The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator the Hon. David Johnston, and the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, the Hon. Fran Bailey MP today announced changes to Customs Regulations to allow sales of a wider range of duty free goods to inbound passengers coming to Australia.

Previously, inbound passengers were restricted to purchasing alcohol, cigarettes, photographic film and perfume at inwards duty free stores. From today, regulations have been changed to allow a wider range of goods to be sold to inbound passengers.

“All adult travellers are able to purchase goods up to the value of $900 duty free from Australian airport inwards duty free stores,” Senator Johnston said.

“Now, this can include handbags, cameras and sunglasses – goods that are no more than $900 in value, weigh no more than 7kg and are no more than 56cm in length, 36cm in height and 23cm in depth.”

No change has been made to the passenger duty free concessions, including tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, and any purchases made by passengers at inwards duty free stores will be included in the existing duty free allowance.

Minister Bailey said the new changes will provide a welcome boost for tourists and in-bound duty free stores.

"After a long flight to Australia, tourists often enjoy some retail therapy on arrival. These changes will mean tourists will have greater choice in which goods to buy," Fran Bailey said.

"Tourists are big shoppers. In fact, the economic value of international tourism to Australia increased by $2.1 billion to reach $22.6 billion over the past 12 months.

"International tourists are now spending $2,836 per visitor, that’s an extra $262 on average from the previous year. Through initiatives such as this, we are encouraging tourists to spend more money in Australia, helping to create even more jobs for Australians."