Alerts

The department has created a new BICON case setting out the biosecurity conditions for importing betel nut for human consumption. An information notice reminding importers of Australia’s imported food requirements for betel nut has also been included.

The biosecurity conditions for importing betel nut into Australia for personal use and commercial sale remain unchanged. Key requirements include being free from fleshy pericarp and biosecurity risk material.

Importing as accompanied baggage or mail:
The maximum amount of betel nut that can be inspected at an airport or mail centre is currently 10kg.

Consignments over 10kg will be directed by a biosecurity officer to a department approved arrangement site for inspection. The importer is required to pay all associated costs.

Note: Due to the high volumes of betel nut being imported with passengers and as mail, the department is reviewing this quantity limit. Any changes to this quantity limit will be communicated to stakeholders prior to implementation.

Importing as air or sea freight:
If importing betel nut as air or sea freight, you must comply with Australia’s:

• biosecurity requirements; and
• Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Importers are reminded that betel nut is listed as a prohibited plant under Schedule 23 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This means this plant, a part or a derivative of, or a substance derived from this plant, is prohibited from being sold as a food, or being used as an ingredient or component in a food for sale.

The department operates a risk based food inspection scheme at the border, the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, to monitor imports of food for safety and for compliance with Australia’s food standards. Any prohibited plant or fungus, derivative of, or a substance derived from a prohibited plant or fungus, including betel nut, that is referred to the IFIS for inspection and that presents as a food (for example, containing a nutrition information panel) will be prohibited entry and must be re-exported or destroyed. Statements that the betel nut is for ‘religious purposes’ or ‘not for human consumption’ will not be accepted. This is because the betel nut has been imported as a commercial consignment and presents as food for sale.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers (including air passengers and people who import via mail) and brokers of betel nuts (Areca catechu).

Further information:
Learn more about importing food into Australia.

Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.