Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items → Australia
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items import prohibited
Details
Trade in elephant ivory is banned under CITES Appendix I listings. Both import and export of new ivory are prohibited in virtually all countries that are CITES parties. Antique ivory (pre-1947 and in some markets pre-1975 with documentation) may be e. 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.
Leaving with this item
Elephant ivory may not be taken out of Australia — CITES Appendix I listing and domestic ivory laws prohibit cross-border movement of post-1975 ivory, and antique exemptions require permits.
Practical advice
Do not bring ivory & cites-listed items to this country. Penalties may be severe. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.
Customs authority
Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au