Import Conditions

Case: Insects and insect products for human consumption Effective 19 May 2021 to 16 Jun 2021

1. Prior to the importation of goods into Australian territory, a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is required.

   An import permit may be obtained by submitting an import permit application to the department (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.



Important reminder to importers


Goods that require a valid import permit, but arrive without one, including where an import permit application is currently under consideration, will be directed for export from Australian territory or required to be destroyed in an approved manner.


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 Australian territory, 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. Under the Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016 and Chapter 9, Part 2 of the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, fees are payable to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for all services. Detail on how the department applies fees and levies may be found in the Charging guidelines.

7. In addition to the conditions for the goods being imported, non-commodity concerns must be assessed including container cleanliness, packaging and destination concerns, and may be subject to inspection and treatment on arrival. Please refer to the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance BICON case for further information.

8. Once biosecurity requirements have been met, it is the importer's responsibility to comply with the Imported Food Control Act 1992 and ensure food being imported is safe and compliant with Australian standards including the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Consignments of food may be referred for inspection and analysis under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme to verify safety and compliance. Some foods, such as beef and raw milk cheese, are not permitted to be imported without a recognised foreign government certificate.



You may require a wildlife trade permit and/or other approvals from the Wildlife Trade Regulation section. More information is available on the International wildlife trade webpage.