Herbal and traditional medicine products
Be careful when bringing herbal and traditional medicines with you to Australia. The Australian Border Force need to be able to identify what the substances are, so that they can determine if the products are subject to any import restrictions. Additionally they may contain ingredients from endangered plants which are subject to import controls and require a permit. This includes Hoodia and weight loss products derived from Hoodia. Find out more at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.
Biological materials
Any medicine or medical device that contains a biological - material derived from living cells and tissues – are subject to quarantine procedures and must be declared at the border. Learn more at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website
Sports teams and athletes
Sports teams and athletes must comply with special rules when visiting Australia to participate in a national or international sporting event.
Visiting sports teams and athletes should prepare for their visit to Australia well in advance. Organisers should follow these general rules:
- Prepare a list of medicines and medical devices participants are bringing with them. This list must be in English and include the medicines and their strengths.
- Maintain a record of the medicines and their use while the team is in Australia. This list must be produced if requested by an Australian Border Force officer.
- Check the list of substances which are subject to import controls - there are some additional restrictions only for athletes.
- Medicines brought by the team must not be given or sold to anyone who is not an official athlete or member of the sports team.
- Medicines and medical devices brought by the team must not be used by anyone who is not an official athlete or member of the sports team.
- Any unused medicines or devices must be destroyed when leaving or taken with you when you leave Australia.
- An official member of the visiting team must be responsible for any medicines and medical devices and how they are used.