Quarantine and protected wildlife

Bringing medicines into Australia

Why does quarantine matter?

Quarantine protects Australia's unique environment and its agricultural industries from new pests and diseases. Quarantine officers need to inspect goods brought into Australia including drugs, medicinal products, therapeutic substances, diet supplements, foods and plants in case they pose a threat to Australia's plant, animal and human health. Goods may require quarantine clearance. Specific import conditions apply to foods such as dairy and muscle-building drinks.

Biological materials including human and animal vaccines are prohibited without a valid import permit.

Further information regarding quarantine is available from the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service <http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis>.

Protected wildlife

Australia has strict laws controlling the import and export of products made from protected wildlife. This includes Australia's native animals and plants and species protected in other countries. Products containing any components derived from protected wildlife are prohibited or restricted. Contact Department of the Environment and Heritage for information on import and export restrictions and permit requirements for protected wildlife.

Further information is available from the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage <http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/index.html>.