IMPORTING FOOD FOR PRIVATE (PERSONAL) COMSUMPTION

Your complete guide on how to start and do business with Australia. Information such as import/export regulations, customs information, tax , currency, copyrights, etc.

The following information covers the importation of food for private consumption as permitted under the provisions of the Imported Food Control Act 1992.

NOTE: Before you import a food into Australia for private consumption you must first determine if the type of food you intend to import, will be allowed into Australia under quarantine laws. Quarantine restrictions apply to many raw foods, certain processed foods, and particularly, foods such as meat or milk or eggs or foods containing meat or milk or egg as an ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can't I take into Australia?
2. Can I import food for private consumption or bring food into Australia when arriving from another country?
3. How much food can I import for private consumption?
4. What if I have quantities of food for private consumption that are in excess of the amounts allowed?
5. Do the labels on foods imported for private consumption have to comply with Australia's labelling laws?
6. Do imported food laws apply to therapeutic goods imported for for personal use?
7. What if the food I import is in a capsule or tablet form?
8. What if I order food or goods over the internet?

1. What can't I take into Australia?

Goods that must be declared and cannot be brought into Australia are listed in the 'What can't I take into Australia' document. To obtain printed copies of this brochure contact: brochure@aqis.gov.au

2. Can I import food for private consumption or bring food into Australia when arriving from another country?

A person may import designated amounts of food for private consumption under Australia's imported food laws. Amounts greater than those listed below are commercial consignments and are liable for inspection by the Imported Foods Program. Please check quarantine requirements by searching the import conditions database or contact the Biological Unit or Imported Food Program before purchasing food you intend to bring into Australia.

3. How much food can I import for private consumption?

The amount of food a person may import for private consumption depends on the kind of food so please read the following carefully.

The amounts allowed per person are:

* For a food that is in liquid form, less than 10 litres.
NOTE: Lesser limits may apply to alcoholic beverages under Customs laws;
* For food that is not in liquid form, less than 10 kilograms;
* For concentrated liquid foods that are used in the preparation of other foods and not usually consumed unless as part of other prepared foods, not more than 2 litres;
* For moisture reduced foods (however packed) other than liquid foods, that are used in the preparation of other foods and not usually consumed unless as part of other prepared foods, not more than 2 kilograms;
* Spices (however packed) that are used in the preparation of other foods and not usually consumed unless as part of other prepared foods, total net weight of not more than 1 kilogram.

Please contact your nearest AQIS Regional office or the Imported Food Program if you are unsure about the category for the food you wish to import.

4. What if I have quantities of food for private consumption that are in excess of the amounts allowed?

Where a person imports food that is in excess than the amounts allowed for private consumption they may have two options:

1. Arrange to take with you only the amount of food allowed, per person, for the kind of food presented, (the balance is destroyed by AQIS), or
2. You may have the option of having the food treated as a commercial consignment. This means that the food may be subject to inspection or inspection and analysis under the provisions of the Imported Food Control Act 1992. Should the consignment be treated as a commercial entry, as the importer, you will be liable for:

* the costs associated with lodging an entry with Australian Customs Service; and
* should an inspection of the food be required, the cost of the inspection and the cost of any laboratory analysis that may be applied to the food.

5. Do the labels on foods imported for private consumption have to comply with Australia's labelling laws?

No. Labelling laws do not apply to food imported for private consumption providing the amount of food imported does not exceed the amounts permitted for private consumption.

6. Do imported food laws apply to therapeutic goods imported for for personal use?

No. The Imported Food Control Act 1992 does not apply to any therapeutic goods. It should be noted that not all goods sold in capsules or in tablet form, are therapeutics. Many goods that are presented in capsule or tablet form may be a food under Australian law.

7. What if the food I import is in a capsule or tablet form?

If the goods you import are deemed to be a food, the amount you will be allowed to import will depend on the form the food is in. The amounts listed above will apply.

8. What if I order food or goods over the internet?

Not all food or products available on the internet can be imported into Australia. Remember that it is illegal to send or receive prohibited materials, even in small quantities, via the mail exchange. Mail entering Australia is checked and prohibited items are confiscated and offenders may be prosecuted. More information on ordering goods over the internet is available here.