Information about importing plant products for human consumption

This page provides information on importing plant products used for human consumption.  If your product contains any other material such as egg, milk, milk powder, dietary supplements etc, please refer to the information on the Biological Products page.

Herbal teas and natural medicines

Herbal teas as well as some traditional and alternative medicines, are mixtures of many dried plant ingredients. Sometimes they can be contaminated with insects, plant diseases, seeds, fungi or animal matter.

If you import teas or therapeutics, check the Import Conditions database (ICON) first to see which import conditions apply – this may include applying for an import permit.  If an import permit is not needed, a physical inspection or treatment may still be required before your products are released from quarantine.
Some teas and natural medicines have been highly processed, such as, tea bags, instant teas, soluble powders, capsules, tablets and granules. These products will not need an import permit or require treatment, however, you will need to provide the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) with information that shows your products are highly processed, before they will be released. 

Dried herbs and spices

You can import most dried culinary herbs and spices for human consumption without an import permit, however, import conditions can change at any time.  Before you import check ICON for the current import conditions.

For commercial imports please refer to the ICON case for each ingredient in the consignment. ICON will direct you to the import permit application if one is required.

Processed grain and seed

Processed grains and seeds are products such as flour, flakes, nuts, seeds, meal, meslin, bran, protein flour, puffed, exploded or rolled. These processing methods are often applied to grains and seeds such as amaranth, brown or white rice, pea, barley, corn, lentils, oats and many more.

Some of these products can be imported for personal and commercial use without an import permit, but you should check with ICON first.  If the conditions outlined in ICON cannot be met, or the end use is not ‘human consumption’, an import permit may be required.

Other plant products for human consumption

More information on other products such as dried fruit, processed fruit and vegetables, coffee, nuts and oils can also be found on ICON.

Useful information

Frequently asked questions 
Biological Products
Dried herbs and herbal products

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the frequently asked questions about importing plant products page.

You can search for other plant products on ICON.

Contact us

If you require further information about animal feed or any of the other products listed on this page or would like to provide feedback to AQIS, contact Plant Products in Canberra on:

Ph:  + 61 2 6272 3917
Fax: + 61 2 6272 3745
Mail:  GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
or AQIS Plant Quarantine