograms of kava in either root or dried powder form in their accompanied baggage without a permit. This exemption does not apply to kava being imported via post, courier services or unaccompanied baggage. In these cases an import permit is required to be presented to Customs. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | Further information on licences and permits including copies of the Kava Importation Kit can be obtained from The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health website. |
Address: | Requests to import kava should be addressed to:The Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: +61 2 6289 2686 Fax: +61 2 6289 2500 E-mail: tmu@health.gov.au |
Knives and daggers (restricted import)
Description: | Daggers, flick knives, butterfly knives, trench knives, ballistic knives, concealed knives/blades, throwing knives/blades/axes, star knives, push knives, sheath knives, non-metallic knives. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs, or an authorised person, prior to the arrival of the goods in Australia. |
More information: | Customs information centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFirearms and weapons information contacts – fact sheetImport controls on bladed weapons, martial arts and sporting goods – fact sheetForm B710 – Application for permission to import schedule 2 and schedule 3 weapons |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch C/- Firearms and Weapons Section Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
Laser pointers (restricted import)
Description: | Hand-held devices commonly known as laser pointers with an accessible emission level of greater than 1mW. |
Permits issued by: | The Minister for Home Affairs, or an authorised person, prior to the arrival of the goods in Australia. |
More information: | Customs information centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auImport controls on laser pointersForm B710 – Application for permission to import schedule 2 and schedule 3 weapons |
Contacts: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch C/- Firearms and Weapons Section Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 |
Money boxes, novelty – toxic materials (restricted import)
Description: | Novelty money boxes, designed or marketed for children, coated with material containing more than 90mg/kg of lead. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFact Sheet – Restrictions on importing money boxes into Australia |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Ozone depleting substances (restricted import)
Description: | Chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); halons carbon tetrachloride; methyl chloroform; hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), bromochloromethane (BCMs), hydrbromfluorocarbons (HBFCs) and methyl bromide.Precharged equipment, being air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that contains HFCs and HCFCs, including such equipment fitted to motor vehicles. |
Permits issued by: | Licences to import are issued by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. |
More information: | More information about Australia’s ozone protection requirements is available at the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Popluation and Communities website. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Ozone and Synthetic Gas Team Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6274 1373 Facsimile: 02 6274 1610 E-mail: ozone@environment.gov.au |
Pencils and paintbrushes – toxic materials (restricted import)
Description: | Pencils and paintbrushes with a coating that contains excess amounts of toxic compounds such as lead, arsenic and barium. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFact Sheet – Restrictions on importing pencils or paint brushes into Australia |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Pesticides and other hazardous chemicals (restricted import)
Description: | Chemicals restricted under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and/or domestic regulations. |
Permits issued by: | The Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry |
More information: | More information about the controlled chemicals permit requirements is available from the Australian government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.Information about Consent to import unapproved active constituents or unregistered agricultural or veterinary chemical products can be found at the Australian Pesticides & Medicines Authority website at http://www.apvma.gov.au. |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Technical and International Policy Section Food and Product Safety and Integrity Branch Agriculture and Veterinary Chemicals Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6272 3933 |
Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Terphenyls and Polyphenyls (restricted import)
Description: | Polychlorinated and Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polychlorinated Terphenyls (PCTs). PCBs have been used in electrical appliances (such as transformers and capacitors), as coolants (often in light fittings), hydraulic fluids, plasticisers and dye carriers. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support CentreTelephone: 1300 363 263E-mail: information@customs.gov.auNote: For information relating to controls on industrial chemicals in general, visit the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme website or email info@nicnas.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import PCBs and PCTs should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Pornography and other objectionable material (restricted import)
Description: | Includes publications, films and any other goods that describe, depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime cruelty, violence, terrorist acts or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults.Includes computer games which are unsuitable for a person under 18 to see or play. |
Permits issued by: | Director Classification Board |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auAustralian Customs Notice – ACN 2009/55 |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to the Classification Boardat the following address:The Director Classification Board Locked Bag 3 HAYMARKET NSW 1240Telephone: 02 9289 7100 Facsimile: 02 9289 7101 Email: enquiries@classification.gov.auPlease note that the Classification Board is unable to answer questions about permission to import by telephone. Importers are required to submit their request in writing either by mail or email.Importers are required to submit their request in writing either by mail or email. In order to apply for permission to import objectionable material goods, including computer games, the importer will need to make a case according to the regulations. Import permits may not be granted simply on the grounds the goods are for personal use. |
Radioactive substances (restricted import)
Description: | Radioactive substances including any radioactive material or substance including radium, any radioactive isotope or any article containing radioactive material or substance. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | More information about substances controlled under Customs legislation and licensing and permit requirements is available at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency website. |
Permit enquiries: | Inquiries about import permissions should be addressed to:Imports Permits Officer PO Box 655 MIRANDA NSW 1490 Telephone: 02 9541 8333 Facsimile: 02 9541 8314 E-mail: info@arpansa.gov.au |
Suicide devices (prohibited import)
Description: | Devices designed or customised to be used by a person to commit suicide, or to be used by a person to assist another person to commit suicide.Imports are not allowed under any circumstances. |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Tablet Presses (restricted import)
| Description | Tablet presses are defined as manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic equipment that can be used for the compaction or moulding of powdered or granular solids, or semi-solid material, to produce coherent solid tablets. The control does not include encapsulators or tablet press parts such as punches or dies. |
| Permits issued by: | Customs and Border Protection |
| More Information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auAustralian Customs Notice – 2010/07Australian Customs Notice – 2010/30Fact Sheet |
| Address: | Requests to import these goods should be forwarded to the following address:Community Protection Australian Customs and Border Protection Service 5 Constitution Ave Canberra ACT 2601Phone: (02) 6275 5963 Fax: (02) 6229 3840Email: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Therapeutic drugs and substances (restricted import)
Description: | Drugs and substances including abortifacients, aphrodisiacs and others controlled for health reasons. This also includes laetrile and thalidomide. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Health and Ageing |
More information: | More information about substances controlled under Customs legislation and licensing and permit requirements is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administrationwebsite(follow the link to Personal Import/Export).Fact Sheet – Importing Abortion Inducing Substances |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Therapeutic Goods Administration GPO Box 100 WODEN ACT 2606 Telephone: 1800 020 653 E-mail: info@tga.gov.au |
Tobacco – unmanufactured leaf (restricted import)
Description: | Unmanufactured tobacco that is not stemmed or stripped. This includes tobacco in the form of whole tobacco plants or leaves in the natural state or as cured or fermented leaves. |
Permits issued by: | The Commissioner of Taxation |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Tobacco industry Group Australian Taxation Office GPO Box A288 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235 Telephone: 1300 137 295 Facsimile: 02 9374 8585 E-mail: ATO-EXC-Tobacco@ato.gov.au |
Toys – toxic material (restricted import)
Description: | Children’s toys or playthings with a coating that contains excess amounts of toxic compounds such as lead, arsenic and barium. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFact Sheet – Restrictions on importing toys into Australia |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600 E-mail: community.protection@customs.gov.au |
Trade Practices Act goods (restricted import)
Description: | Goods subject to a permanent ban under the Trade Practices Act 1974 including: glucomannan, certain seat accessories and sun visors, certain toys, oral snuff and chewing tobacco (if imported in quantities greater than 1.5 kg), certain water ski releases, gas masks containing asbestos, and candles/candlewicks containing leads. |
Permits issued by: | Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer |
More information: | Customs Information and Support Centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to: Director Product Safety Hazard Response Branch Australian Competition & Consumer Commission PO Box 3131 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: (02) 6243 1232 Facsimile: (02) 6243 1073 |
Weapons (restricted import)
Description: | Military goods and other weapons including: blow pipes, crossbows, martial arts equipment, knuckle dusters, slingshots, maces, flails. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Home Affairs, or an authorised person, prior to the arrival of the goods in Australia. |
More information: | Customs information centre Telephone: 1300 363 263 E-mail: information@customs.gov.auFirearms and weapons information contacts – fact sheetImport controls on bladed weapons, martial arts and sporting goods – fact sheet(684 kb)Import and export controls on law enforcement and military goods – fact sheetImport and export controls on laser pointers – fact sheet Import and export controls on anti-personnel goodsForm B710 – Application for permission to import schedule 2 and schedule 3 weaponsForm B711 – End User/Owner Verification for Schedule 2 and 3 Weapons |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:National Manager Trade Policy and Regulation Branch C/- Firearms and Weapons Section Australian Customs Service 5 Constitution Avenue CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
Woolpacks (restricted import)
Description: | Woolpacks used for the storage and transporting of greasy wool or scoured wool. Woolpack caps (the cover) used to seal older style woolpacks. |
Permits issued by: | Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry |
More information: | Meat, Wool and Dairy Branch Agricultural Industries Division Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6272 5680 Fax: 02 6272 4246 Email: woolanddairy@daff.gov.au |
Address: | Requests to import these goods should be addressed to:Meat, Wool and Dairy Branch Agricultural Industries Division Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6272 5680 |