Selling Western Australian honey to customers worldwide can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the premium quality of our honey. However, exporting honey isn’t as simple as packing jars and shipping them off. International sales require compliance with strict regulations to ensure the safety and traceability of products. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Sell Anywhere in the World?

The short answer is no, not immediately. Each country has its own import requirements for honey, and you must meet these regulations to sell there. Common factors that determine where you can export include:

• The destination country’s biosecurity laws.
• The honey’s quality and purity.
• Proper labeling and certification.

Some countries, like the United States and members of the European Union, have particularly stringent import standards for honey.

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What Do You Need to Sell Honey Internationally?

1. Export Registration

To export honey from Australia, you must register as an exporter with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF). This involves:

• Completing the Export Registration process.
• Undergoing audits to ensure compliance with export regulations.

2. Approved Premises

Honey must be prepared, packed, and stored in an Export Registered Establishment that meets DAFF’s standards. If your premises aren’t already registered, you’ll need to upgrade your facilities and undergo inspection.

3. Health Certificates

Most importing countries require an official health certificate to confirm that the honey meets their biosecurity and quality standards. DAFF issues these certificates after verifying that the honey complies with the destination country’s requirements.

4. Laboratory Testing

Your honey may need to be tested by an accredited laboratory to verify:

• Purity (free from adulteration).
• Total Activity (TA) or MGO levels for medicinal honeys like Jarrah.
• Freedom from contaminants such as pesticides or antibiotics.

5. Accurate and Compliant Labeling

Exported honey must comply with both Australian labeling laws and the destination country’s requirements. This often includes:

• Product name and description.
• Country of origin (e.g., “Product of Western Australia”).
• Nutritional information and weight.
• Batch numbers and expiry dates.

6. Tariffs, Duties, and Documentation

Each country has specific import taxes, tariffs, and required documentation. You may need to work with a customs broker to navigate these complexities.

7. Biosecurity and Quarantine Considerations

Some countries, such as New Zealand, have restrictions on honey imports to protect their ecosystems. Before exporting to a country, confirm whether honey is allowed and under what conditions.

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Why These Steps Matter

Global markets present a great opportunity, but selling internationally without meeting the necessary requirements can lead to:

• Financial losses due to rejected shipments.
• Fines or penalties for non-compliance.
• Damage to your reputation as a trusted honey supplier.

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How to Get Started

1. Research the regulations of the target market(s).
2. Register your business for export with DAFF.
3. Upgrade your facilities to meet export standards.
4. Partner with an export consultant or customs broker for guidance.

By taking these steps, you can confidently introduce Western Australian honey to the world while maintaining compliance and quality.

Need help navigating the export process? Let us know, and we’ll guide you through it!