Last updated on November 3, 2025
No. Selling imported cheese in Australian retail stores without meeting biosecurity import conditions is prohibited. Every dairy product entering Australia must comply with strict biosecurity rules under the Biosecurity Act and meet food safety standards before it can be sold.
Why the Answer is a Firm No
Australia doesn’t take chances when it comes to protecting its agriculture and environment. Cheese might seem harmless, but dairy products can carry pests and diseases that threaten livestock and crops. That’s why the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) enforces rigorous biosecurity measures for all imported food, including cheese. These rules aren’t just red tape—they’re a shield against outbreaks that could cost billions and devastate rural communities.
The Legal Backbone
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, any food imported for sale must first satisfy biosecurity import conditions. These conditions are detailed in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON), which acts as the official gatekeeper for what enters the country. Importers must secure permits, provide health certificates, and ensure the product meets specific safety criteria. Skip these steps, and you’re not just bending the rules—you’re breaking the law.
DAFF also runs the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, a risk-based program that inspects and tests imported foods to confirm compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This means even after meeting biosecurity conditions, your cheese could be sampled at the border to ensure it’s safe for consumers.
What Does Compliance Look Like?
For cheese, compliance isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist. It depends on the type of cheese and its origin. Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan generally pose lower risks, while soft cheeses such as brie or feta often require stricter controls. Updated DAFF guidelines specify that imported cheese must:
- Come from healthy animals in approved countries.
- Undergo heat treatment (e.g., pasteurisation at 72°C for at least 15 seconds).
- Have a pH below 6 and be ripened for at least 30 days.
- Be accompanied by official veterinary certification confirming these conditions.
These measures aren’t arbitrary—they’re designed to prevent diseases like foot-and-mouth from hitching a ride into Australia.
Cultural and Economic Context
Australia’s love affair with cheese is undeniable, but it’s balanced by a fierce commitment to biosecurity. The country’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, and a single lapse could trigger catastrophic consequences. Historical outbreaks overseas have shown how quickly pathogens can spread through dairy products, reinforcing why Australia maintains some of the strictest import controls in the world.
Retailers and importers who ignore these rules face severe penalties, including fines, product seizure, and even prosecution. Beyond the legal risks, there’s reputational damage—consumers trust that what’s on the shelf is safe, and breaking that trust can sink a brand overnight.
Practical Takeaway for Businesses
If you’re planning to stock imported cheese, start with BICON. This online system tells you exactly what conditions apply to your product. From permits to packaging requirements, it’s your roadmap to compliance. Cutting corners might seem tempting, but in Australia, it’s a shortcut to trouble.
See more on AUSTRALIA
Sources
Importing food into Australia – DAFF
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/food
Ongoing
Imported foods – Food Standards Australia New Zealand
https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/imported-foods
13 August 2025