Khat → Australia

Khat prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Khat prohibited; penalties for import. 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 khat 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 khat is a separate question: prohibited — Khat is a controlled substance in Australia — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Leaving with this item

Khat is a controlled substance in Australia — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Practical advice

Do not carry khat (Catha edulis), fresh or dried, into Australia. Australian Border Force treats it as a controlled drug; carriage triggers seizure plus possible criminal charge under the local misuse-of-drugs statute. There is no permit pathway for personal use.

Customs authority

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