No plan for $5 parcel tax: Dutton

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says the federal government is not going to impose a $5 tax on imported parcels even though there is a screening cost.

The government won't be introducing a $5 charge this budget for packages bought online. (AAP)

The federal government isn't planning to introduce a $5 tax on parcels containing imported goods worth under $1000, says Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

Even though it costs $90 to screen each parcel to stop drugs and gun parts being imported into the country, Mr Dutton said "the government is not going to introduce this fee".

"There is speculation around at the moment. We have said we're not going to do that in this budget," Mr Dutton told the Nine Network on Sunday.