Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) → Australia

All cannabis-derived plant material including sterilised hemp seeds requires a permit to import into Australia and is effectively prohibited for casual travellers.

Details

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture enforce the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Hemp seeds — sterilised or otherwise — are classified as cannabis plant material and require an import permit from DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry). Without a permit, possession at the border constitutes a biosecurity offence. While hemp food products (including hemp seeds for consumption) were legalised in Australia in 2017, their import still requires compliance with biosecurity conditions. Permits are generally only issued for commercial operations.

Quantity limit

Zero without permit; permit required for any quantity

Documentation required

• DAFF import permit
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Evidence of sterilisation treatment

Legal reference

Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth); Therapeutic Goods Act 1989; Cannabis Seeds Biosecurity Import Conditions

Practical advice

Do not attempt to bring hemp seeds into Australia without a valid DAFF import permit. ABF X-ray and detector dogs routinely find seeds. Declare any plant material and let officials determine admissibility rather than risk a biosecurity fine.

Customs authority

Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au