Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutHow to bring cosmetics to Australia?Now I will summarize the related issues, hoping to help those who want to know more.
With the full opening of Australia's borders, more and more international students, immigrants and tourists are paying attention to the details of carrying cosmetics. According to the latest data from the Australian Border Force (ABF), the number of cases intercepted for undeclared cosmetics in 2023 increased by 27% year-on-year, of which 70% involved ordinary consumers. This article will combine the latest policies in 2024 to systematically analyze the complete process from consignment rules to duty-free declaration.
1. Three core principles of customs declaration
- 100ml liquid limit only for carry-on baggage: Checked cosmetics are not subject to the volume limit of a single bottle, but the total volume must not exceed 2 kg (including the weight of the container)
- Animal and plant ingredients must be declared: Masks/skin care products containing ingredients such as propolis, horse oil, snake venom, etc., must be filled in item 11 of the entry card
- Special drugs require double certification: For acne products containing prescription ingredients such as retinoic acid and hydroquinone, you must bring a doctor's prescription and English instructions
2. Checked Baggage vs. Carry-On Baggage Practical Guide
| type | Shipping rules | Carry-on rules |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids (toner/lotion) | Double sealing is required to prevent leakage. It is recommended to wrap with bubble film | Single bottle ≤100ml, total volume ≤1L |
| Powder (loose powder/eye shadow) | Need original packaging + sealed bag | Over 350g needs to be inspected separately |
| Tools (eyelash curler/eyebrow trimmer) | Knife blades ≤ 6cm can be checked in | All sharp objects are prohibited from being carried |
3. In-depth answers to six high-frequency questions
1. What should I do if the tax-free quota is exhausted?
If the total value of cosmetics exceeds the duty-free limit of AUD 900, you will need to pay 10% tariff + 10%GST. It is recommended to separate high-priced items (such as luxury creams) from ordinary products, and you can apply for partial tax exemption for self-use packaging.
2. How to declare beauty tools?
Makeup brushes containing animal hair must provide a disinfection certificate, and electric beauty devices must confirm the lithium battery capacity (≤160Wh can be checked in).
3. Can I bring expired cosmetics?
The new regulations for 2024 clearly prohibit the import of expired skin care products, even if they are unopened, they will be confiscated. It is recommended to check the expiration dates of all products before departure.
4. Correct use of the refill bottle
It is recommended to use silicone squeeze bottles (such as MUJI travel size), and unlabeled transparent refill bottles are prohibited. It is recommended to use waterproof labels to indicate the original product name and ingredients.
5. Essential items for special times
Australia has strong ultraviolet rays in summer, so it is recommended to bring SPF50+ sunscreen (no more than 3 sticks). However, sunscreen products containing oxybenzone have been banned in the Great Barrier Reef Reserve.
6. Things to note when mailing cosmetics
To send cosmetics via international express, the following conditions must be met: total value ≤ 1,000 Australian dollars, no alcohol, and a translated ingredient list. DHL statistics show that the inspection rate of packages containing the word "whitening" is as high as 83%.
4. Expert Packaging Tips
- Explosion-proof treatment:Wrap plastic wrap around the bottle cap to reduce leakage when air pressure changes
- Temperature Control:Ampoules containing active ingredients should be stored in an insulated bag
- Document preparation:Scan the product ingredient list and save it on your phone, so you can quickly show it to customs for inspection
Australian Encyclopedia Assistant reminds: From March 2024, Sydney/Melbourne Airport has started using a new CT scanner that can accurately identify undeclared liquid items. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance and place cosmetics separately for easy inspection. Keep shopping receipts for at least 3 months, as they can be used to appeal if there is a customs dispute.
Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understand"A complete guide to packing cosmetics when traveling to Australia", please share your experience or ask other questions in the comments section. In the next issue, we will reveal the "List of Hidden Beauty Products in Australian Pharmacies", so stay tuned!
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