Market
Cinnamon powder in Australia is an import-dependent spice/ingredient market supplied primarily through international trade rather than domestic production. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Australia imported about US$3.24 million (829,119 kg) of crushed/ground cinnamon (HS 090620) in 2023, with Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka among the leading sources. Imported cinnamon intended for sale must meet DAFF biosecurity import conditions (BICON) and may be referred to DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) to verify compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Food-safety incidents have occurred in-market, including an Australian recall of cinnamon sticks and powder in 2024 due to chemical (metals) contamination.
Market RoleNet importer and domestic consumer market
Domestic RoleImported spice/ingredient used in household retail, foodservice and food manufacturing; domestic supply is primarily import-driven.
SeasonalityYear-round availability is primarily determined by import logistics and inventory management rather than domestic harvest season.
Risks
Food Safety HighCinnamon powder has been recalled in Australia due to chemical (metals) contamination, demonstrating a credible risk of consumer harm, enforcement action, and major commercial disruption if contaminant levels exceed limits applicable under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (including Standard 1.4.1).Use approved suppliers with documented contaminant controls; implement batch-level heavy metals testing and retain certificates of analysis; keep robust traceability and recall readiness.
Biosecurity MediumNon-compliance with DAFF biosecurity import conditions for plant-based products (including dried/ground spices) can lead to border holds, treatment directions, re-export or destruction, disrupting supply continuity.Confirm commodity permissions and conditions in BICON before shipment; ensure accurate declarations and clean, compliant packaging to reduce biosecurity intervention risk.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImported cinnamon intended for sale may be referred to DAFF’s IFIS for label/visual inspection and testing; non-compliant labelling or failures in inspection/testing can delay release and increase future inspection rates via compliance history or holding orders.Pre-validate labels against the Food Standards Code; maintain complete import documentation and product specifications to support IFIS inspection and any required testing.
Supply Chain Integrity MediumAs a dried, ground spice, cinnamon is exposed to integrity risks such as contamination during drying/storage and potential mycotoxin risks in spice supply chains, which can trigger non-compliance and recalls if not controlled.Apply good agricultural/manufacturing/storage practices aligned with Codex guidance for mycotoxin prevention in spices; require supplier HACCP/GMP controls and conduct periodic verification testing.
Labor & Social- Large businesses importing cinnamon into Australia may be subject to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 reporting requirement (annual Modern Slavery Statements) and are expected to identify and address modern slavery risks in supply chains.
FAQ
What are the key Australian compliance regimes for importing cinnamon powder for sale?Imports must meet DAFF biosecurity import conditions (checked via BICON) and comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. DAFF may also inspect imported cinnamon under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) to check labelling and, where applicable, test for safety and compliance.
What happens if an imported cinnamon consignment fails Australian imported food inspection or testing?Under DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme, failing food cannot be released. The importer may need to relabel the goods if the issue is labelling, or otherwise re-export or destroy the consignment under supervision; DAFF can also increase inspection rates for future consignments.
Has cinnamon powder been recalled in Australia due to contamination?Yes. FSANZ published a recall in Queensland in August 2024 for cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder due to chemical (metals) contamination, advising consumers not to eat the product and to return it for a refund.