Market
Dried tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) in Australia are primarily a consumer market supplied by imports, alongside limited domestic production in Queensland (Atherton Tablelands) and small-scale Tasmanian growers. Australia is a net importer of tea (HS 0902) based on UN Comtrade data surfaced via the World Bank WITS platform. From a border perspective, DAFF’s BICON framework treats black/green/white teas as highly processed products posing minimal biosecurity risk, while still allowing random verification inspections for biosecurity risk material. Imported tea for sale must also meet Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code requirements, with DAFF applying risk-based monitoring at the border through the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Market RoleNet importer with limited domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic consumer market supported by imports; small domestic tea leaf production exists
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityDomestic Queensland tea estate production reports year-round harvesting with season-dependent harvest intervals; imports support year-round market availability.
Risks
Biosecurity HighNon-compliance with DAFF biosecurity conditions (e.g., product not thoroughly dried, presence of biosecurity risk material) can result in holds, inspection intervention, treatment directions, or other clearance disruption at the border.Align product specification and supplier attestations to DAFF BICON conditions (thoroughly dried; not capable of propagation) and maintain strong consignment hygiene/contamination controls to reduce inspection and intervention risk.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImported tea for sale may be referred to DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) for label/visual assessment and (where applicable) testing; a Food Control Certificate can place goods on hold and delay release until clearance actions are completed.Pre-validate labels and documentation against Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and origin labelling requirements; maintain inspection-ready documentation to avoid cancelled inspections and rework.
Food Safety MediumChemical residue non-compliance (MRLs) can trigger enforcement action and failed inspection outcomes for imported tea sold in Australia.Require supplier residue monitoring and COAs aligned to Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code MRL expectations; implement incoming-lot verification for high-risk origins/suppliers.
Labor And Human Rights MediumTea supply chains can carry modern slavery risks upstream; for large entities operating in Australia, inadequate due diligence can create compliance and reputational exposure under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 reporting regime.Implement supplier due diligence (risk mapping, audits/assessments, corrective action tracking) and document actions for Modern Slavery Statement preparation where applicable.
Logistics MediumSea-freight disruption and container availability swings can extend lead times and raise landed costs, impacting importer inventory planning in an import-dependent tea market.Use diversified origin/route options where possible, hold safety stock for key SKUs, and contract freight with buffer lead times for seasonal shipping congestion.
Sustainability- Sustainability and ethical sourcing certifications (e.g., Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, organic) are used in Australian tea market positioning (domestic and imported product lines).
- Transport-related emissions are relevant given import dependence and long sea-freight supply chains.
Labor & Social- Modern slavery due diligence expectations apply to large entities operating in Australia under the Modern Slavery Act 2018, which can affect tea sourcing decisions for imported supply chains.
- Upstream tea plantation labor conditions in source countries can create procurement and reputational risk for Australia-market importers and brands.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
Does Australia require a DAFF import permit for dried black/green/white tea (Camellia sinensis) for human consumption?DAFF’s BICON import conditions for tea for human consumption state that an import permit is not required for black, green and white teas (Camellia sinensis). BICON also notes these are highly processed products with minimal biosecurity risk, though random inspections may occur to verify consignments are free of biosecurity risk material and that the product is thoroughly dried and not capable of propagation.
How can imported tea be inspected or held at the Australian border for food safety compliance?DAFF monitors imported food under a risk-based Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS). The Department of Home Affairs’ Integrated Cargo System (ICS) can refer food shipments to DAFF, and DAFF can issue a Food Control Certificate directing the importer to hold goods for inspection and any required testing until clearance is granted.
What standard applies to pesticide and veterinary chemical residues in tea sold in Australia?Foods sold in Australia, including imported foods, must comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs) set in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. FSANZ explains that MRLs are legal limits for agricultural and veterinary chemical residues and are used by enforcement agencies to monitor compliance.