What are the penalties for undeclared coral & seashells in Australia?

Fine up to 222000 AUD; imprisonment up to 120 months. Source: Australian Border Force (ABF).

ITEM RULE · TRAVELING

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Coral & Seashells 🇦🇺 Australia

Q: Can I bring Coral & Seashells to Australia?

Coral & Seashells prohibited; penalties for import All stony corals are CITES Appendix II listed, requiring export permits for international trade — coral souvenirs purchased in tourist shops likely lack these permits. Giant clams (Tridacna species) are also CITES Appendix II. Sea turtle shell products (hawksbill tortoiseshell) are CITES Appendix I

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Coral & Seashells prohibited; penalties for import

ANSWER

Can I bring Coral & Seashells into Australia?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Coral & Seashells prohibited; penalties for import

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

abf.gov.au

Verify against the official customs authority before acting on this answer.Report a correction

Full details

All stony corals are CITES Appendix II listed, requiring export permits for international trade — coral souvenirs purchased in tourist shops likely lack these permits. Giant clams (Tridacna species) are also CITES Appendix II. Sea turtle shell products (hawksbill tortoiseshell) are CITES Appendix I

PENALTIES

Fine: 222000 AUD
Imprisonment up to 120 months
Criminal penalty

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Do not bring coral & seashells to this country.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

abf.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 coral & seashells 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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