Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels

When travelling internationally, or transiting at an international airport, government restrictions apply to the carriage of Powders and Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in carry-on baggage.

Restrictions apply to international carry-on baggage items only.

Airport security officers will confirm that carriage restrictions are being met at security screening points. Items that cannot be screened or cleared will not be permitted to travel in carry-on baggage. There is no access to checked-in baggage after check-in. Items not meeting carriage restrictions will need to be forfeited.

Please also check Dangerous goods restrictions.

Powders

Organic powders

No restriction.

Organic Powders are powders derived from living things and include items such as coffee, protein powder, sugar, and baby formula.

Inorganic powders

Restrictions apply.

Inorganic Powders are powders not derived from or consisting of living matter. This includes items such as salt, sand, and some talcum powders.

• Must be carried in containers of 350 millilitres (volume), 350 grams (weight) or less.
• The total volume must not exceed 350 millilitres or 350 grams per person.
• Restriction is calculated on total container volume (passengers cannot tip powders out to fall under the 350 ml/gram threshold).

There are no restrictions on the number of containers of inorganic powders per person, provided the total volume of all containers of inorganic powder is 350 mls/grams or less. At the screening point all powders in your carry-on baggage must be separately presented for screening. Unlike liquids, they do not need to be put in a re-sealable plastic bag.

Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)

• Liquid, aerosol or gel items must be in containers of 100 millilitres (volume), 100 grams (weight) or less.
• Containers must fit into one transparent and re-sealable plastic bag like a snap-lock sandwich bag.
• The four sides of the bag’s sealed area must add up to no more than 80 centimetres (e.g. 20×20 cm or 15×25 cm).
• Only one bag is allowed per passenger, with exceptions for carers who may carry the bag/s for people in their care, including children.

Containers larger than 100 millilitres or 100 grams, even if only partially-filled, containing liquids, aerosols or gels will not be allowed through the security screening point. For example, a 200 ml container that is half-full will not be permitted.

At the screening point all liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on baggage must be separately presented for screening.

Liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic bottles and other containers may not be able to be effectively scanned at screening points.

Aerosol containers must have a fitted cap, or locking device.

Examples

Powders

Liquids

Aerosols

Gels

Some items may not be obvious, such as snow domes or toys and souvenirs made with sand, granular material or liquid inside. If you are unsure if an item will pass screening, pack it in your checked baggage.

Exemptions

Powders

Powdered baby formula, prescription and non-prescription medicines (including special dietary products), and medical items required during a flight are exempt. For medicines and medical items, you will need to present these items along with proof (e.g. doctor’s letter) at the screening point.

All organic powders are exempt. This includes most powdered foods, coffee, protein powder and baby formula.

Liquids, aerosols and gels

Baby products, prescription and non-prescription medicines (including special dietary products), and medical items required during a flight are exempt. For medicines and medical items, you will need to present these items along with proof (e.g. doctor’s letter) at the screening point.

Cremated human remains (ashes)

Cremated human remains are exempt. The container used to hold the ashes must be free from contaminants such as soil to meet AQIS requirements. If exporting ashes, refer to the country you are travelling to for guidance.

Duty Free

Items purchased at airport retail outlets including Duty Free items are permitted to be cleared through airport security if the following conditions are met:

• Must be contained in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB)
• Must be accompanied by a proof of purchase receipt.

Note: If you are travelling through an international airport to reach your final destination, despite being screened at Australian screening points, such powders, liquids, aerosols and gels may be confiscated at other overseas airport transit screening points.

More information

For further information visit the Australian Government TravelSECURE website or the government regulations of the country you are travelling to and from.