I'm bringing prescription medication into Australia. Do I need to declare it at customs?

What the Law Says

Australian law requires travellers to declare all medicines, including prescription drugs, at the border. Failure to declare can result in seizure, fines, or prosecution.

The Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 govern the import of medicines into Australia. You must declare all prescription medications — regardless of whether they are legal in Australia — on your Incoming Passenger Card or via the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD).

The Department of Health and Aged Care and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) require that prescription medicines be carried in their original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. You must also carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor confirming the medical need.

There are strict limits: generally, you may bring no more than a three-month supply for personal use. Some medicines — especially those containing narcotics or psychotropic substances — are prohibited or require prior approval from the TGA.

Statutory Text

A person must not import therapeutic goods into Australia unless the goods are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) or an exemption applies.

— Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, s. 38 — Importation of therapeutic goods

Statutory Text

The Director of Biosecurity may require a person arriving in Australia to answer questions about goods they are carrying, including medicines.

— Biosecurity Act 2015, s. 194 — Requirements for persons arriving in Australia

What to Do

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