Packing - rules you need to know

Australian Customs regulations

When you arrive at Melbourne Airport, the Australian Customs Service (ACS) will need to clear you and your luggage. As a student, it is very important to check what does, and does not, need to be declared. To find more information about Australia's customs regulations visit their website.

Australian Quarantine

Australia has a unique environment that is free from many of the pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world.

It is important for Australia to prevent the potential introduction of exotic pests and diseases possible via air travel. Be sure to declare any animal or plant, or products of animal or plant origin - no matter how small or trivial they may seem - to help protect Australia's unique natural environment.

For further information, contact the Australian Diplomatic Mission or the Australian Trade Commission in your home country. If you have any doubts about quarantine laws when you arrive in Australia, ask to speak to a Quarantine Officer and they will be happy to assist you.

All luggage is screened upon arrival in Australia using a combination of detector dogs, x-ray machines and the physical inspection of bags. If you fail to declare any quarantine items or make a false declaration:

• you could be fined up to A$220 on the spot
• you could be prosecuted and fined up to A$66,000 and/or risk 10 years' imprisonment

Before you leave - find out what not to pack when you travel to Australia and for more information about Australia's quarantine regulations visit their website.

Why Aircraft are sprayed

Do not be surprised if flight crews spray inside the airplane before landing. This spray kills flying insects, which may have entered the aircraft at an overseas port and are harmful to Australian wildlife. The spray is recommended by the World Health Organization and is not harmful to passengers.