Customs and Border Protection media release

Save time and money this Christmas – know Australian import requirements - Thursday, 19 November 2009

With Christmas just around the corner Customs and Border Protection is urging people to
check import requirements before buying goods from overseas.

“Don’t waste your time and money this Christmas; when shopping online from overseas
sites make sure you know Australian import requirements,” National Manager Sea Cargo
and International Mail Graham Krisohos said.

“Not checking import requirements could mean that your gift doesn’t make it under the
tree this Christmas,” Mr Krisohos said.

Mr Krisohos said that while some items are legal in other countries, such as stun guns,
certain types of knives and high intensity laser pointers, they are prohibited in Australia or
require permits to be imported.

“Customs and Border Protection screens incoming international mail and our highly
skilled officers are trained to detect prohibited and restricted items.

“If your package contains a prohibited or restricted item, and if you do not have
appropriate permission to import the item, it will be seized and destroyed,” Mr Krisohos
said.

Websites may claim that certain items can be brought into Australia; however this
information is not always correct, so it is important to check with Customs and Border
Protection before you buy.

All goods (except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) may be imported duty
and tax free if their value is $1,000 or less.

To find out more information about import requirements contact the Customs and Border
Protection Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 or at
information@customs.gov.au.