The Australian Border Force (ABF) has warned any potential importers of products containing cannabis that the items will be seized.
The ABF said the importers could also face prosecution.
The force said the warning followed a marked increase in the number of items containing cannabis, commonly referred to as CBD products, being intercepted by ABF officers and referred to Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation and/or seizure.
Assistant Secretary, Trusted Trader & Trade Compliance at the ABF, Brett Cox said items regularly stopped by ABF officers included hemp or CBD gummies, oils and skincare products claiming to have health benefits or therapeutic uses.
“Products making therapeutic claims must comply with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989,” Mr Cox said.
“Only licensed sponsors can import cannabis products for medicinal purposes,” he said.
“This increase in detections of cannabis-containing products is a concerning trend.”
Mr Cox said cannabis-containing products could be imported into Australia only if permission had been granted by the Office of Drug Control prior to the goods arriving in Australia.
“Individuals who unlawfully import products containing cannabis may face large fines or even imprisonment,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood said unauthorised products could be harmful to the community and the ABF would act to stop them coming into the country.
“Anyone purchasing goods from overseas has a responsibility to check if they can legally be brought into Australia,” Mr Wood said.
