From 30 June 2018, people travelling internationally will notice some changes to how they are screened in Australia. Passengers will be required to present all powders in their carry-on baggage separately for screening.

There will be quantity restrictions on some types of powders but most common powders remain unrestricted. Check the TravelSECURE website before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the changes take place?

• From 30 June 2018, all international departing flights will have restrictions in place limiting inorganic powders to volumes less than 350ml per passenger in the aircraft cabin.

What are the changes to security screening procedures?

• When you arrive at an international screening point, in addition to taking out your liquids,aerosols and gels, you will need to remove powders from your carry-on baggage and place them separately in a tray for X-ray examination.

• Limits now apply to the amount of inorganic powders that can be carried in the aircraft cabin. These include things such as sand, salt, talcum powder and some types of make-up.

  • You are now only allowed to carry 350ml or 350gm of inorganic powder per person through a screening point.
  • You cannot tip powders out to fall under the 350ml/gm threshold as the restriction is calculated on total container volume.

There is no quantity restriction for organic powders such as food products, powdered baby formula, coffee and sugar.

What is an inorganic powder?

• A powder not consisting of, or derived from, living matter. The most common example is salt.

What am I allowed to take onboard?

• Subject to inspection, you will be allowed to take the following onboard in your carry-on baggage:

  • All organic powders.

  • Baby products – products used to care for and/or feed an infant/toddler, including powdered infant formula.

  • Medical products – prescription and non-prescription medicines (including special dietary products), and medical items required during a flight. Passengers are encouraged to provide evidence (e.g. doctor’s letter) at the screening point for these products.

  • Therapeutic products other than a medical product – used for the treatment or management of a medical condition. Passengers are encouraged to provide evidence (e.g. doctor’s letter) at the screening point for these products.

  • Cremated remains (ashes).

Can I take duty free purchased items?

• Yes, as long as there is proof of purchase attached and the duty free goods are in the sealed bag provided at the time of purchase.

• This also applies to international transiting passengers.

What should I do at the screening point?

• To reduce delays, you should separate powders, liquids, aerosols and gels and other items that clutter bags and may obstruct X-ray observation and place them separately in trays at the screening point. 

• Powders do not need to be placed in a sealed bags like your LAG items.

• Remove all items you are carrying, including in your pockets, and place them into a tray at the screening point.

Have there been any changes to liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions?

• No, there are still restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels carried on board international flights only.

What if I have quantities over the allowed limit?

• Passengers will not get in trouble if they are carrying quantities of powders, liquids, aerosols everday lives and gels above the allowed limit. We understand that passengers carry these items in their everyday lives.

• Do not discard anything in or around the airport that you think will not be allowed through.

• You can surrender any items above the allowed limit at the screening point or you can:
  • put them in checked baggage;
  •  leave them with someone in the public area; or mail them to yourself.

Can surrendered items be reclaimed after screening? 

• No. All items surrendered at the screening point must be disposed of by the screening.

• Security screening officers have the final say if there is any doubt about what items can be carried on board.

Have there been any changes to what I can take in my checked baggage?

• No. Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels can still be carried in your checked baggage, subject to dangerous goods restrictions.

Have there been any changes to domestic flights?

• No. Security arrangements for domestic flights remain the same.

Where can I go for more information?

• Further information can be found on the internet at TravelSECURE？