Importing Coffee, tea, maté and spices from Ghana into Australia (2026)

No FTA exists between Australia and Ghana, so MFN tariff rates apply to all Chapter 9 goods; critically, plant-based spices and unroasted coffee beans originating from Ghana are subject to strict DAFF biosecurity import conditions under the Biosecurity Act 2015, including mandatory BICON permit checks and potential treatment or destruction on arrival.

No FTA — MFN rates applyHS Chapter 9

Compliance requirements

⚠Check BICON before shipment: Ghana-origin green coffee beans and dried spices require a current DAFF import permit.
⚠Invoice description must be precise: vague terms like 'mixed spices' trigger biosecurity holds and potential destruction orders.
⚠Apply MFN duty rates at entry: confirm the correct 8-digit tariff classification to avoid underpayment and ABF intervention.
⚠All plant-based spices, teas, and unroasted coffee beans are biosecurity risk goods under the Biosecurity Act 2015 — DAFF requires an import permit and may mandate treatment or inspection on arrival; green coffee beans in particular carry pest and disease risk and must meet strict import conditions listed on BICON
⚠Dried chillies, peppers, and mixed spice products are frequently intercepted for undeclared additives or prohibited plant material — misdescription or vague invoicing (e.g., 'mixed spices') triggers holds and potential destruction orders
⚠Vanilla beans and some herbal teas containing medicinal claims may be regulated by the TGA as complementary medicines — importers must confirm whether the product crosses the food/therapeutic boundary before lodging entry
⚠Roasted coffee and tea are generally lower biosecurity risk than raw plant material but must still comply with FSANZ Food Standards Code requirements for labelling, allergen declarations, and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides enforced by DAFF
⚠Country of origin labelling under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and FSANZ Standard 1.2.11 is strictly enforced for retail-packaged tea and coffee — blended products must declare all origin countries if marketed with geographic claims
⚠No FTA exists between Australia and Ghana, so MFN (general) tariff rates apply to all goods; a standard commercial invoice and packing list are required but no preferential certificate of origin is needed
⚠Biosecurity Australia imposes strict inspection and treatment requirements on timber, wood products, and plant-based materials from Ghana under the Biosecurity Act 2015; import permits may be required for certain plant and animal products
⚠Cocoa, food products, and agricultural goods must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and may be subject to inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for pesticide residues and contaminants
⚠Gold, precious metals, and jewellery imports from Ghana may require documentation to satisfy AML/CTF compliance obligations and must be accompanied by evidence of lawful origin to meet Australias obligations under the Kimberley Process and related commodity due diligence expectations

Key documents required

commercial invoice with full botanical name, country of origin, and processing state (raw, roasted, ground)
DAFF import permit (mandatory for most raw/dried plant material including green coffee beans, whole spices, and unprocessed teas)
phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection authority of the exporting country
certificate of origin (preferential — e.g., Form D for ASEAN, CO for ChAFTA) to claim FTA duty concessions
fumigation or heat treatment certificate where DAFF conditions require treatment prior to or on arrival in Australia

Import tip

Lodge your BICON import conditions check and apply for any required DAFF import permit at least 4–6 weeks before the shipment departs origin — permit processing times vary and arriving goods without a valid permit will be held in biosecurity custody at the importer's cost.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 9 goods from Ghana — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed Cost Find HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Ghana

Ch.18Cocoa and cocoa preparations Ch.44Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal Ch.71Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin Ch.8Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons Ch.63Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags Ch.13Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts