A passenger who arrived from the Philippines at Sydney Airport caught the attention of biosecurity officers for bringing in restricted food items.
The seized item was found in the passenger’s luggage concealed within a bag of peanuts, unknown fruit, green mangoes and stuffed fish, sniffed out by Australian Biosecurity’s detector dog.
“Luckily for us, detector doggo Tyla was hot on the case and responded positively to the passenger’s bags,” Australian Biosecurity wrote on their Facebook page.
“Eggs pose a risk because they could be carrying diseases of concern—most notably avian influenza.”
According to Australian Biosecurity, avian influenza (AI) does not easily cause disease to humans but the disease could severely damage Australia’s poultry industry.
With the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF) in other countries, meat and meat products are subject to inspection or biosecurity checks.
Australian Biosecurity left a message (pun intended) to all travellers planning to bring restricted food items into Australia.
“Biosecurity is no yolking matter.”
What you can (and can’t) bring to Australia
Food items
When you arrive at the airport, it is important to declare food items on your Incoming Passenger Card.
Fresh fruit and homemade food are one of the common items that Australian Border Force officers have seized at the airport. Mangoes, bananas, cured meats (e.g. tocino, longganisa, tapa) or home-cooked meals that you made yourself are generally not allowed. Food from the plane or ship is also not allowed.
Food items like biscuits, bread, cakes (excluding cheesecakes), chocolates, coffee, maple syrup are allowed.
While some food items like dairy products (e.g. cheese, butter), noodles or pasta, nuts, spices or seafood may be allowed, there might be conditions.
You may also bring in other food items including breast milk, infant formula, juice, tea, soft drink, and vitamins but make sure you declare them.
If in doubt, always declare.
Duty-free items
Personal items such as new clothing, footwear or personal grooming products may be brought into Australia in your luggage, free from duties and taxes.
For goods that are purchased overseas or from a duty-free shop on arrival into Australia, limits apply.
If you have alcohol and tobacco in your accompanied baggage, you are only allowed to bring in 2.225 litres of alcohol and up to 25 cigarettes or 25g tobacco.
Failure to declare these goods will incur penalties.
Medicines
Medicines for personal use are generally allowed, but make sure you declare them. Most prescription medicines are generally covered by a traveller exemption scheme, provided that:
- you are arriving in Australia as a passenger onboard a ship or aircraft
- the medicine is carried in your accompanied baggage
- you carry a letter or copy of your prescription (written in English) from your doctor to certify that the medicine has been prescribed to you to treat a medical condition
- the quantity of medicine does not exceed three months supply.
Anabolic and androgenic substances, also known as steroids, are prohibited. A permit is required from the Office of Drug Control.
Plants, flowers, and seeds
Live plants cannot be imported to Australia. A valid import permit is required from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Some seeds may be allowed, but certain requirements need to be met.
