Alerts

On the 28th April 2022 updated import conditions for kava powder and new pathways for the importation of dried kava root and rhizome (whole or sliced) and frozen raw kava root and rhizome (whole or sliced) will be published on BICON. This publication will coincide with changes being made under Phase 4 of the urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) for ‘other risk plant products’.

Kava powder packages in greater than 25kg bags arriving as other than mail, accompanied baggage or low value freight must be accompanied by a valid phytosanitary certificate with the additional declaration: Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern.

Dried kava root and rhizome (whole or sliced) must be thoroughly dried and will require inspection on arrival. Goods arriving as other than mail, accompanied baggage or low value freight must be accompanied by a valid phytosanitary certificate with the additional declaration: Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern.

Frozen raw kava root and rhizome (whole or sliced) must be commercially prepared and packaged in clean and new packaging. The goods must have been washed and continuously maintained at -18 °C or below for a period of at least seven consecutive days and must arrive frozen.

Who does this alert affect?
Importers of kava powder and kava products, brokers, Pathway Operations Cargo - Assessment and Inspections.

Further information:
For additional information you can email Plant Import Operations Branch at imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.