Kava pilot (phases 1 and 2)

On 11 October 2019, the then Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced that the Australian Government is stepping up its commitment to the Pacific by launching the kava pilot to increase stronger cultural and economic ties between Australia and Pacific Island nations.

The purpose of the kava pilot is to:

• Provide greater access to kava in Australia without compromising public health and safety
• Understand the social, cultural, economic and health effects of increased availability of kava
• Respect state and territory governments' regulatory role
• Increase trade opportunities

The first phase of the kava pilot was implemented in December 2019.

This allows incoming passengers 18 years and over to bring up to 4kg of kava (powder) into Australia in their accompanied baggage.

Monitoring and evaluating the effects of both phases of the kava pilot will continue over a two-year period from 1 December 2021.

The Australian Government implemented the second phase of the pilot program to increase the amount of kava allowed to be imported in Australia.

This measure allows for the commercial importation of kava from 1 December 2021.

Why is this important?

This will help deepen economic, trade and bilateral ties with the Pacific region.

Australia is a major economic partner and enables opportunity for our Pacific neighbours. Kava restrictions have long been a point of discussion for Pacific island countries.

Eased limitations on the importation of kava are in recognition of the cultural and economic importance of kava for Pacific Island countries.

The first phase of the pilot, which has been implemented, increased the amount of kava allowed to be imported for personal use from 2 kilograms to 4 kilograms per passenger.

The second phase allows for the commercial importation of kava from 1 December 2021, and will monitor and evaluate the personal and commercial kava importation initiatives.

Who will benefit?

Pacific Islander communities within Australia will benefit from the extension of the pilot, as will Australian businesses wishing to import kava.

How much will this cost?

This will cost $1.9 million from 2020-21 to 2023-24.

The second phase of the kava pilot will allow the commercial importation of kava for food use with no limit on quantity, and was implemented on 1 December 2021.

The final report on the monitoring and evaluation of second phase of the kava pilot program

The final report on the monitoring and evaluation of the second phase of the kava pilot is now available. To view the final report, please follow the link directly below:

Final report on the monitoring and evaluation of the kava pilot

Next steps

The Kava pilot ends on 31 December 2023. The Australian Government will make a decision on future imports of kava following the end of the pilot period. There is no date set for a decision. 

The arrangements under the pilot remain in place up until any decision is made by the Australian Government. 

Until any potential changes are implemented, importers can continue to apply for import permission for kava from the Office of Drug Control (ODC).