Australian Biosecurity

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Australian Biosecurity Information for people travelling or sending goods to Australia.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has portfolio responsibility for managing Australia's biosecurity system. Keeping Australia free from many of the pests and diseases present in other parts of the world is a shared responsibility. Knowing what you, your friends and family can bring into the country either through the airport or through the mail will help keep our environment, agricultural industries and economy safe. Questions posed to this page will be referred to the department's website and feedback form.

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Media inquiries should be directed to 02 6272 3232 or [email protected]
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For queries about what can and can't be sent or brought to Australia, visit http://agriculture.gov.au/travelling.

Biosecurity officers recently detected medicinal patches containing bear bile in the baggage of an international travell...
20/10/2026

Biosecurity officers recently detected medicinal patches containing bear bile in the baggage of an international traveller.

Bear bile products are highly regulated and, in most cases, illegal to import into Australia. Most bear species used in bile products are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which strictly prohibits international commercial trade in these animals and their derivatives.

Beyond the legal issues, bear bile products raise a serious biosecurity concern. The bile is often extracted from live bears using inhumane and unsanitary methods, increasing the risk of contamination with harmful diseases.

Unregulated animal-derived medicines can pose risks and may introduce exotic disease or biological contaminants that threaten our country.

Products like these can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment.

Checking and declaring before travel is essential. Learn more ⬇️

Operation Wager began when department investigators uncovered undeclared bullfrog, spicy frogs and black chicken meat. 🚨...
14/10/2026

Operation Wager began when department investigators uncovered undeclared bullfrog, spicy frogs and black chicken meat. 🚨

After further investigation, Thi Thuy Hai La was charged with attempting to import 152 kilos of undeclared meat into Australia.

On 26 June 2026, Ms La appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court and was found guilty.

Ms La was sentenced to a total of 13 months imprisonment for breaches of s186(5) and s186(2) of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

The defendant was released on a two-year good behaviour bond.

The department's interception prevented high-risk biosecurity products from entering Australia.

Illegal imports can introduce serious biosecurity risks and threaten Australia's agriculture, environment and food systems.

Breaching Australia's strict biosecurity laws could result in up to 10 years imprisonment or a conviction that could shut down your business.

Know someone not doing the right thing? Report it to REDLINE on 1800 803 006. 📞

A traveller returning from Sri Lanka declared some unusual fridge magnets made from elephant dung. 💩🧲While they might ma...
13/10/2026

A traveller returning from Sri Lanka declared some unusual fridge magnets made from elephant dung. 💩🧲

While they might make a memorable conversation starter, animal waste products can carry pests, parasites and diseases that pose a real risk to Australia’s agriculture, environment and native wildlife.

Specifically, animal waste can have bacteria, insect larvae or w**d seeds that could affect our livestock health or introduce invasive plants into our environment.

The magnets were not permitted and were voluntarily disposed of by the traveller before they left the airport.

It’s a reminder that just because something is sold as a souvenir, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to bring home.

Check what you can bring into Australia ⬇️

Travellers arriving from Bali declared what they thought were resin skull decorations. The overseas seller had assured t...
05/10/2026

Travellers arriving from Bali declared what they thought were resin skull decorations. The overseas seller had assured them the items were safe and commonly imported into Australia.

On inspection at Brisbane Airport, biosecurity officers discovered the items were not resin at all. Scanning confirmed the skulls were organic material, which poses a significant biosecurity risk.

Further inspection revealed another concern – the skulls contained live spiders! Animal material and live invertebrates can carry pests and diseases that threaten Australia’s environment, agriculture and native wildlife. The items were surrendered and managed appropriately.

Every day, biosecurity officers on the frontline work to protect Australia.

Don't rely on the seller’s advice. Always declare and check import conditions before you pack. Check what you can bring ⬇️

A traveller returning from overseas declared they had ‘honey’ and ‘toothbrushes’ in their baggage 🍯On inspection, biosec...
30/09/2026

A traveller returning from overseas declared they had ‘honey’ and ‘toothbrushes’ in their baggage 🍯

On inspection, biosecurity officers found the labelled honey was contained in a soft drink bottle and included honeycomb, bark and large quantities of whole bees and bee parts! These materials can carry serious pests and diseases that threaten Australia’s honeybee populations and pollination system.

The declared ‘toothbrushes’ were in fact 10-inch plant cuttings that were green and viable, presenting a risk to introducing plant pests, diseases and invasive species 🎋

Neither item met Australian import conditions and both were voluntarily disposed of by the traveller before they left the airport.

Items such as untreated honey and live plant material pose a high risk to Australia’s agriculture and environment. Bee pests and diseases can spread rapidly, impact food production, and cause long-term economic damage.

Declaring items is essential – but it’s important to understand what can and can’t bee brought into Australia 🐝

Learn more ⬇️

30/09/2026

We all have a role to play in being prepared for H5 bird flu.

Knowing what you can do helps.

H5 bird flu: know what to do.

28/09/2026

Australia is free from rabies, and strong biosecurity helps keep it that way.

This World Rabies Day, we’re recognising the role of border biosecurity, community awareness and early reporting in protecting Australia from rabies and other emergency animal diseases.

If you notice unusual animal behaviour, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

👀 Help protect Australia by keeping a Top Watch!

Learn more👇

Two biosecurity officers recently examined whale meat declared by a passenger arriving from Norway. After assessing the...
22/09/2026

Two biosecurity officers recently examined whale meat declared by a passenger arriving from Norway.

After assessing the item, officers determined it was unretorted meat – meaning it had not been properly sterilised through a commercial cooking process.

As a result, the product was not permitted into Australia. 🚫

It is important to note that most whale species are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and should be referred to the Australian Border Force.

Learn more about what you can and can’t bring into Australia. ⬇️

18/09/2026

Do you keep chickens, ducks or other pet birds?

Hear from Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, as she explains how to help protect your birds from H5 bird flu.

Separate your birds from other wild birds, protect their feed and water, keep equipment clean and keep an eye out for sudden deaths or signs of illness.

If anything looks unusual, contact your vet and report it immediately.

🥮🌕 The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up! 🌕🥮 If you’re celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with overseas visitors, or exp...
17/09/2026

🥮🌕 The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up! 🌕🥮

If you’re celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with overseas visitors, or expecting gifts through the mail, remind your family and friends overseas to check our strict biosecurity rules before bringing or sending goods to Australia.

Some traditional Mid-Autumn Festival items can carry pests and diseases that may harm Australia's environment and agriculture, including:
❌ mooncakes containing meat
❌ duck, pork, chicken or other meat products (fresh, dried, cooked or packaged)
❌ seafood, including crabs
❌ eggs
❌ snails
❌ fruit such as pomelo, star fruit and pomegranate
❌ vegetables such as lotus root, taro and pumpkin
❌ nuts and seeds.

✅ The safest option is to purchase gifts in Australia or check import requirements before bringing or sending them.

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