Conditions for release (each must hold)

• The consignment note must describe the contents truthfully (a mismatch between description and actual goods is the main cause of open-and-intercept)
• The recipient must meet DAFF's import requirements and any accompanying sanitary certificates it may demand
• High-risk categories (meat, egg, dairy, seeds, live items) are often returned or destroyed outright
• Large commercial quantities should go through a licensed importer rather than a personal parcel

Carrier acceptance matrix (a separate question from import law)

What you risk if this goes wrong

Amounts follow the current publication of Australia regulators; we never show unverified numbers on a page. Decision-grade ranges appear in the “penalty exposure” section of the full dossier.

When you call the carrier, ask these four questions word for word

One call answers “do you take it” but never “does the country allow it”. Only after all four questions do you have the complete answer. Note the agent's ID and the time of each answer.

1. “I want to send Sichuan peppercorns (dried spice) (contains plant-derived material) from [origin country] to Australia via postal parcel. Does your network accept it?”

   Why ask it this way: Ask acceptance first, never compliance — agents are responsible for what they carry, and a compliance question only earns a disclaimer.

2. “If you accept it: exactly how must the waybill describe the contents? What labels or enclosed documents do you require? Please give me the specific wording.”

   Why ask it this way: A waybill description that mismatches the contents is the number-one trigger for inspection. You need exact wording, not “be more detailed”.

3. “If you don't: which prohibited-items clause applies? Would a change in [processing / packaging / quantity] make it acceptable? Do any of your other services carry it?”

   Why ask it this way: Turn “no” into “yes, under condition X” — this question routinely surfaces routes the carrier would never volunteer.

4. “Is your refusal based on Australia import restrictions, or on your own policy? Can you give me the written link or clause number?”

   Why ask it this way: This separates the two switches. Carrier policy can be switched; import law cannot — the answer decides your next move.

⚠️ Print this page alone. The card is designed to be shown by itself — the officer does not need our verdicts or sources.