When going through customs as you arrive or leave Australia, you must have your passport and your incoming or outgoing passenger card ready to be processed. You will need to make sure that you fill in your passenger card accurately and honestly. You must also understand that custom officers has the right to x-ray your baggage and they also have the right to ask you questions at any time. There may also be trained dogs around for the detection of illegal imports or drugs.

If you fail to declare items and if you make false declarations, serious penalties may apply and you may be fined and/ or jailed. This section will help you gain understanding about what you can and can't bring with you as you enter or leave Australia.

• Drugs – it is illegal to carry drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, cannabis and amphetamines.
• Counterfeit items
• Offensive pornography

• Weapons, ammunition and any other types of firearms – all forms of firearms real or replicas must be declared. Air guns, BB guns and other 'toy' guns that discharge pellets by compressed gas should all be declared.
• Image enhancing and performance drugs – these drugs include DHEA, steroids and other human growth hormones. You must possess a permit if you wish to bring these drugs into the country.
• Cash – if you are carrying money that amounts to A $10,000 or greater, you must declare this. All amounts of cash in all currencies equivalent to this amount in the Australian currency should be declared.
• Biological goods, animals, plants and foods – all animals, plants  and related foods and goods as well as equipments that contain any biological materials, sands and soils should be declared.
• Medicines – all prescription medicines, vitamins and other alternative traditional and herbal medicines etc. should all be declared. For certain products you may need to present permits, letters from your doctor and/ or a quarantine clearance.
• Protected wildlife – all living as well as products made from these animals or plants must be declared. For example, coral, ivory products, caviar and orchids.
• Goods that are Heritage listed – you are required to obtain a permit in order to export or import these goods. Examples of such goods may include art works, archaeological objects, specimens, minerals, coins and stamps.
• Products for Veterinary purposes – all drugs and medicines for veterinary purposes must be declared.
• Strategic and defence goods – permits must be obtained in order to export or import these goods. To gain more information about this category of goods, go to: www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/FS_ExportControls.pdf