2024 latest version: Don’t bring these medicines into Australia! Attached is a complete guide to customs declaration

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutRestrictions on carrying medicines in AustraliaNow I will summarize the related issues, hoping to help those who want to know more.

According to the latest data from the Australian Border Force (ABF), more than 2,000 passengers are caught by customs each year for carrying prohibited drugs. This article combines the latest version of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 2024 to explain in detail which drugs are prohibited from being brought into the country, and also provides a guide to compliance declarations.

1. Five types of medicines that are absolutely prohibited from entering the country

1. Narcotic Controlled Drugs

• Codeine-containing cough syrups (such as Federal cough syrup)
• Compound licorice tablets (containing opium powder)
• Tramadol preparations for use for more than 3 months

2. Psychotropic drugs

• Sleeping pills (zolpidem, zopiclone)
• Anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam, clonazepam)
• ADHD medication (Ritalin)

3. Chinese patent medicines containing prohibited ingredients

• Cold medicines containing ephedrine (such as Baijiahei and Xinkangtaike)
• Plasters containing strychnine (such as tiger bone plaster, rheumatism plaster)
• Antidiarrheal drugs containing morphine (such as compound camphor tincture)

4. Cannabis products

Including CBD oil and cannabidiol products, even if they contain medical prescriptions, they still need special approval

5. Steroid drugs

Male hormones, growth hormones, etc. require import licenses to be applied for in advance

2. Key issues related to drug carrying

Q1: Can I bring commonly used antihypertensive/hypoglycemic drugs?

Three conditions must be met at the same time:
1. The drug does not contain any banned ingredients
2. The amount you carry should not exceed 3 months’ supply
3. Provide Chinese and English prescriptions (must be translated by NAATI)

Q2: How much Chinese herbal medicine can I bring?

The total weight of plant-based medicinal materials must not exceed 1kg (need to be declared). The following are prohibited:
- Animal products such as bird's nests and deer antlers
- Insect-containing medicinal materials (such as scorpions and centipedes)
- Seed herbs (such as Cassia seed)

Q3: What materials do I need to prepare?

1. A doctor's diagnosis certificate in English
2. Original drug packaging and instructions
3. TGA Drug Application Form (downloadable from the official website)

Q4: Are there any restrictions on mailing medicines?

Please note that when using international express:
- A single mailing cannot exceed 3 months' supply
- A customs declaration form must be attached
- A license is required in advance for mailing narcotic drugs (cost starts from $222)

Q5: What will happen if I accidentally bring prohibited drugs?

• Minor fines starting from $420 (on-the-spot punishment)
• In serious cases, you may face criminal charges (up to 5 years in prison)
• International students may have their visas cancelled

III. Four-step Compliance Reporting Method

1. Log in to the TGA official website to check the drug ingredients (query system: https://www.tga.gov.au)
2. Fill out the entry declaration card 72 hours in advance (electronic version can be downloaded)
3. Prepare complete supporting documents (color copies are recommended)
4. Take the red declaration channel and submit it voluntarily

The Australian Encyclopedia Assistant reminds you: In 2024, the Australian Customs has upgraded the CT luggage scanner, which can accurately identify the packaging form of medicines. It is recommended to store medicines in transparent sealed bags and avoid using tin foil packaging. If you are inspected, please cooperate with the customs officers to explain the purpose.

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandAustralia's drug carrying regulationsIf you need to obtain the latest version of the "Australian Import Drug White List", please follow our WeChat public account [Australia Encyclopedia] to obtain the PDF manual. If you have more questions, please leave a message in the comment area and the assistant will answer you in detail!