Imported food legislation

Reporting Obligation

Legislation: Phytosanitary Requirements/Restrictions/Prohibitions

Publication Date

05-10-2006

Last Updated

13-09-2021

Short Description

All food imported into Australia must be safe and compliant with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016. The Imported Food Control Act 1992, and its subordinate legislation (the Imported Food Control Order 2019 (the Order) and Imported Food Control Regulations 2019) establishes the risk-based Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS).

Under the IFIS, food is referred for border inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment based on its risk, to verify compliance. Risk food is identified in the Order and is initially referred at the rate of 100% until compliance is established. All other food is classified as surveillance (or low-risk) food and has a 5% chance of being referred for inspection.

Contact for Info