KNOW BEFORE YOU GO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

14 December 2009

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor is urging international travellers to check Australian import requirements before heading overseas for holidays or business this summer.

“If you are one of the six million Australians travelling overseas each year, make sure you know what you can’t bring back with you, before you take off,” Mr O’Connor said.

When you arrive back in Australia your baggage may be x-rayed or examined by Customs and Border Protection to detect prohibited, restricted or dutiable goods and you may be questioned by officers.

If you are caught carrying undeclared, prohibited or restricted goods, you could be fined or prosecuted.

“International travellers need to be aware that while some goods may be legal in overseas countries, they are often restricted or prohibited in Australia,” Mr O’Connor said.

Travellers should read the Know Before You Go brochure, available in 14 different languages, as a guide to what you can and can’t bring back to Australia.

Items commonly seized by Customs and Border Protection from travellers include high intensity laser pointers, BB guns, certain types of knives and weapons including stun guns. These items require a permit to be brought into Australia.

Certain counterfeit goods and offensive types of pornography are prohibited.

“If you are unsure about an item you are carrying you should declare it on your Incoming Passenger Card,” Mr O’Connor said.

Your Incoming Passenger Card is a legal document. There are penalties for not filling it in properly and for making a false declaration.

“Remember – if in doubt, declare it,” Mr O’Connor said.

You should also make sure you know duty-free concessions before you go shopping.  If you exceed the duty-free limits you will be charged duty and tax on all items of that type, not just the items which exceed the limits.

For more information read the Know Before You Go brochure at www.customs.gov.au or call 1300 363 263.

Goods are restricted and may be seized by Customs and Border Protection include:

Media Contact:
Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567
Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793