Export License Requirements for Indonesian Food and Beverage Exports to Australia

The demand for Indonesian food and beverage products in Australia is rising fast, but success depends heavily on securing the correct export license and meeting strict compliance regulations. As Indonesian food and beverage exports to Australia continue to grow, exporters must understand that strong demand alone is not enough. Regulatory readiness, labelling standards, and food safety compliance play a decisive role in whether products can enter and stay in the market.

A Growing Market, but Export License Comes First

Australia offers a promising opportunity, but it is also one of the most tightly regulated food import markets in the region.

Strong Growth in Indonesian Food and Beverage Exports to Australia

Recent data from Statistics Indonesia shows that Indonesia’s food and beverage exports to Australia reached approximately USD 333.3 million last year. This represents an increase of more than 44 percent compared with the previous two years, which averaged around USD 230 million.

The growth has been driven largely by cocoa and cocoa-based products, reflecting Australia’s increasing demand for ingredients and processed food sourced from Southeast Asia. Export momentum has continued into 2025, with year-on-year growth of nearly 13 percent reported through September.

Beyond processed food, new export pathways are emerging. In late 2025, a company in East Java successfully shipped its first batch of molasses to Australia. Although modest in value, this shipment highlights Australia’s openness to Indonesian raw materials and food ingredients, not only finished consumer goods.

Why Australia Is a Strategic Market for Indonesian Exporters

Australia stands out as a key destination for several reasons:

• Australian consumers show strong interest in diverse food products, including tropical ingredients and ethnic foods
• Importers are increasingly open to sourcing from Indonesia
• Bilateral trade initiatives continue to support food and beverage exports
• Small and medium enterprises are beginning to access the market with government support

These factors point to a long-term expansion of Australian demand for Indonesian food and beverage products.

Export License and Compliance Regulations for Australia

Export License Requirements for Indonesian Food and Beverage Exports

Every Indonesian exporter must secure the appropriate export license and supporting documentation before shipping food products overseas. This includes export permits, customs documentation, correct HS codes, and traceability records that verify product origin and production processes.

Exporters must comply not only with Indonesian export rules but also with Australian import regulations. Australian authorities expect complete and verifiable documentation, particularly for food products entering their market.

Australian Import Regulations and Food Safety Controls

Australia applies strict controls through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Imported food must comply with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Many shipments are assessed under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, which uses a risk-based inspection approach. Products flagged for inspection may require additional documentation or laboratory testing before clearance.

Failure to meet biosecurity or food safety requirements can result in delays, rejection, or forced re-export.

Labelling Standards for Food Exports to Australia

Labelling Standards Under Australian Law

Food products imported into Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This covers product composition, permitted additives, allergen declarations, contaminants, and packaging safety.

Labels must clearly include:

• Product name and description
• Net weight or volume
• Ingredients list and allergen information
• Manufacturing date and expiry or best-before date
• Country of origin
• Importer name and address
• Batch or lot number

Labels must be in English or include accurate English translations. Products that fail to meet labeling standards risk being rejected by importers or regulators.

What Exporters Must Do to Succeed in Australia

To establish a sustainable presence in Australia, Indonesian exporters should:

• Secure and maintain a valid export license and complete documentation
• Ensure full compliance with Australian food safety and biosecurity rules
• Align product formulation and ingredients with Australian standards
• Adapt packaging and labeling to meet regulatory and retail expectations
• Build partnerships with experienced Australian importers or distributors
• Factor compliance and logistics costs into pricing strategies

As seen in recent ingredient exports such as molasses, opportunities exist not only for packaged foods but also for raw materials and food inputs.

Outlook for Indonesian Food and Beverage Exports to Australia

Australia is set to become a long-term growth market for Indonesian food and beverage exports. Rising demand, diversified product categories, and ongoing trade cooperation support this trend.

Exporters that proactively align with compliance regulations, obtain the correct export license, and meet labeling standards will be best positioned to capture this opportunity and scale their presence in Australia over the coming years.

Conclusion

The expansion of Indonesian food and beverage exports to Australia presents a clear opportunity, but it is not without challenges. Success depends on more than product quality. Exporters must secure the right export license, comply with strict regulatory requirements, and meet Australian labeling and food safety standards.

With preparation and compliance, Australia can become a reliable and profitable export destination for Indonesian food and beverage producers ready to meet international expectations.