Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormGround (Roasted, Decaffeinated)
Industry PositionConsumer Packaged Beverage Product
Market
Decaffeinated ground coffee in Australia is primarily supplied through imports and domestic roasting/packing, with retail availability in packaged formats. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Australia imported roasted, decaffeinated coffee (HS 090122) worth about USD 8.78 million (488,722 kg) in 2023, with Switzerland and Italy among the largest supplier origins by value. Imported foods sold in Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, alongside DAFF biosecurity and imported food controls. Market access risk is driven less by seasonality and more by import classification, packaging cleanliness, and label compliance at the border.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic roasting/packing market
Domestic RoleDomestic roasting/grinding/packing and retail distribution market supplied via imports and local roasters
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighAustralia’s biosecurity and imported-food controls can block or severely disrupt shipments if the consignment is classified under the wrong BICON scenario or fails import conditions (e.g., not clean/free of biosecurity risk material, not in clean/new packaging, or missing required approvals for a different scenario). BICON warns that goods requiring a permit that arrive without one may be directed for export or destruction.Confirm the exact product scenario in DAFF BICON before shipping (roasted/ground vs green; any special categories), and implement pre-shipment checks for cleanliness, packaging condition, and label compliance.
Food Safety MediumImported decaffeinated ground coffee may be selected for border inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, which can include label assessment and risk-based sampling/testing; non-compliance can cause delay or rejection.Align labels and composition with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and maintain batch/lot traceability and recall readiness.
Labor & Social MediumFor large importers/retailers, inadequate modern slavery risk assessment and reporting across coffee supply chains creates regulatory and reputational exposure under Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 reporting framework.Map upstream suppliers (including decaffeination/roasting stages), document risk controls, and maintain evidence suitable for Modern Slavery Statements.
Logistics MediumFreight and port disruption can increase landed costs and cause stockouts for imported packaged decaffeinated ground coffee, especially where sourcing is concentrated in a small number of origin countries.Use diversified sourcing/origin options and maintain safety stock for key SKUs; consider dual sourcing via domestic roasting/packing where feasible.
Labor & Social- Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Australia): large entities operating in the Australian market (≥ AUD 100m consolidated revenue) have a modern slavery reporting requirement covering risks in operations and supply chains, published on the Modern Slavery Statements Register.
FAQ
Do roasted decaffeinated coffee products typically require an Australian import permit?For at least one common BICON scenario covering roasted coffee beans (not digested through an animal), DAFF indicates an import permit is not required, but the goods must be clean and packed in clean, new packaging. Importers should still confirm the exact scenario for roasted ground decaf coffee in BICON before shipping.
Which countries were major suppliers of roasted decaffeinated coffee to Australia in recent UN trade data?UN Comtrade data presented via World Bank WITS shows that in 2023 Australia’s HS 090122 (roasted, decaffeinated coffee) imports were led by Switzerland and Italy by value, with other European origins also supplying smaller amounts.
What are the core Australia-specific compliance areas for imported decaffeinated ground coffee sold at retail?Imported foods sold in Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (including labelling requirements under Standard 1.2.1 and related standards), and must also meet DAFF biosecurity and imported food controls, which can include risk-based border inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.