SOG Powerpint Multi-Tool from AliExpress Confiscated by Customs

squeeze on 12/08/2025 - 22:41
Last edited 13/08/2025 - 08:19 by 2 other users

So, my SOG Powerpint multitool from Aliexpress just got confiscated by Australian customs, or at least it was tracking until it got to customs and for the last 2 weeks says "your package contains restricted items" and I’m a bit bummed. Did I cop the strictest border agent in the country or is that actually not allowed despite these types of multitools being available at Bunnings..

Aliexpress Link:

Bunnings version if you don't believe me:

My question is - can I appeal the customs decision, and would I have a chance if I did? Is this actually illegal to import?

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• 

  djsweet on 12/08/2025 - 22:54

  -1

  It’s a counterfeit, but apart from that nothing illegal. Ballisongs, gravity knives and assisted opening knives are banned, but that would be alright.

  • 

    mapax on 13/08/2025 - 08:14

    It’s a counterfeit

    How do you know? There were videos a couple of years ago comparing SOG multitools bought on Ali and ones bought through regular retailers and they were claimed to be genuine.
    Allegedly everything was identical down to the spacer washers.

    • 

      djsweet on 13/08/2025 - 11:03

      It's showing for me on Aliexpress at $39.61. Elsewhere it's at least double that. Hard to see how it is going to be genuine, but it if it is, it's certainly a bargain.

      • 

        tenpercent on 13/08/2025 - 11:07

        +2

        Aliexpress at $39.61. Elsewhere it's at least double that. Hard to see how it is going to be genuine

        Maybe Chinese middle-men don't need to mark up products as much as Bunnings et al to make a living wage?

      • 

        mapax on 13/08/2025 - 11:34

        +1

        I bought a genuine one from Amazon for $40.74 last year. Sold and shipped by Amazon.

        • 

          djsweet on 13/08/2025 - 14:07

          @mapax: Well maybe it is genuine then. I stand corrected

  • 

    squeeze on 13/08/2025 - 19:17

    Saw a few reviews online saying the ones from Ali are real, one suggested factory seconds but didn't point out any notable flaws…

• 

  Hybroid on 12/08/2025 - 22:57

  +1

  You can submit a Form B144: https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b144.pdf

  You can mention multitools are permitted imports (provided no automatically opening blades): https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-yo…

  Beyond that, good luck. It may have been confiscated due to recent Jack's Law, or being a knock-off copy of something else, or any other reason.

• 

  sumyungguy on 12/08/2025 - 23:16

  I never pay attention to my Ali purchases but any idea what commodity they declared?

  • 

    sumyungguy on 13/08/2025 - 11:46

    … because it could be an issue with the exporter making an inaccurate customs commodity declaration.

  • 

    apsilon on 13/08/2025 - 12:23

    You were downvoted but I've had multiple Ali orders with the wrong/inaccurate contents declared.

    • 

      sumyungguy on 13/08/2025 - 12:29

      Yep, if it's a parcel that customs chooses to pull out for inspection it can become a problem; likely spotted via x-ray

• 

  JIMB0 on 12/08/2025 - 23:31

  +2

  Good chance they'll raid your house next. Happened to a bloke I worked with who was importing questionable items.

  • 

    jv on 12/08/2025 - 23:42

    +1

    ↑↑↑ this ↑↑↑

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  apsilon on 13/08/2025 - 07:19

  +1

  They're allowed so the question is - is that what they actually sent you or did they send something else that is restricted.

• 

  pegaxs on 13/08/2025 - 07:43

  +2

  Nah, some border agent needed a new SOG tool and just thought yours looked like a good replacement.

• 

  Muppet Detector on 14/08/2025 - 19:33

  Maybe it's not about what can be imported but who is allowed to import it?

  Eg, I'm reasonably certain that it is not legal for me to import a gun into Australia, but assuming that not all guns sold in Australia are made in Australia, I'm guessing that somebody is allowed to import guns into Australia.