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Kava in Australia
We’re Celebrating
Australia has a long history of kava use, dating back to the 19th century when it was first used in Australia. But the 2007 ban on kava in Australia and the subsequent ban on imports to Australia changed things and made it a whole lot more difficult for Australians to access quality kava and traditional kava ceremonies. After all, this isn’t just any herb we’re talking about here. Kava is a cultural significance for many people across the Pacific Islands for thousands of years.
Due to a range of geopolitical issues the Australian Government decided to change their position on kava in Australia. From the period 2019 to 2021 they built a template for allowing kava in Australia to be legal again. This resulted in the roll out of what is known as the “Phase 2 kava trial” in January 2022. This came after discussions with Pacific Trade partners, kava industry bodies and all the relevant Australian Government arms to apply an import Permit system.
Kava to a greater audience in Australia!
The Phase 2 Kava Trial operates
under the following conditions:
- Tourists entering Australia by plane can bring a maximum of up to 4kg of Kava Powder.
- Commercial Importers of kava must lodge a Kava Import Permit with the Office of Drug Control which outlines the manifest (full details of the kava import) and the due arrival date.
- Importers must wait until the import license has been approved and they have received written notification of approval by the Office of Drug Control, prior to importing their order.
- All kava imports are inspected by Australian Quarantine and the Australian Border Force and Australian Quarantine. These bodied analyse each shipment and do microbial testing.
- All imports must state country of origin. If they are packaged retail ready they must abide by local packaging and food laws.
- The Australian and New Zealand Food Safety Standards mean that only kava powder and kava extract made using an aqueous extraction process can be imported. Furthermore, kava can only be sold in a powder form and not in a Ready To Drink or adulterated format.
The Full process in its entirety can be found on Australia’s Kava Pilot.
For Pacific Islanders, Kava afficionados and people interested in kava this decision by the Australian Government is momentous. Now after 15 years, Australians are again able to buy and enjoy kava.
Australia Kava Shop welcomes this decision by the Australian Government to bring kava back into Australia and engage with their Pacific neighbours! Kava in Australia – We’re celebrating all right!
