Can I import absinthe into Australia?

5/24/2014 12:18:24 PM

For several years, importing of Absinthe into Australia without permission was illegal – the product was restricted. The reasons behind this was the ingredients:

“the import and sale of absinthe technically required a special permit, since “oil of wormwood, being an essential oil obtained from plants of the genus Artemisia, and preparations containing oil of wormwood” (wording: Wikipedia) were listed as item 12A, Schedule 8, Regulation 5H Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations of 1956.

However, slowly, over time, laws changed. The Food Standards Code and the 1989 Thereapeutic Goods Act set new terms on importing food, and as of July 2013, these rules have been repealed and now permission to import this item is no longer required (although some conditions exist).

Since the, the Customs and Border Protection Service page now states:

Can I import Absinthe or oil of wormwood into Australia?

The controls on the importation of ‘Oil of wormwood’ and products
containing ‘oil of wormwood’, have been repealed from the Customs
(Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

Permission is no longer required in order to import these products.

If you are importing a product containing oil of wormwood for the
purpose of selling or distributing it in Australia, then you should
ensure that you comply with the Food Standards Code or the Therapeutic
Goods Act 1989

For more information on these requirements, please use the contact
details below.

Contact Details

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Phone Local: 1800 020 653 Phone
International: +61 2 6232 8444 Email: [email protected] Web:
www.tga.gov.au

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) Phone Local: (02)
6271 2222 Phone International: +61 2 6271 2222 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.foodstandards.gov.au

5/24/2014 12:06:19 PM

As of July 13, 2013, permits are no longer required. Customs has an FAQ for this:

Can I import Absinthe or oil of wormwood into Australia?

The controls
on the importation of ‘Oil of wormwood’ and products containing ‘oil
of wormwood’, have been repealed from the Customs (Prohibited Imports)
Regulations 1956.

Permission is no longer required in order to import these products.

Here’s the official announcement.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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