A man has been arrested after more than 6,000 illegal weapons were seized at a Melbourne property.

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) intercepted a shipment from China based on intelligence provided by Victoria Police.

During a search of the container, officers found knuckledusters, electric shock devices and extendable batons.

Police say they became aware of the suspicious shipment after a tip-off from the public.

A Thomastown man aged 43 has been arrested for importing various prohibited weapons.

The maximum penalty is a fine of $425,000 and/or up to 10 years in jail.