Perth Travel Forum

I'm flying to Perth in less than a week and I just realised that I might not be able to bring my oatmeal protein over.

I work out very often at the gym and I take oatmeal protein (basically oats with protein powder) for breakfast. I think this would fall under 'dairy products'

I read a few websites including the Australian Customs authority and I'm a bit confused. Can one bring in dairy products in or has anyone tried briging protein powdered drink in? would be grateful. thanks

I am fairly sure you will be stopped from bringing the dried oatmeal.

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take

AQIS is the authority for this. I wouldn't worry too much as such products are readily available in Australia. Even if you wish to try and bring it in PLEASE declare it to the AQIS people and accept whatever they say. It is important to respect our Quarantine rules as they are protecting our agricultural industry and health.

I'm reasonably certain that you won't be able to bring it in. But I must reiterate what the previous poster has said and that is that if you do decide to try, do not try to get it in without declaring it. You will not only have it taken off you but you could be hit with a $AUD220 fine into the bargain. We have some wonderful health food shops here where I'm sure you will be able to buy something very similar. Our quarantine rules in Australia are extremely strict. You would be foolish to think that you won't be found out.

Quite a lot of dairy products are allowed by quarantine but they MUST be declared and they MUST be in the original unopened packaging. Once you have declared them, it is up to the quarantine officer to decide whether or not to allow them in - that decision will be based on the list of ingredients. I'm quite sure you can buy a local version of what you're looking for here though.

As the others have said, there could well be problems. No need to risk the hassle, just buy it when you arrive, there are plenty of health food/vitamin/sports supplements shops in Oz.

I'll add my vote, some very sound advice here.

I would not consider Protein Powder "dairy" as it is a powdered canned product that you mix with milk or water. I have travelled with my protein powder sachets with no problems!
You are not allowed to bring FRESH products into the country. ie Milk cheese etc!
I would bring your canned product in but make sure it is a new unopened can and simply ask customs as you walk through!
Otherwise you can always buy more protein powder here in Perth!

If your oatmeal protein is just protein powder you mix with your oatmeal, as discobunny says, you shouldn't have a problem. If it's a ready-made mix that you simply add water to, it may well contain milk powder of some sort - check the ingredients!

The quarantine rules are strict but they are not draconian and as long as you declare things, you will be dealt with fairly. Last time I came home from Europe I brought a 3 kilo Manchego cheese with me without any problem - but a) it was a whole cheese in its original wrapper with all the information about its origins on it and b) I declared it. It went down really well with the guests at my husband's birthday party

thanks for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate it. I guess I won't be bringing it in and instead will get some when I arrive next week.

thanks a bunch again!!