Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionPackaged Staple Food
Market
Fusilli (dry pasta) in Australia is supplied by both domestic manufacturing (e.g., San Remo’s Adelaide-based operations) and substantial imports. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Australia imported about USD 96.6 million (≈51.0 million kg) of HS 190219 (uncooked pasta, not containing eggs, not stuffed or otherwise prepared) in 2024, with Italy the largest source by value. Market access and on-shelf compliance are shaped by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ) labelling/allergen requirements and DAFF’s BICON and Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) controls at the border. As a shelf-stable staple, fusilli is available year-round and distributed primarily through mainstream grocery retail and foodservice channels.
Market RoleDomestic producer with significant imports (net importer for uncooked non-egg pasta HS 190219)
Domestic RoleMainstream shelf-stable staple product for household and foodservice use; supplied by domestic brands and imports
SeasonalityYear-round availability; shelf-stable dry pasta supply is not seasonal.
Specification
Primary VarietyFusilli (dry durum wheat semolina pasta; typically non-egg)
Secondary Variety- Wholemeal fusilli
- Gluten-free fusilli (grain/rice/corn blends depending on brand)
- Egg fusilli (where labelled as egg pasta)
Physical Attributes- Spiral/corkscrew shape designed to hold sauces and inclusions (common in pasta salads and sauced dishes)
- Dry, low-moisture product intended for ambient storage
Compositional Metrics- Wheat/gluten presence is a key compositional and labelling consideration under FSANZ allergen declarations
- Egg content (if used) must be declared as an allergen where applicable
Packaging- Sealed retail packs for ambient grocery shelves
- Bulk packs/cartons for foodservice distribution
- Labelling must meet FSANZ requirements including mandatory allergen declarations and applicable country-of-origin labelling rules
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic: durum wheat/semolina supply → pasta manufacturing (extrusion/forming and drying) → packaging → national distribution centres → retail/foodservice
- Imports: overseas manufacturer → sea freight to Australia → DAFF/ICS referral and IFIS inspection/testing where applicable → importer warehousing → retail/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport and storage; protect from moisture ingress to prevent quality loss and food safety issues
Shelf Life- Long shelf life when packaging integrity is maintained; humidity, pests, and packaging damage are key deterioration risks
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipments of imported pasta can be held under DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) and fail label/visual checks or testing if they do not comply with the Food Standards Code (e.g., allergen declarations, composition/additive permissions) and imported food requirements, triggering relabelling, re-export, or disposal outcomes.Pre-validate labels and ingredient/additive compliance against FSANZ requirements; confirm BICON/IFIS requirements for the exact product and tariff code before shipping; maintain complete importer documentation and traceability records.
Logistics MediumContainer shipping disruption and freight-rate volatility can affect landed cost and service levels for imported fusilli, particularly for price-sensitive grocery programs.Use diversified origin options and forward inventory planning for key SKUs; align Incoterms and buffer stock policy to anticipated transit-time variability.
Tariff Classification MediumMisclassification within HS 1902 (e.g., egg vs non-egg pasta, prepared vs uncooked) can lead to incorrect duty treatment and clearance delays.Confirm tariff line selection and product description against the Australian Border Force tariff schedule and retain product specifications supporting the declared classification.
Labor And Human Rights LowLarge Australian buyers subject to modern slavery reporting may require supplier onboarding evidence and risk controls for overseas manufacturing and upstream raw materials; insufficient documentation can restrict commercial access.Provide a documented supplier due-diligence pack (supplier code of conduct, risk assessment, audit/assessment summary where available) aligned to buyer modern slavery reporting needs.
Labor & Social- Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) reporting applies to large entities in the Australian market (AUD 100m+ consolidated revenue), which can increase buyer due diligence expectations on imported food supply chains.
FAQ
What is the main reason a fusilli shipment could be held or rejected at the Australian border?The most common deal-breaker risk is compliance failure under DAFF’s Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS)—for example, labels that don’t meet FSANZ allergen declaration rules or products that don’t meet Australian food standards. If a consignment fails, it may need to be relabelled, re-exported, or disposed of under DAFF directions.
What is the general customs duty rate for imported uncooked pasta (HS 1902.19.00) into Australia?The Australian Border Force tariff schedule lists a general duty rate of 5% for HS 1902.19.00 (uncooked pasta, not stuffed or otherwise prepared, other). Preferential rates may apply depending on origin and eligibility.
Do Australian packaged-food allergen labelling rules matter for fusilli?Yes. FSANZ requires mandatory allergen declarations on packaged foods, and wheat (and gluten where applicable) must be declared for standard wheat-based pasta. FSANZ also notes Plain English Allergen Labelling requirements that took effect from 25 February 2024, with transition arrangements for older labels.