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Customs Service
Overview
A key role of the Australian Customs Service is to facilitate trade and the movement of goods and persons across the Australian border while protecting the Australian community and maintaining appropriate compliance with Australian law. At the border Customs protects against the movement of illicit drugs and other prohibited imports and exports. Customs also collects duty payable by passengers and importers. It also provides services for other Australian Government Agencies such as the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). AQIS is part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry that is charged with protecting Australia from the introduction of exotic pests and diseases. The Australian Customs Service has maintained an office at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok since March 2000.
The Australian Government Guide to Visiting Australia is available at http://www.immi.gov.au
Arriving Passenger Concessions – Australia
From 1 February 2005 importations or inwards duty free purchases in accompanied baggage will be permitted free from duty and/or tax provided that the maximum limits stipulated below are not exceeded. If the maximum limit is exceeded in a category, duty and tax will be charged on the entire importation or purchase within that category.
Category 1 A$900 worth of goods (A$450 for people under 18 and crew members), whether:
- obtained overseas;
- purchased in Australia on a duty/tax free basis before departure;
- purchased from an inwards duty free shop; or
for which a refund of tax has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Examples of goods include gifts, souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting goods. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be included in this allowance.
Category Two
• 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages for each traveller 18 years or over.
Category Three
• 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products for each traveller 18 years or over.
Pooling of concessions is allowed for family members travelling together. As in currently the case, most personal items such as new clothing, footwear, and articles for personal hygiene/grooming (but not fur or perfume concentrates) may also be brought into Australia in accompanied baggage free from duty and/or tax.