Case overview
This case is about:
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A student bringing food prepared by their family when travelling to Australia.
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Feeling unsure whether commercially packaged food, dried food or traditional herbs need to be declared.
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Not knowing how to answer the food declaration question on the Incoming Passenger Card.
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Understanding why declaring an item is usually the safest option if you are unsure.
What happened?
Before leaving Vietnam, the student’s family carefully packed a few familiar items into their suitcase to help them settle into life in Australia. There were only a few things: instant noodles, seasoning packets, several sachets of Vietnamese coffee, pork floss and a small packet of traditional herbal ingredients prepared by their grandmother.
During the flight, the student began completing the Incoming Passenger Card. One of the questions asked whether they were carrying food, plant material or animal products.
They stopped and stared at the question.
The instant coffee was factory sealed. The noodles came from a supermarket. The pork floss was vacuum packed. Nothing looked unusual.
The student started wondering:
“If I tick YES, will they throw everything away?”
“Maybe it’s only a few packets. Should I just tick NO?”
Not wanting to guess, the student selected YES and declared everything.
After arriving in Australia, a biosecurity officer asked to see the food. Some items were allowed into Australia after inspection, while one packet of traditional herbs could not be brought in because it did not meet Australia’s biosecurity requirements.
The inspection only took a few extra minutes. More importantly, because the student had declared the items honestly, they were able to continue their journey without penalties.
The Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry both advise travellers that if they are unsure whether an item should be declared, they should declare it. Declaring an item does not automatically mean it will be confiscated—it simply allows a biosecurity officer to assess whether it can enter Australia.
Main problem / risk
The main problem is:
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Students may not know whether food brought from home needs to be declared.
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Many travellers mistakenly believe that ticking “YES” means all food will automatically be confiscated.
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Some commercially packaged foods may be permitted, while other food, plant or animal products require inspection or may not be allowed.
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Choosing “NO” because of uncertainty may lead to inspection, penalties or the surrender of undeclared goods.
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Many students only think about customs requirements while completing the Incoming Passenger Card during the flight.
Solution
Suggested next steps
Step 1: Before packing, check the official Australian Border Force guidance to understand which food, plant and animal products may require declaration.
Step 2: Use the official Can You Bring It In? search tool to check individual items before your flight.
Step 3: When completing the Incoming Passenger Card, answer honestly. If you are carrying food, plant material or animal products and are unsure whether they require declaration, select YES.
Step 4: If a biosecurity officer asks to inspect your luggage, explain what you have packed and allow the items to be checked.
Step 5: Remember that declaring an item does not automatically mean it will be confiscated. The officer will decide whether it can enter Australia, requires treatment, or must be surrendered under Australia’s biosecurity rules.
Important notes
This case study provides general guidance only.
Australia’s biosecurity requirements may change, and the final decision is always made by Australian biosecurity officers.
Declaring an item does not automatically mean it is prohibited.
Never guess when completing the Incoming Passenger Card.
If you are unsure, declare the item and ask the officer.
For emergencies in Australia, call 000 immediately.
How can Annalink Care help you?
Annalink Care can help you:
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Access 24/7 student support
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Submit a support ticket for assistance
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Understand available support options and next steps
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Connect with relevant providers, partners, or official services where appropriate
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Access practical resources and support tools throughout your journey
