Are feathers & plumage legal in Australia?

Feathers & Plumage may not be brought into Australia. Feathers & Plumage prohibited; penalties for import This page covers what Australian Border Force (ABF) allows across the border; whether you may then possess or carry it in public is a separate matter of Australia's domestic law, which can differ by state, province, or city. Check both before travelling.

What are the penalties for undeclared feathers & plumage in Australia?

Fine up to 66600–1665000 AUD; imprisonment up to 120 months. Source: Australian Border Force (ABF).

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Feathers & Plumage 🇦🇺 Australia

Q: Can I bring Feathers & Plumage to Australia?

Feathers & Plumage prohibited; penalties for import Feathers from CITES-listed bird species require export and import documentation regardless of how they were obtained — found, shed, or purchased. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and most parrots are CITES-listed; eagle feathers are additionally protected in the US under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection. Enforcement in Australia carries fines from AUD 66,600 to AUD 1,665,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act 1901 s.233A; Criminal Code Act 1995 Part 9.1.

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Feathers & Plumage prohibited; penalties for import

ANSWER

Can I bring Feathers & Plumage into Australia?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Feathers & Plumage prohibited; penalties for import

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

abf.gov.au

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Full details

Feathers from CITES-listed bird species require export and import documentation regardless of how they were obtained — found, shed, or purchased. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and most parrots are CITES-listed; eagle feathers are additionally protected in the US under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection. Enforcement in Australia carries fines from AUD 66,600 to AUD 1,665,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act 1901 s.233A; Criminal Code Act 1995 Part 9.1.

PENALTIES

Fine: 66600–1665000 AUD
Imprisonment up to 120 months
Criminal penalty

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

Leaving Australia with feathers & plumage

RESTRICTEDFeather export from Australia depends on the species — most wild-bird feathers are protected under CITES or national bird laws; farmed and craft feathers move freely.

Feathers of CITES-listed birds (all raptors, parrots, birds-of-paradise, and many others) require CITES export documentation from Australia, and many countries additionally protect all native wild birds — in the US, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes possessing most wild-bird feathers unlawful regardless of how they were obtained. Farmed poultry, ostrich, and peacock feathers sold as craft materials move freely at personal quantities. Destination biosecurity rules may require declaration of any feather material on arrival.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Do not bring feathers & plumage to this country. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-07-25

abf.gov.au legislation.gov.au

RULE DETAILS

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Australian Border Force (ABF)

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AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in Australia. Whether you can carry feathers & plumage through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.

Related rules

Antiquities

🇦🇺 Australia

RESTRICTED

Antiquities may require documentation or declaration

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