About the kava pilot
The Australian Government introduced the kava pilot to increase access to kava in Australia while continuing to protect public health and safety.
The pilot also aimed to:
- strengthen cultural and economic ties with Pacific Island countries
- understand the social, cultural, economic and health effects of increased access to kava
- create more trade opportunities
- recognise the role of state and territory governments in regulating kava.
Phase 1: personal imports
Phase 1 started in December 2019.
It increased the amount of kava powder that travellers aged 18 years and over could bring into Australia in their accompanied baggage from 2 kg to 4 kg per passenger.
Phase 2: commercial imports
Phase 2 started on 1 December 2021.
It allowed commercial imports of kava for food use, with no quantity limit under the pilot arrangements. The change was intended to increase trade opportunities and recognise the cultural and economic importance of kava to Pacific Island countries.
Monitoring and evaluation
The Australian Government monitored and evaluated the effects of the changes to personal and commercial kava imports.
The final evaluation report for phase 2 is available from this page.
Final report on the monitoring and evaluation of the kava pilot
The end of the pilot
The kava pilot ended on 31 December 2023.
For current requirements, including whether you need permission to import kava, go to the Kava section of the Office of Drug Control (ODC) website.