Alerts

From 18th January 2020, all hops including dried hops or hops cones (Humulus lupulus) for human consumption will require an import permit and mandatory treatment. The hops will also require to be heat treated either on arrival or offshore to mitigate the associated biosecurity risks. Importers are urged to apply for an import permit as soon as possible.

To view the relevant import conditions and apply for an import permit, please refer to the Processed and dried hops for human consumption and processing on BICON.

Background:
Following the completion of the departmental review of risks assessments for dried hops for human consumption, it has been suggested that additional risk mitigation measures should be introduced to meet Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).

Dried hops for human consumption which are not treated by a departmental approved method pose a risk of introducing exotic pathogens of biosecurity concern which are not considered to be present in Australia.

Dried hops will no longer be permitted under the Dried herbs for human consumption BICON case. The relevant conditions can be found within the Processed and dried hops for human consumption and processing.

Who does this alert affect?
Importers, approved arrangements, freight forwarders and brokers that deal with hops for human consumption.

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