On 11 October 2019, Australia launched a commercial pilot for kava. The pilot recognises the deep cultural significance of kava for Pacific Island communities both in Australia and across the Pacific region. Kava is also an important agricultural resource for many Pacific island countries. The pilot also supports broader efforts to increase stronger cultural and economic ties between Australia and Pacific island countries.

The pilot consists of two phases:

• Phase 1 - Increasing the amount of kava that incoming passengers (18 years or over) are allowed to bring into Australia in their accompanied baggage from 2kg to 4kg. Phase 1 commenced in December 2019.
• Phase 2 - Allowing the commercial importation of kava: this phase of the pilot allows for the commercial importation of kava into Australia for use as a food. This phase commenced on 1 December 2021.

Although the Kava Pilot has now ended, arrangements under the pilot remain unchanged – Kava exporters and importers can continue to apply for import permits from the Office of Drug Control (Department of Health).

To apply for a permit to commercially import kava as a food, visit the Office of Drug Control’s website – Application forms. Guidance material can be found directly next to the kava permit application form.

For further information about the kava pilot, refer to the factsheets below or visit Office of Drug Control.

Factsheets

These factsheets provide basic information about Phase 2 of the kava pilot:

• Permits & importing [DOCX 385 KB]
• Permits & importing [PDF 325 KB]
• Biosecurity requirements [DOCX 290 KB]
• Biosecurity requirements [PDF 335 KB]
• Imported food requirements [DOCX 300 KB]
• Imported food requirements [PDF 325 KB]
• Monitoring and Evaluation [DOCX 340 KB]
• Monitoring and Evaluation [PDF 255 KB]
• Labelling requirements fact sheet [PDF 1 MB]
• Frequently Asked Questions [DOCX 275 KB]
• Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 305 KB]

Useful links

Regulation allowing for the commercial importation of kava as a food

• Customs (Prohibited Imports) Amendment (Commercial Importation of Kava as Food) Regulations 2021

Department of Health

• Office of Drug Control

Australian Border Force

• Prohibited goods
• Can you bring it in?
• Australian Customs Notices

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• DAFF kava webpage
• Import Conditions - Case: Kava for human consumption
• Imported food legislation
• Imported Food Notice - requirements for importing kava

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

PHAMA Plus

Pacific Kava Export Industry Overview

Pacific Trade Invest

Industry Focus: Kava, the green gold of the Pacific