Powder limits for int’l carry-on luggage

Go back to the enewsletter

The Australian Government will implement new screening procedures on international travellers departing and arriving into the country effective 30 June 2018, requiring passengers to present all powders in their carry-on baggage separately for screening. Quantity restrictions will apply to some types of powder, however most common powders remain unrestricted. The government defines “powder” as fine dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance (for example, flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk, baby formula or cosmetics). Powders may also be presented in clumpy, grain, or compressed material forms. Within the “inorganic powder” definition are items such as salt, salt scrub, talcum powder, powdered deodorants, foot powders, detergent & cleaning products and sand. The quantity restrictions on powders are:

• No limit on organic powders, such as food (coffee, protein powder, flour, spices, sugar, most cosmetics and powdered baby formula);
• Inorganic powder must be carried in containers not exceeding 350 millilitres or 350 grams.
• The total volume of inorganic powders must not exceed 350 millilitres or 350 grams per person.
• There are no restrictions on the number of containers of inorganic powders per person, so long as the total volume of all the containers remains under 350 mls.

Passengers are advised that they cannot tip powders out to fall under the 350-millilitre threshold, as the restriction is calculated on total container volume. All powders within carry-on baggage must be separately presented for screening but do not need to be placed in resealable plastic bags. “These restrictions are strictly applied. Security screening officers have the final say if there is any doubt about what items can be carried on board,” the Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development said. Powder restrictions do not apply to checked luggage. See travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/

Go back to the enewsletter