Biosecurity reminds kava industry to meet export standards

August 3, 2026 10:30 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

The Department of Biosecurity (DOB) has issued a public reminder to kava exporters, processors and the wider public that all kava intended for export must comply with required Biosecurity standards.

The Department stressed that kava must be processed, handled, packaged and prepared according to Biosecurity requirements from the beginning of processing through to the final export product.

The Department said maintaining these standards is important to protect the quality, safety and international reputation of Vanuatu kava.

Vanuatu’s kava industry has grown into an important agricultural export sector, with overseas markets requiring products to meet specific quality and safety requirements before they are accepted.

The reminder highlights the responsibility of exporters and processors to ensure their products comply with export requirements and maintain the confidence of international buyers.

The DOB stated that continued cooperation from the kava industry is essential to ensuring Vanuatu maintains access to overseas markets and protects the reputation of its kava products.

Biosecurity also encouraged exporters, processors and members of the public who require assistance or further information to contact its offices in Port Vila and Santo.

The Department said it remains committed to ensuring Vanuatu’s agricultural products are safe, meet export standards and continue to access international markets.

The Daily Post contacted the DOB for further clarification on what prompted the reminder and whether any recent compliance issues had been identified among kava exporters, but no response was received at the time of publication.