I bought a 5mW red laser in a nice case with a latching on/off switch for u= nder 5 Euro in Germany - you may find something similar in Australia in one= of the larger hardware stores, it may have slipped through the insane nann= y-state laws on laser diodes introduced in OZ. Mine is labelled 'Laser Edge= ZJ-99602' and is normally used to align things horizontally or vertically = via a lens that generates a straight line - easily removed to reveal the br= ight 5mW laser spot. The case has two bubble level gauges and it runs from = two AAA cells.
A laser or laser pointer? Only the latter is a banned import (or more specifically classed as a weapon requiring special permission to import). Even then a laser pointer with an output of 1.0mW or less is legal to import.
Customs seize anything that isn't supplied with paperwork certifying that the power is less than 1mw. It would appear that the sticker on the side of the laser isn't sufficient evidence.
The $1 lasers you can buy on Ebay are typically shipped with no paperwork at all. Making a claim against customs for the delivery of incorrectly seized item far exceeds the cost of the item and if your attempt fails, then you have to pay their legal bills.
Effectively it's only worth while importing if you are buying in bulk and have the time and patience to deal with the customs paperwork.
I bought a baby remote keyboard with built-in laser, that claims it's a Class II laser (described as up to 1mW).
I didn't buy it for the pointer function, and in fact forgotten it had this feature till I opened the box and had a prominent Caution Class II laser sticker staring me in the face.
Ditto for a presentation remote for laptops with a built in laser. But that one clearly stated < 1mW. I'm betting they didn't even try to look at that one either.
I still see to this day spinning children's toys with built-in lasers for effect, with NO laser warnings either. Clearly, customs is lazy on this, or they don't really care. I'm guessing they're taking the same stance as the RTA (any vehicle with "turbo" in the name is banned for L and P drivers) if the product has "Laser" in the name, they'll look it over with fine toothed comb, otherwise, free for all.
customs will not take you to court etc.. if you import something prohibited in australia.
they will just send you a letter saying that they seized it .... thats what they did when i tried to import some body building suppliments..... but found a 85 % foolproof way of getting them from overseas anyways..... ;-)
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