What are suitable Xmas gifts to take to friends (50's) in Australia? Can any foodstuffs get through customs?

Question

I'm travelling to Oz to see relatives and would like to take them something typically British that they'd not normally have for Xmas.... Thinking of up-market biscuits, maybe even Xmas cake, but I believe customs would confiscate and eat it.... Any ideas please??

Answer 1

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It is illegal to attempt to take any of the foodstuffs you mention into Australia. The following link may answer all your questions.

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/faqs

I travel to Sydney generally three times a year and I always see the sniffer dogs walking around checking the bags people are bringing in. I am told that they can smell food and other substances even if wrapped in foil and plastic. The Australians take their food import laws very seriously and the penalties for infringement are severe.

Source(s):

Ten to twelve long and short haul flights per year

Answer 2

You cannot bring food into Aussie, it is classed as a biohazard. The only food you can bring is processed food, such as tinned food. But as they get the same tinned food as we do there is not a lot of point.

Answer 3

If the food items are commercially packaged and if you declare them on your incoming passenger card (that is critically important), you will almost certainly be allowed to bring them into the country. Anything that is confiscated is immediately put into secure bins for destruction and is NEVER eaten by customs officers. They don't confiscate prohibited things just for the sake of it but to protect our environment.
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/enter…
Note that the items listed are those that must be declared. It is not a list of prohibited items and many will be returned to you after inspection. Don't try sneaking anything in or the sniffer dogs will pick it up and then it WILL be confiscated and you'll be fined.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_cas… (the specific regulation relating to cakes and biscuits. It shows that even home cooked cakes and biscuits are OK if they don't have custard or dairy based fillings BUT, you must still declare them)

Answer 4

FYI we have biscuits and cake here in Australia. Lots of different varieties. Don't risk losing your cake, leave it at home and just buy one at Woolies when you get here.

Answer 5

You can't bring food to Australia from your place..If you want them to have something really different you better cook for them at their place..