Biosecurity
People, animals, goods, aircraft and vessels arriving in Australia are subject to biosecurity conditions set by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (http://agriculture.gov.au/).
Biosecurity conditions (previously referred to as quarantine), are designed to protect against the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could be harmful to our environment and agricultural industries.
Bringing or mailing items to Australia
Certain food, plant material and animal items from overseas could introduce serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment. You can bring or mail some items to Australia for personal use but they must be cleared before they will be allowed into Australia. It is essential that all food, plant or animal material is declared on:
- your incoming passenger card as you arrive in Australia; or
- a customs declaration form if you are mailing the item.
Information regarding permitted items can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website (http://agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods).
Exporting goods to Australia
Before you send goods to Australia it is important that you understand your responsibilities as an exporter and the import conditions that may apply to your goods. Complying with these requirements can reduce costly delays and help reduce Australia’s biosecurity risks.
Please use the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) administered by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to check import requirements specific to your goods (http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/online-services/bicon).
If you have used the BICON system and have further questions, please submit a Passenger and mail inquiry (http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/import-inquiry). Due to the many inquiries the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources receives, a response to your inquiry may take up to 10 days.
Bringing a cat, dog or other pet animal to Australia
You may be able to bring your pets to Australia if you meet certain conditions managed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, including a period of quarantine on arrival. It is important that preparations regarding meeting the import conditions are commenced well in advance of your travel date.
Step-by-step information and a useful system for establishing the specific requirements for your pet can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website (http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs).
Need more information?
Refer to the Customs and Travelling to Australia section on this Website. Consult the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website (http://www.agriculture.gov.au)