Market
Black tea in Australia is primarily an import-supplied consumer market, with limited domestic cultivation and processing. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows Australia imported black tea (HS 090230) in 2024 at approximately USD 94.4 million and 9,363.9 tonnes, indicating strong import dependence for retail packings. Domestic production exists in regions such as Far North Queensland (Atherton Tablelands/Malanda area) and Northern New South Wales (Murwillumbah/Tweed region), but scale is small relative to import volumes. Industry reporting has highlighted declining supermarket demand for traditional black tea among Australian consumers in recent years, alongside shifts toward other beverages and higher-value tea products.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market with limited domestic production)
Domestic RoleMainstream hot beverage staple supplied largely through imports, with small domestic-grown niche production and local blending/packing activity
Market GrowthDeclining (Early-to-mid 2020s (recent industry reporting))Reported decline in supermarket demand for traditional black tea, with consumer preference shifts toward other beverages and higher-value tea products
Risks
Food Safety HighImported black tea can be held, tested, or rejected if it does not meet Australian food standards (including residue/contaminant limits and relevant labelling requirements); DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme can place consignments on hold pending inspection/testing outcomes.Implement a documented supplier approval program (COAs, residue/contaminant testing plans aligned to the Food Standards Code), and maintain label/claims review to avoid non-compliant labelling triggers.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification risk arises if products marketed as tea contain non-Camellia sinensis botanicals (herbal teas/infusions), which may face different biosecurity pathways and potentially additional import requirements compared with Camellia sinensis tea.Confirm botanical composition and HS classification pre-shipment; verify the applicable DAFF BICON pathway for the exact ingredient list and product form (loose leaf, tea bags, powders).
Logistics MediumAustralia’s import dependence makes black tea supply continuity sensitive to international freight disruption and lead-time variability, which can affect retailer program execution and landed costs.Use multi-origin sourcing and maintain safety stock buffers for key retail SKUs; contract forward freight capacity where feasible.
Reputational And ESG MediumLabour-rights concerns in global tea production can create reputational and compliance exposure for Australian buyers, especially where Modern Slavery Act reporting applies to large entities operating in Australia.Map tier-1 and (where feasible) upstream supply chains, require social compliance auditing/credible certification where appropriate, and document grievance/remediation processes for reporting.
Sustainability- Certification and sustainability claims scrutiny in global tea supply chains (e.g., Rainforest Alliance and other schemes), including climate-smart agriculture and agrochemical management expectations
- Climate and weather variability in major origin countries can affect availability and price for an import-dependent market
Labor & Social- Modern slavery and labour-rights risk exposure can exist in global tea supply chains; Australian entities meeting thresholds may have Modern Slavery Act reporting and due diligence expectations
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management
- GFSI-recognised certification (e.g., BRCGS Food Safety, FSSC 22000) where required by major retailers/import programs
FAQ
Do I need an Australian DAFF import permit to import black tea (Camellia sinensis) for human consumption?For tea made purely of Camellia sinensis (black/green), DAFF guidance and BICON indicate it is considered minimal biosecurity risk and an import permit is not required. BICON notes the tea must be thoroughly dried and not capable of propagation, and random inspections may occur.
What is the customs duty rate for black tea imports into Australia under HS 0902?Australia’s Customs Tariff Schedule 3 lists tea under HS 0902 with a duty rate of Free, including 0902.30.00 (black tea in immediate packings not exceeding 3 kg) and 0902.40.00 (other black tea).
Can imported black tea be inspected or tested before it can be sold in Australia?Yes. DAFF operates a risk-based Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) to monitor compliance with Australian food standards. Referred consignments must be held and may be inspected and/or tested before they can be distributed.