Kava
Kava has different import requirements and set amounts for personal use or for commercial food use.
Kava is a substance made from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). Different rules apply depending on whether you are bringing kava into Australia for personal use, importing it for food use, or importing it for medical or scientific purposes.
Key information
- Travellers aged 18 years or over may bring up to 4 kg of kava powder into Australia in accompanied baggage.
- Different arrangements apply in the Northern Territory.
- Commercial imports of kava for food use require an import permit.
- All imports must comply with biosecurity requirements.
Choose your situation
Travelling with kava for personal use
Find out the rules for bringing kava into Australia for personal use, including quantity limits and traveller requirements.Importing kava into Australia for food use
Import kava into Australia for food use. Learn about permit requirements, eligibility criteria, biosecurity obligations and how to apply for an import permit.Importing kava into Australia for medical and scientific purposes
Information for people who import kava into Australia for medical and scientific purposes only.
News
The Kava Pilot and the final report
Kava pilot ends on 31 December 2023, with a decision on future imports pending; importers can continue applying for permissions in the meantime.