Before placing an overseas tobacco order for delivery to Australia, check the import rules first. Australian Border Force (ABF) treats tobacco sent from overseas as an import, and most tobacco products require an import permit issued before arrival. A traveller allowance is not a postal-order allowance, and it does not make an international parcel eligible for release.
What counts as importing tobacco?
According to the ABF, you are importing tobacco when you purchase, order or arrange for tobacco to be sent to Australia from overseas. This also includes tobacco sent to you by someone else. The rule applies to products such as cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco, shisha or molasses tobacco, and heat-not-burn products.
International mail is a separate restriction
Most tobacco products are prohibited imports and require an ABF tobacco import permit for commercial and personal use. The permit must be granted before the tobacco arrives. ABF also states that a permit condition prevents tobacco products from being imported through international mail. The ABF page identifies a limited exception for cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff intended for oral use up to 1.5 kg; confirm the current conditions directly with ABF before ordering.
Do not use the traveller allowance for an online order
The duty-free tobacco allowance applies to eligible people arriving in Australia on an international flight or voyage. It is not a rule for parcels. ABF says travellers aged 18 or over may bring one unopened packet of up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of other tobacco duty-free, while tobacco above that allowance must be declared and relevant duty and taxes paid. A package sent by post follows the import and mail rules instead.
How duty and tax are assessed
ABF states that importers must pay applicable import duties and taxes before tobacco is released from customs control. The amount depends on the product and quantity, with tobacco duty assessed at a per-kilogram or per-stick rate. Rates and classifications can change, so do not rely on a past order, a social-media calculation or a retailer estimate. Check the current ABF tariff information and obtain professional customs advice where needed.
Ordering checklist
- Identify the exact product type and quantity before checkout.
- Check whether an ABF permit is required and whether the intended delivery method is permitted.
- Keep the listing, invoice and order confirmation accurate and consistent.
- Do not assume a traveller allowance, an earlier shipment or a carrier tracking status determines customs eligibility.
- Check current ABF requirements before arranging shipment, as border decisions and applicable charges are determined by the authorities.
Official sources
For current requirements, read the Australian Border Force tobacco import guidance. For the legislation referenced by ABF, see the Customs (Prohibited Imports) (Importation of Tobacco Products) Approval 2019. This article is general information, not customs or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tobacco order sent by international mail use the 25-cigarette traveller allowance?
No. The ABF describes that allowance for eligible travellers arriving in Australia, not postal imports. Overseas parcels must meet the applicable import and international-mail rules.
Will a tracking update confirm that customs will release a tobacco parcel?
No. Tracking shows carrier events. It does not replace ABF requirements, a permit decision, customs assessment or payment of applicable charges.