Import Conditions

Case: Insects and insect products for human consumption Effective 08 Jan 2016 to 26 Feb 2016

1. Prior to the importation of goods into Australia, a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture is required.
   

   An import permit may be obtained by submitting an import permit application to the department (if viewed online, use the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of this page).
   

   You will need to complete the relevant food products checklist, as you may be asked to provide it during the permit application. Please ensure that the relevant information is provided by the manufacturer of the product.
   

2. The following import conditions apply to dead insects (excluding bees) that are whole, powdered, cooked, dried and/or canned.

3. Permit applications may be accompanied by manufacturing details that outline any treatment or processing. Depending on the level of processing, the permit conditions may require that the goods be further treated on arrival.

4. On arrival in Australia, the goods may be subject to inspection to verify that they are free from live insects, plant or animal debris, soil and other biosecurity risk contaminants.

5. It is the importer’s responsibility to identify and ensure the goods comply with all requirements of any other regulatory and advisory bodies prior to and after importation.

6. Once biosecurity requirements have been met, it is the importer's responsibility to ensure that all imported food complies with the Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Warnings and Information Notices


The standards for labelling and composition of all food sold in Australia are set down in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.


It is the responsibility of the importer to comply with the Act and ensure imported food meets the requirements of the Food Standards Code and any other relevant Australian standards or requirements.


The Department of Agriculture monitors food safety hazards and compliance with the Food Standards Code by means of the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. The website provides information on how food is referred to the scheme.


Under the scheme the food may be held for inspection and testing. The inspection will involve a visual and label assessment and may also include sampling the food for testing.


All imported food is considered 'surveillance'. The tests that apply to surveillance food are detailed in Tests applied to surveillance food.


7. Under the Quarantine Service Fees Determination 2005, fees are payable to the Department of Agriculture for all services. A list of all quarantine & export fees is available on the Department of Agriculture's website.

8. Non-commodity information requirements for imported cargo also apply, please refer to the BICON case Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance.

Warnings and Information Notices


Timber packaging, pallets or dunnage associated with the consignment may be subject to inspection and treatment on arrival, unless sufficient evidence of a Department of Agriculture approved treatment is provided.


All documentation presented to the department to assist in determining the level of biosecurity risk posed by transportation pathways and packaging must also meet the requirements of the non-commodity case.