Govt flags changes to duty-free screening

Customs officers will be given the power to open sealed bags containing duty-free products bought outside an airport under proposed new laws.

As it stands, they don't have permission to interfere with goods purchased at a duty-free shop before Customs processing at departure screening points.

Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton on Wednesday introduced to parliament a bill that makes number of changes to the Customs Act, including extending the circumstances in which goods leaving Australia can be dealt with.