When taking duty free powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items onboard, they should remain in the sealed bag provided at time of purchase. If the seal is broken or items are removed, they may be subject to powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions. These items may include:
- alcohol—spirits, liquors, wine and beer
- perfume
- cosmetic and toiletry items—lotions, cream, lipsticks, lip balms, liquid make-up and powdered make-up.
Know Australia's duty free allowances before you purchase your duty free powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items.
Transiting through other countries
If you are transiting through an international airport of another countryafter departing Australia, you will be subject to liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions at that airport. Restrictions in that country will determine if the items are allowed.
Example: Flying from Sydney to London via Singapore
Duty free items purchased in Sydney will be screened again in Singapore. Authorities in Singapore will decide if the items are allowed based on their restrictions, even if the items are in the sealed plastic bag provided at the time of purchase and with accompanying proof of purchase.
If you are transiting through an international airport of another country before arriving into Australia, you will be subject to Australia's powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions before departing that airport. Any duty free items exceeding these restrictions will need to be surrendered.
Example: Flying from London to Sydney via Singapore
Duty free items purchased in London (for example, a one-litre bottle of alcohol) will be assessed at the boarding gate in Singapore to meet Australia's liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.
For information on how to purchase your duty free powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items when arriving into Australia, refer to the Flying into Australia section below.
If you are transiting through Australia, your powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items will be subject to screening at the transit screening point in Australia before re-boarding for departure to your final destination.
Departing Australia
If purchasing duty free powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items from an off-airport duty free retailer, it is highly recommended that you pack these items in your checked baggage.
If you decide to pack duty free items in your carry-on baggage, they will be subject to screening. Items will need to be in the sealed bag provided at the time of purchase and with the accompanying proof of purchase. There is a risk that these items may not be cleared through screening. If items cannot be cleared, they will not be allowed through the screening point and will need to be surrendered.
Tip: You may purchase duty free powder, liquid, aerosol and gels items after you have passed through the screening point at an Australian international airport.
Some countries have different duty free restrictions and requirements for what you can take onboard. Plan ahead and find out the duty free restrictions of countries you intend to visit, including transit destinations.
Flying into Australia
You can purchase duty free items:
- at the last airport you stop at before entering Australia if the duty free retailer provides a gate delivery service
- onboard the last leg of your flight to Australia
- upon arrival at an Australian international airport.
If you are flying directly into Australia from an international airport and Australia is your final destination, any duty free powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items you purchase and pack in your carry-on baggage are subject to the Australian Government's Immigration and Border Protection quantity restrictions.
