Alerts

Upcoming changes to conditions for low-THC hemp food products

Who does this notice affect?
Potential importers of hulled hemp seed for human consumption.

What is changing?
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) is to be amended to permit the sale (and import) of low-THC hemp foods. Details of this change are on the FSANZ web site at this link: www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/generalissues/hemp/Pages/default.aspx

The amendment to the Code will not come into effect until 12 November 2017.

Until the amendments to the Code come into effect the sale (and import) of low-THC hemp products for human consumption is not permitted in Australian territories. If low-THC hemp products are imported before the Code is amended the department will require goods to be destroyed or re-exported.

Importers will only be able to apply for a BICON import permit for low-THC hemp seeds for human consumption after 12 November 2017.

Dried cannabis leaves and highly processed cannabis based products such as cannabis oil or extract can only be imported for cosmetic use until the code is amended.

For all cannabis seed or cannabis based products regardless of their end use, importers are also required to obtain other permits from the Office of Drug Control, Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration, local and/or state governments.

Further information
For enquires relating to cannabis related import conditions please contact imports@agriculture.gov.au or 1800 900 090.