Bringing Korea duty-free shopping into Australia

Arrival-country rules to check

Age 18 or over

General goods concession: AUD 900

Under 18

General goods concession: AUD 450

Over the general-goods limit

Duty and tax can apply to all goods in that category, not just the excess.

ABF’s separate rules for alcohol and tobacco also apply. Declare when unsure; a Korean duty-free receipt does not establish an Australian exemption.

Can I bring Korean skincare and perfume?

Check the exact product in ABF’s item guide, including ingredients and whether it is for personal use. Commercially manufactured, packaged cosmetics for personal use are generally permitted, but goods-value limits and any product-specific conditions still apply. Buying at a duty-free shop does not override biosecurity or aviation rules.

Keep a receipt-based shopping list

Add new gifts and other overseas purchases to your shopping list before deciding what to buy in Korea. Keep the product name, quantity, size and receipt together. Consult ABF’s valuation and concession guidance rather than treating DFMOA’s KRW or JPY display as a customs value.

Do not assume you only pay tax on the amount over AUD 900. Australia’s general-goods treatment differs from the Canadian 48-hour exemption.

Compare exact products before buying

These are examples from our comparison catalog, not a recommendation about your customs eligibility.

• CREED Aventus 50ml: observed Korea duty-free price
• Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 90ml: observed Korea duty-free price
• Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm 75ml: observed Korea duty-free price

Collect in Korea before your flight

Verify your departure terminal and collection counter on the retailer’s order confirmation. Check every transfer point’s rules before buying liquids; sealed packaging alone is not a guarantee of onward carriage.

Compare Korean duty-free and tax-refund store costs