"Food" no longer needs to be declared into Australia
When filling out an Incoming Passenger Form last week to enter Australia I noticed that none of the questions actually asked if I was carrying "Food" as it did previously, but only certain types of food.
I asked about this at immigration the officer said "question 6", but when I shows him that it no longer said food even he was surprised! The form is dated 11/12 so I'm guessing it's only a new change. The questions now ask if you have : 6. Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables? 7. Grains, seeds, bulbs, straw, nuts, plants, parts of plants, traditional medicines or herbs, wooden articles? 8. Animals, parts of animals, animal products including equipment, pet food, eggs, biologicals, specimens, birds, fish, insects, shells, bee products? Previously question 6 was "Any food - includes dried, fresh, preserved, cooked, uncooked?" Thus it seems if you just have generic food that is not one of the categories listed (including things like chocolate/candy/etc, biscuits, etc) then there should be no need to declare them. There's a sample of the new form here. |
And they have stopped putting exit stamps on your passport, going green I guess ;)
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Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 19796542)
And they have stopped putting exit stamps on your passport, going green I guess ;)
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Originally Posted by im-headed-west
(Post 19797070)
I got stamped exiting SYD on Nov 30
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Originally Posted by mario33
(Post 19796542)
And they have stopped putting exit stamps on your passport, going green I guess ;)
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This is going to be terrible news for the producers of "Border Security". That's half their material gone right there.
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I think it may be an over-sight and a result of 'design by committee'. However, you can argue the wording is even more over-arching now. Most food will consist of some of the materials mentioned in the questions...
I also notice you no longer have to declare prescription medicines or even over-the-counter drugs... |
Originally Posted by docbert
(Post 19795197)
When filling out an Incoming Passenger Form last week to enter Australia I noticed that none of the questions actually asked if I was carrying "Food" as it did previously, but only certain types of food.
I asked about this at immigration the officer said "question 6", but when I shows him that it no longer said food even he was surprised! The form is dated 11/12 so I'm guessing it's only a new change. The questions now ask if you have : 6. Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables? 7. Grains, seeds, bulbs, straw, nuts, plants, parts of plants, traditional medicines or herbs, wooden articles? 8. Animals, parts of animals, animal products including equipment, pet food, eggs, biologicals, specimens, birds, fish, insects, shells, bee products? Previously question 6 was "Any food - includes dried, fresh, preserved, cooked, uncooked?" Thus it seems if you just have generic food that is not one of the categories listed (including things like chocolate/candy/etc, biscuits, etc) then there should be no need to declare them. There's a sample of the new form here. |
Originally Posted by dddc
(Post 19819835)
Wasn't there a question "anything that you can eat"? Or have I been watching too much Border Security. Also, would chocolate count as dairy given it has milk in it?
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Originally Posted by Leumas
(Post 19802609)
I also notice you no longer have to declare prescription medicines or even over-the-counter drugs...
That seems to me to cover both prescription and over-the-counter medications. |
You're right... I posted before I'd coffee... :)
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Originally Posted by Leumas
(Post 19827503)
You're right... I posted before I'd coffee... :)
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Originally Posted by dddc
(Post 19819835)
Also, would chocolate count as dairy given it has milk in it?
Mind you, Snickers bars and Peanut M&Ms on the other hand do contain nuts... |
Originally Posted by docbert
(Post 19795197)
When filling out an Incoming Passenger Form last week to enter Australia I noticed that none of the questions actually asked if I was carrying "Food" as it did previously, but only certain types of food.
I asked about this at immigration the officer said "question 6", but when I shows him that it no longer said food even he was surprised! The form is dated 11/12 so I'm guessing it's only a new change. The questions now ask if you have : 6. Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables? 7. Grains, seeds, bulbs, straw, nuts, plants, parts of plants, traditional medicines or herbs, wooden articles? 8. Animals, parts of animals, animal products including equipment, pet food, eggs, biologicals, specimens, birds, fish, insects, shells, bee products? Previously question 6 was "Any food - includes dried, fresh, preserved, cooked, uncooked?" Thus it seems if you just have generic food that is not one of the categories listed (including things like chocolate/candy/etc, biscuits, etc) then there should be no need to declare them. There's a sample of the new form here. Now I know strictly speaking its all cooked and would be okay...but as I have been told before. Declare it...it is 'their' job to decide if its okay...not mine. |
I just came back from Sydney.
Yes, no stamps once leaving, but I do it anyway in case. There are 2 versions of the forms at the airport, it's confusing since they are different editions, I had the 11/12 one on my flight and fished out the form that said 'any food' on the tables. I declare OTC, I'm not sure if that's required, no issues coming in anyway. (declared anyway) IN the end, I got a sniffer dog to check my luggage, no issues. (have to bring in food for the cuzzies)
Originally Posted by DJ Bitterbarn
(Post 19798664)
This is going to be terrible news for the producers of "Border Security". That's half their material gone right there.
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