Can You Bring a Hunting Knife to Australia? Strict Rules, Limited Exceptions

Generally: NO. Australia classifies most hunting knives as prohibited weapons — import requires a permit from the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The Law

• Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 — Schedule 6
• Knives with blade >12 cm (4.7 in) = prohibited unless exempt
• Specific bans: Butterfly knives, push daggers, flick knives, gravity knives, disguised knives — always prohibited
• State laws vary: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT — each has Control of Weapons / Summary Offences Acts with local definitions

Exceptions (Permit Possible)

Application Process

1. B709 Form (Application to Import Prohibited Goods) — ABF website
2. Supporting docs: ID, purpose letter, state police clearance, photos, specs
3. Fee: ~AUD 50–100 + customs broker if used
4. Time: 2–6 weeks
5. Outcome: Permit (with conditions) or refusal

If You Bring Without Permit

• Seizure at border — knife destroyed
• Infringement notice: Up to AUD 5,500 (individual)
• Prosecution: Up to 10 years prison / AUD 525,000 (Customs Act)
• Visa cancellation: Possible for non-citizens

Practical Advice

• Don't bring it. Buy/rent in Australia (BCF, Anaconda, local knife shops)
• If essential: Apply 8+ weeks before travel
• Declare honestly on Incoming Passenger Card — false declaration = worse penalty
• Check state police website for local carry laws (even with import permit)

Australia's knife laws are among the world's strictest. A hunting knife is a border seizure waiting to happen — unless you're a farmer with paperwork.