Biosecurity for importers

Rules for all importers

Products brought into New Zealand that could contain unwanted pests or organisms need to follow import health standards. Imports that could affect New Zealand biosecurity generally originate from animals or plants, but other imports can also contain biosecurity risks – including sea containers, used vehicles, machinery and used tyres.

To meet import health standard requirements, you might need certain certificates before you can import a product. These include either a:

phytosanitary (plant health) certificate
zoo sanitary certificate
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) certificate.

Once goods have arrived in New Zealand, MPI’s border clearance will check and clear them before they release them.

Remember that:

goods that don’t comply with New Zealand laws may be destroyed or sent back to the country of origin at the owner’s expense
if certificates are missing, incorrect or incomplete, the goods may be destroyed or sent back to the country they came from
goods that contain pests or diseases will either be treated or destroyed.

Depending on what you’re importing, you might require New Zealand Customs clearance or involvement from other agencies – like the NZ Transport Agency. There are also special requirements for importing food.

Importing fines

If you’re an importer, you must be aware of your legal responsibilities and regulations and must get permission from MPI before importing goods that could be considered a biosecurity hazard.

If an owner fails to declare restricted goods they could be fined up to $100,000 or a company can be fined up to $200,000.

Import Health StandardsMinistry for Primary Industries CITES certificateDepartment of Conservation Customs clearanceNew Zealand Customs Service

Animals and animal products

Live animals

Live animals – including freshwater fish, marine ornamental fish and marine invertebrates – must meet certain conditions to enter New Zealand. These generally depend on the country of origin and the type of animal.

If you’re considering importing an animal, you need to consult MPI’s import health standards (IHS) to see if the animal is included. Only animals that have an IHS can enter New Zealand.

Some animals may be prohibited because of their protected status.

Animal products

Animal products include:

any kind of meat, fresh or preserved
eggs
dairy products.

Imported animal products need to meet certain requirements. An inspection may be required to decide if the product is eligible for importation.

Importing requirementsMinistry for Primary Industries

Plants and plant products

Imported plant material is classified as either propagable or non-propagable (reproductive or non-reproductive):

Propagable produce is usually seeds for sowing, or plants or cuttings that can be used to grow further plants.
Non-propagable produce includes a variety of material most often used in building or packaging, like wood or timber.

There are import health standards for both propagable and non-propagable plant products. These standards include requirements that must be met in the exporting country, and during transit and importation – before biosecurity clearance can be given.

The standards exist to make sure these imported goods aren’t harbouring unwanted pests or diseases.

The import laws and regulations vary depending on the type of material you want to import.

Importing plantsMinistry for Primary Industries Importing forest productsMinistry for Primary Industries

Shipping containers and used vehicles

Generally, goods that could affect New Zealand’s biosecurity are of either animal or plant origin. However, there are other goods that have implications for both plant and animal health.

Standards for containers

Shipping and sea containers are the most popular methods of importing and exporting goods. But like their contents, MPI will need to certify and clear them.

Vehicles and machinery

All used vehicles entering New Zealand must be inspected and cleaned (if necessary) before MPI border clearance services can release them. The place of inspection will depend on the method of arrival.

All used vehicles and equipment will be examined for the presence of quarantine materials. This includes the inspection of all internal and external surfaces and spaces, to check for:

soil
plant material
insects
other contamination.

Vehicle clearance information online

Importers can access up-to-date vehicle status, inspection, processing and clearance information through the MPI vehicle tracking website.

Importers can track and trace the biosecurity inspection status of their vehicles by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) or bill of lading (BOL) number to the website.
Port companies can download biosecurity inspection processing data via the web service and manage holds in their systems.
All interested parties can review import vehicle data nationally and internationally.

Shipping requirements

When you’re preparing cargo to be shipped to New Zealand, you must meet certain requirements.

Pack mixed consignments carefully to reduce risk of contamination.
Check freight containers and packaging for insects or animals.
Address packages clearly and include a New Zealand contact phone number.

Containers and cargo border clearanceMinistry for Primary Industries Importing vehicles, machinery, and partsMinistry for Primary Industries

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