All imported food intended for sale in Australia must be safe and meet Australia's food standards. We regulate food that is imported for sale to check it is safe and compliant with these standards.
All food imports must meet biosecurity import conditions first.
Have Your Say on Amendments to the Imported Food Control Order 2019
We are proposing changes to the food safety requirements for imported dates, melons, enoki mushrooms, pufferfish and kava. These foods will be risk classified and the department is proposing new risk management measures for their import.&
You are invited to respond to the questions posed within the consultation paper. The department will assess all submissions and consider whether amendments to the proposed risk management is required while still achieving the objectives of the Imported Food Control Act 1992.
Your feedback will help inform our implementation of the proposed legislative changes.
To have your say:
- read the consultation paper
- use our online survey to submit your feedback or upload a document.
Submit your comments by AEST 5 pm, 6 December 2024.
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Types of food imports
Imported food must meet certain requirements. This depends on the food safety risk.
What to prepare
Documents and declarations
You must provide us with certain information when you import food. Find out how and what to lodge.
Foreign government arrangements
We may require foreign government certificates for certain food. See where these arrangements apply.
On arrival
Inspection and testing
We inspect and test imported food intended for sale to check it is safe and compliant under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. The frequency of inspection and testing depends on the food safety risk of the food imported.
Appointed analysts
Laboratories test imported food to verify safety and compliance with Australia's food standards. To become an appointed analyst, laboratories must apply and meet our conditions of appointment.
Stay informed
Check our imported food notices for updates on imported food requirements.
Our role
We administer laws and regulations relating to importing food.
The Imported Food Control Act 1992 provides for us to operate the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Find out more about the legislation we administer.
Food regulation system
We monitor imported food intended for sale at the border for safety and compliance with Australia’s food standards as part of the wider food regulation system.
Find out more about Australia’s food regulation system.
Imported Food Consultative Committee
We work with food and beverage import industry representatives, analysts and government agencies to consider practical and strategic issues that impact food imports.