Purpose of the kava pilot
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
Kava pilot phase 1
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.
Kava pilot phase 2
The Australian Government will implement a second phase of the pilot program to increase the amount of kava allowed to be imported in Australia.
This measure will allow the commercial importation of kava by 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.
Last year, the Prime Minister announced a pilot program to ease limitations on the importation of kava, 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.
This phase will allow for the commercial importation of kava by 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 was implemented on 1 December 2021.
Next steps
Monitoring and evaluating the effects of both phases of the kava pilot will continue over a two-year period from 1 December 2021.