Australia Shipping Restrictions: A 2025 Ecommerce Compliance Guide

Australia is famously strict on biosecurity and customs compliance. That is not a stop sign; it is a checklist.

If you want to sell successfully into Australia, you need to understand what is prohibited, what is restricted, and how to stay compliant with the country’s unique import rules. This guide walks you through the essentials: prohibited and restricted items, import permits, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods, and the documentation that keeps customs clearance smooth.

Let’s make Australia feel less like a risk and more like an opportunity.

What Are Australia Shipping Restrictions in 2025?

The Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry run Australia’s import system. Border Force enforces customs law, while Agriculture enforces biosecurity rules that protect Australia’s unique ecosystem from harmful diseases like foot and mouth disease.

There is no general import licence. Some goods are prohibited, many are restricted under strict import conditions, and others can enter if you meet the documentation and packaging requirements.

How to Handle This in Your SKU Workflow

• Use the Agriculture Biosecurity Import Conditions system, called BICON, to check if a product is prohibited, restricted, or conditionally allowed.
• Flag risky SKUs and add a “biosecurity clean” checklist to ensure they are free of soil, seeds, or insect damage.

Summary: ABF and DAFF run a dual regime. Some goods are prohibited, many require permits via BICON. There is no general import licence; permissions are commodity specific with strict import conditions.

Which Prohibited and Restricted Items Can’t Be Shipped to Australia?

Border Force publishes a list of prohibited and restricted items. Some are strictly prohibited, such as certain weapons or counterfeit goods. Others are allowed only under strict conditions, such as items with animal tissue, plant material, or rawhide that must be fully tanned.

Here is a clear, non-exhaustive list of items that are commonly prohibited from being shipped to Australia. Always check the official government list for your exact product.

1. Weapons and weapon parts: Examples: firearms, Tasers, certain knives, and components designed to assemble a weapon.
2. Explosives and military goods: Examples: explosives, detonators, and items designed for military use without lawful permission.
3. Illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia: Any illegal narcotics and equipment intended for their use.
4. Counterfeit and pirated goods: Fake branded products and pirated media such as DVDs and software.
5. Objectionable or restricted publications and media: Material that is illegal under Australian law.
6. Cultural heritage and items of historical significance: Protected cultural property without the required permissions.
7. Signal jammers and unlawful radiocommunications devices: Equipment that interferes with communications or is not permitted under local regulations.
8. Live animals: Live vertebrates and many invertebrates outside approved specialist pathways.
9. Certain animal products and specimens: Examples: untreated rawhide, some furs or skins, ivory, animal horns, and other high-risk wildlife items.
10. Certain plant products and seeds: High-risk plant material, soil, and growing media that can carry pests or diseases.
11. Meat and high-risk food products: Many meat products and some foods that present biosecurity risks.
12. Hazardous or dangerous goods that are not permitted: Examples: specific chemicals, corrosives, and items that fail safety or transport rules.
13. Timber and wooden items showing pest risk: Items with bark, borer holes, live insects, or sawdust, and wood packaging that is not ISPM 15 compliant.

Important notes

• Some categories above can be imported only with written permission or an import permit under strict conditions. If permission is not granted, they are effectively prohibited.
• Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 compliant and correctly marked. Mixed materials that include solid timber still need to meet treatment rules.
• Always verify your exact SKU against the official prohibited goods list and biosecurity conditions before shipping.

When Is an Import Permit Required in Australia (BICON), and How Do You Apply?

You use BICON to check if a biosecurity import permit is needed. You must apply before dispatch, and permits must be granted before arrival or your shipment may be exported or destroyed.

A Practical Permit Workflow

• Register your account in BICON.
• Search your commodity and review all strict import conditions.
• Gather required documents, including treatments and certificates.
• Apply, pay, and track assessment progress.

Standard applications take about 20 business days. Complex cases can take around 40 business days.

Summary: BICON determines if you need a permit. Apply before dispatch, attach proofs, and plan 20 to 40 business days for assessment. Missing permits lead to export or destruction.

Can You Ship Food, Animal Products, or Plant Materials to Australia?

Yes, but expect high scrutiny. Many of these goods are restricted, especially anything containing animal tissue, meat products, seeds, or live plants.

Personal Use vs. Ecommerce Reality

• Personal use allowances do not apply to commercial shipments.
• High risk goods like meat products from certain regions can be banned.
• Cleanliness is crucial. Sporting equipment and sleeping bags must be free of soil or seeds, and wood packaging must meet ISPM 15 treatment rules.

Summary: Food, animal, and plant goods are permitted only under tight conditions. Many require permits, treatment, and inspection. Clean packaging and ISPM 15 compliance are essential to avoid holds.

Can You Ship Lithium Batteries and Other Dangerous Goods to Australia?

Shipping lithium batteries and other dangerous goods is possible, but only under strict rules. Air transport generally allows batteries installed in equipment. Damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited.

Other hazardous materials like flammable liquids, aerosols, and corrosives require precise packing and declarations. The rules come from IATA for air, IMDG for sea, and the Australian Dangerous Goods Code for roads.

Modal Tips

• Expect operator differences. Do not assume all carriers accept the same formats.
• Verify UN 38.3 test compliance and labeling before booking.
• Many networks refuse loose batteries internationally. Road freight is often the safer option.

Summary: Lithium batteries ship under dangerous goods codes, typically installed only by air. Other hazardous materials need exact declarations and packing. Expect operator variations; verify limits first.

What Customs Compliance Documents Do Ecommerce Shipments to Australia Need?

You will need a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document. Include specific descriptions, accurate HS codes, and real values. If you want to claim duty benefits, include certificates of origin.

Pro Tips

• Many small and midsize businesses use a customs broker to lodge import declarations, but you are still responsible for accuracy.
• Rights holders can ask the Border Force to detain suspected counterfeit goods. Keep your brand authorization records tidy.

What Happens If You Ship Restricted Items Without the Right Paperwork?

If goods arrive without required permits, Agriculture can order them exported or destroyed at your expense. For serious breaches involving prohibited items, Border Force can seize them, and you could face prosecution with fines or jail time.

How to Prevent This

• Confirm permit numbers and certificates before shipping.
• Make sure item descriptions match their true materials. Do not call rawhide items leather.
• Validate HS codes against your product specifications.

How Do You Package and Label Dangerous Goods to Meet Carrier Rules?

All dangerous goods must be packed to IATA, IMDG, and Australian Dangerous Goods Code standards. Use sturdy outer boxes, leak proof inner containers, absorbent material for liquids, and the correct markings such as the lithium battery label and UN 38.3 test evidence.

Make It Foolproof

• Many carriers accept only installed equipment batteries by air.
• Add a dangerous goods checklist in your warehouse system. Label, mark, declare, verify service eligibility, and block non compliant routes.

What Are Best Practices to Avoid Delays?

Most delays come from vague descriptions, wrong HS codes, or contaminated packaging.

Clearance Proof Checklist

• Use specific item names and materials on invoices.
• Align counts, weights, and values across your invoice, packing list, and manifest.
• Keep packaging clean and ISPM 15 compliant.
• If a SKU requires a permit, block the order from booking pickup until the permit is attached.

You can also check out a shipping software platform like Easyship to streamline your AU shipping process, automate HS code assignments, and reduce the risk of customs delays.

Are Cosmetics and Therapeutic Goods Restricted When Shipping to Australia?

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme regulates cosmetic products. The Therapeutic Goods Administration oversees therapeutic goods and controlled drugs.

If a product makes medical claims, it likely falls under Therapeutic Goods rules. Personal use allowances, such as a limited months supply, do not apply to commercial imports. Some electronic items such as signal jammers are prohibited entirely.

What to Do

• Check your packaging and product copy for therapeutic claims.
• Validate ingredient lists.
• Cross check any biosecurity conditions in BICON before shipping.

Can You Ship Dried Spices, Pet Treats, or Foods to Australia Without a Permit?

Dried chillies and spices often fall under khapra beetle restrictions and may be refused unless they meet exact BICON conditions.

Pet treats or other animal products, such as jerky, feathers, or rawhide, usually require permits and documented treatments. If you are shipping food for sale, note that as of June 14, 2025, food safety requirements are now shown inside BICON alongside biosecurity rules. You will need to meet both.

Who to Contact When Customs or Biosecurity Holds Your Parcel

If your shipment is held, you will need the importer of record’s full contact details, your commercial invoice, packing list, and any permits or certificates. Include product specifications or safety data sheets if relevant.

Always reply using the contact details and reference numbers in the official hold notice. If they order treatment, export, or destruction, respond quickly to avoid storage fees and update your carrier so tracking stays accurate.

Conclusion

Australia rewards preparation. If you respect the rules, you can avoid costly surprises and open a strong new market.

Screen your catalog in BICON, keep your paperwork sharp, pack clean, and build in time for permits. Do that and shipping to Australia becomes predictable, not perilous.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship helps eCommerce sellers stay profitable in a changing trade environment. With reciprocal tariffs, customs duties, and new rules for cross-border orders, our free shipping tools and smart dashboard are built to help you ship smarter and sell globally—without the stress.

FAQs

Can I ship dried chilli flakes or powder to Australia?

Often restricted under khapra beetle measures. Only ship products that meet the exact BICON conditions or are explicitly permitted.

Do pet treats need a permit?

Most animal origin treats require permits and specific treatments. Always check the exact BICON case.

How much prescription medicine can be mailed for personal use?

Up to a three month supply per shipment and up to 15 months total per year, with an Australian prescription. Controlled substances are excluded.

Can I ship lithium batteries installed in equipment by air?

Yes, if you follow the 2025 dangerous goods rules, packing instructions, and labeling. Expect carrier specific restrictions.

Will a not for human consumption label help avoid permits?

No. Import conditions are based on risk and end use, not marketing labels. Misdeclaration risks seizure and penalties.

What contact details should appear on documents to speed clearance?

Include importer name, address, phone, and email, plus detailed product descriptions, HS code, and any permit numbers or certificates.