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Kava Importation 

​Australia has commenced a 2 year commercial pilot  allowing commercial importation of kava as a food with limited use.
Kava is a plant based, non alcoholic drink used in the South Pacific Island nations for traditional and recreational use.
Kava has a depressant effect, kavalactones being a psychoactive ingredient.
The classification and management control of Kava use in Australia has a long history.

Australia commenced a pilot program in 2019  to relax the importation of kava and has recently allowed the commercial importation of Kava in Stage 2 of the pilot program from 1 December 2021. The relaxation of importation controls acknowledges the role of kava in cultural activities of South Pacific Island countries and the potential commercial opportunities relating to kava as a food product across the South Pacific / Australasian region.
The adjustment to Customs ( Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 allows for commercial supply of Kava into Australia. Refer to Customs ( Prohibited Imports ) Amendment ( Commercial Importation of Kava as Food ) Regulation 2021. Commercial importation is now allowable under 5F of this regulation.There are  also controls applied to kava as a food in the Food Standards Code and control of importation through the Imported Food Control  Act 1992. FSANZ is currently undertaking a review of the Food Standards Code relating to kava as food.
December 1 2021  saw  phase 2 of a pilot program relating to commercial importation of Kava as a food commence, with the pilot program running until the end of 2023, with a decision about the kava scheme and controls expected 2024. Kava can not be imported into Australia without a permit and must meet  the applicable control requirements applicable to kava as a food or a therapeutic good and biosecurity requirements.

Kava as Food
All food imported into Australia must be safe and comply with Australian food standards, including 
Kava food products permitted by Standard 2.6.3 of the Code are either:
  • a beverage obtained by the aqueous suspension of kava (Piper methysticum) root using cold water only, and not using any organic solvent
  • dried or raw kava (Piper methysticum) root
Only kava powder and kava beverages (using cold water only) are currently permitted.
Kava products must include the warning statements
  • "Use in moderation"
  • "May cause drowsiness"
Kava as a Therapeutic Good
Kava is also listed as a therapeutic goods when intended for oral use, taken as a tablet, capsule or teabag.
The allowable dosage is limited to 125 mg of kavalactones per unit, which is less that  that now allowed in beverages, made using the kava root powder.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration  also requires a licence for kava importation and a permit for each consignment. There are some specific warning statements required for TGA approved Kava products, including warning statements for expectant women and minors.

Individual use:
Individuals are able to bring 4 kilos of kava for personal use in baggage, when arriving into Australia.

Importers of kava should note:
  • Strict conditions apply for the permit to import kava
  • State and Territory  requirements and regulations to import, distribute and sell kava vary. 
    Some states and territories require registration of the business as a importer/ distributor of food and a relevant food safety program
  • Kava powder or beverage mixed with cold water only  
  • Permit periods  and quantities apply
  • Records of supply of kava, ( date of supply, purchaser and quantity)
  • Compliance to the Food Standards Code and Biosecurity is required for each import permit and consignment.
  • Additional warning statements relating to kava products apply
  • ACCC Country of Origin Food labelling applies
  • Inspections of kava products will verify compliance to all requirements including labelling
  • Kava powders and beverages differ in strength. Extracts of Kava are likely to be prohibited as the concentrated nature of these makes them exceed the allowable strength of Kavalactones. Kava cannot be mixed with other foods, flavours, colours or additives.

Further information on importing Kava into Australia is available from :
  • DFAT Flyer Kava permits and importation
  • DFAT Kava Pilot Program
  • DFAT Imported Food Requirements
  • DFAT Frequently Asked Questions

Correct Food Systems has experience in assisting importers of Kava with professional advise on compliant labelling of the product, to be sold in Australia.
Please contact Correct Food Systems for assistance with correct and compliant importation of Kava as a food into Australia.
Standard hourly fee for service charges will apply.

This information has been prepared as a guide only and CFS is not responsible for the correct application of such information for importation , permits or labelling unless specifically commissioned to provide professional advice for a client, relating to a specific kava product.

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lisa@correctfoodsystems.com.au
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