Improving access to imported food safety requirements
From mid-2025 imported food safety requirements will be incorporated into the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
See more about the Inclusion of food safety requirements in BICON.
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.
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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.