How to import green coffee into Australia: tariffs, biosecurity and inspections

Australia charges no duty on coffee, but it has some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Every green coffee shipment must meet the conditions in BICON, the import conditions system of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This guide covers the main steps.

Updated November 1, 2026 · 5 sources

Tariffs

Product (Australian tariff item)	General rate
Green coffee, not decaffeinated (0901.11)	Free
Roasted coffee, not decaffeinated (0901.21)	Free

Free trade agreement rates, for example with Indonesia and China, are also free.

Biosecurity

Look up the BICON case for unroasted coffee beans before you ship. It sets the conditions for your shipment, such as cleanliness and any permit or documents required.
Shipments are inspected on arrival. Beans must be clean and free of live insects, soil and other contaminants, or they may be treated, re-exported or destroyed at the importer's cost.
Since 11 October 2023, containerised green coffee must declare whether the beans are packed loose in the container. Bulk beans packed loose are treated as a higher biosecurity risk and get a seal inspection direction. Bagged coffee is not affected.
Importers with a strong compliance record can qualify for less frequent inspection.

The Australian market

Australia imported about 97,000 tonnes of green coffee worth USD 471 million in 2024, according to IndexBox. Brazil supplied about 30% of the volume, followed by Vietnam (14,000 tonnes) and Colombia (11,000 tonnes).

Tips for exporters

Use new, clean bags; old or dirty sacks are a common reason for problems at inspection.
Ship dry, clean coffee and fumigate only if your buyer or BICON requires it.
Agree with your buyer who pays if a shipment is held for treatment, and read shipping green coffee and buying green coffee direct.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an Australian import duty on coffee?

No. Green and roasted coffee that is not decaffeinated has a general duty rate of free.

What is BICON?

BICON is DAFF's online system of import conditions. It lists what each product, including unroasted coffee beans, needs to enter Australia.

Why is bulk coffee treated differently?

Since October 2023, green coffee packed loose in containers is treated as a higher biosecurity risk and gets a seal inspection direction. Bagged coffee is not affected.

Sources

Checked on November 1, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.