A popular high-protein snack that stays fresh for a long time, is light, and is easy to pack for trips is beef jerky. If you are going to Australia, you might be wondering if you can bring beef jerky into the country. There are strict biosecurity rules in Australia to keep their meat and farming industries safe from diseases that can spread quickly.
This guide will cover whether beef jerky is allowed into Australia any restrictions requirements for imported meat products, tips for smooth clearance through customs, and information on purchasing jerky once in the country.
Is Beef Jerky Allowed into Australia?
The good news is that most travelers can bring commercially made beef jerky into Australia as a personal item. However, there are specific requirements that must be met:
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The beef jerky must be commercially manufactured and packaged. Homemade or artisanal jerky is prohibited.
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It cannot contain any pork products. Beef, poultry and other meats are allowed but no pork.
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The country of origin must be printed on the packaging. It must also be manufactured in an approved foot and mouth disease (FMD) free country.
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The jerky must be shelf stable and not require refrigeration. If vacuum sealed, it must be commercially packaged.
As long as your beef jerky meets these requirements, you can bring up to 2.25kg per person into the country duty-free. Always keep the original packaging to verify country of origin if questioned by customs officials.
Why the Restrictions on Imported Meat Products?
Australia maintains very strict biosecurity policies regarding imported meats to protect local industries. Some key risks they seek to prevent include:
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Foot and mouth disease (FMD) – Highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hooved livestock. Devastating to farmed cattle, sheep, and pigs if introduced.
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Swine fever – Viral disease of pigs that can decimate pork industry. Easily spread by pork products.
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Mad cow disease – Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting cattle. Impacts beef industry and human health.
By only allowing shelf-stable meat products from approved countries, the risk of these and other contagious livestock diseases entering Australia via personal imports is significantly reduced.
Tips for Getting Beef Jerky Through Australian Customs
When bringing beef jerky into Australia, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth customs process:
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Keep jerky in original packaging to verify country of origin and ingredients.
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Do not attempt to bring in more than the 2.25kg duty-free allowance. Declare any excess amounts.
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Do not conceal jerky or fail to declare. Penalties and fines apply.
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If commercially packaged, the jerky does not need to be declared unless over the allowance.
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Expect that you may be questioned and have products examined to verify requirements are met.
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Know that refrigerated jerky is prohibited even if commercially packaged due to disease risks.
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Be cooperative if officials decide to confiscate suspect products that pose a biosecurity threat.
Purchasing Beef Jerky Within Australia
If you are unable to bring your own jerky due to restrictions, or run out while traveling in Australia, there are options for purchasing it locally:
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Grocery stores and convenience shops stock popular jerky brands, often in their American/international foods sections.
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Natural food stores or gourmet markets may offer specialty jerkies.
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Online retailers can deliver a wide jerky selection, sometimes harder to find locally.
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Jerky specialty shops in major cities for unique artisanal products.
When buying locally, products are approved for sale in Australia and meet all requirements. This avoids issues compared to personal imports. Check labels for ketogenic diet friendly options if needed.
Can You Bring Other Dried Meats Like Biltong?
Biltong is dried, cured meat popular in African countries like South Africa. It is similar to jerky but often contains coriander, vinegar and spices. The same rules apply for biltong as for beef jerky – it must be commercially produced and packaged, shelf stable, and not contain any pork products.
Always check labels to ensure the country of origin is an approved one and the ingredients comply with what is permitted. South African biltong can make a great savory snack from home while traveling if imported properly through customs.
Enjoy Jerky as a Healthy, Protein-Packed Travel Snack
When visiting Australia, consider bringing some beef jerky from home or purchasing it locally to have a lightweight, non-perishable, high-protein snack on hand while sightseeing or exploring off the beaten path. Keep biltong in mind as another permitted option if you enjoy its unique flavor profile.
Just take care to follow all guidelines on allowed meat imports. With some preparation and understanding of the restrictions, you can safely bring jerky along to keep hunger at bay during your travels down under.
As an overseas traveller entering Australia, you are responsible for knowing what items are restricted or prohibited by Australian law. Import conditions can change, so even if you used to travel regularly, it might be a good idea to check the requirements before travelling again.
Source: Getty / Peoples
- If you don’t have a special permit, you can’t bring in fresh fruits and vegetables, meat products, rice, beans, eggs, or fish from fresh water.
- Some commercially packaged seeds and prescription medication for personal use.
- It is possible for travelers to be fined or even denied entry into the country if they don’t declare or get rid of any biosecurity risk goods.
What are the consequences for not declaring goods?
Australia Beef jerky – Made in Australia
FAQ
Is dry meat allowed in Australia?
Do I have to declare snacks at Customs Australia?
Can you bring snacks from overseas to Australia?
Can you bring beef jerky into Australia?
The short answer is yes, you can bring beef jerky into Australia, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Firstly, it’s important to note that all animal products, including beef jerky, must be declared on arrival in Australia. Failure to declare these items can result in hefty fines and even prosecution.
Can I import beef jerky?
Additionally, some countries may grant special permits for the importation of beef jerky under certain circumstances, such as for medical or research purposes. If you are traveling to a country that allows the importation of beef jerky, it is important to declare it to customs upon arrival.
Can you bring beef jerky into the United States?
A: Yes, commercially packaged beef jerky is generally allowed into the United States. Q: Can I bring beef jerky into the United Kingdom? A: No, the importation of all beef products, including beef jerky, is prohibited in the United Kingdom.
Can you bring canned meat into Australia?
Australia allows canned meat products to be brought in, but they must be in jars, cans or retort pouches, a type of food packaging made from plastic and metal foil. They must also be shelf-stable, which means they do not need to be refrigerated or frozen to maintain quality. Items will be inspected to ensure that they comply with requirements.