Counterfeit Goods → Australia

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited

Details

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited. Quantity guidance for Australia: Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 1995; ABF seizes goods — no personal-use exemption. Documentation: No permits available; ABF seizure notice issued. 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. Because counterfeit goods is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by Australian Border Force (ABF); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Australia with counterfeit goods is a separate question: prohibited — Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from Australia — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

Quantity limit

Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 1995; ABF seizes goods — no personal-use exemption

Documentation required

• No permits available; ABF seizure notice issued

Surrender at customs

ABF accepts voluntary surrender of counterfeit goods at all airports. Declare at Red Channel. Seizure receipt issued. Voluntary disclosure avoids prosecution under Trade Marks Act 1995 §148.

Leaving with this item

Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from Australia — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

Practical advice

Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into Australia. Australian Border Force seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.

Customs authority

Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au