Customs Watch
Customs Watch is Customs and Border Protection’s national information collection program that draws on the knowledge of industry and the community to protect Australia's borders by reporting suspicious border activities.
Customs Watch members know their local environments. Members range from multi-national corporations to individuals, are based in capital cities, regional centres and remote areas, and operate in environments as different as cargo logistics and caravan parks.
By reporting suspicious activities, Customs Watch members actively help Customs and Border Protection protect Australia's border.
Report Suspicious Behaviour
Customs and Border Protection encourages you to report suspicious behaviour to Customs Watch toll-free on 1800 06 1800, or by using the online form.
The 1800 06 1800 number is answered by experienced Customs and Border Protection officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your information could be the key piece of the puzzle that leads to the seizure of narcotics or other prohibited imports. You may provide information to Customs and Border Protection anonymously.
If you are calling from overseas or using a satellite phone, please call +61 2 6246 1325 (normal call costs will apply).
What to Report
Customs and Border Protection is interested in information about:
- Importation of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals
- People smuggling
- Terrorism
- Illegal and dangerous weapons
- Performance and image enhancing drugs (steroids)
- Illegal importation or exportation of currency
- Illegal importation and exportation of fauna
- Illegal pornography and child abuse images, and
- Counterfeit goods.
Just a small piece of information could lead to a big seizure.
What to look out for
Common Indicators
Suspicious Behaviour
The person is:
- Overly nervous, evasive or refusing reasonable assistance,
- Attempting to conceal their identity,
- Preferring to settle accounts early, or
- Enquiring about Customs, Police or other Law Enforcement Agencies’ activities.
Suspicious Activity
The person is:
- Interested in specific or unusual locations,
- Insisting on paying in cash only,
- Making unusual purchases, or
- Carrying unusual equipment or hardware.
Suspicious Goods
Are the goods:
- Misdescribed, misspelt or have incorrect information on them,
- Labelled in an obscure manner,
- Damaged, modified or tampered with,
- Too heavy or too light for the given goods description, or
- Emitting an unusual odour.