Entering New Zealand FAQs
All wood products imported into New Zealand will be inspected on arrival in New Zealand for pests, evidence of pest infestation, or for unwanted organic contamination such as soil or bark.
Wood found to be contaminated with pests or soil or bark will need to be treated (if you want the items to enter New Zealand), re-shipped (sent back) or destroyed (incinerated). The treatment will depend on the contaminant found (e.g. fumigation for insects or bark, heat treatment for fungi).
Fumigation is mandatory for products made from or containing cane or bamboo.
Quarantine Officers, assisted by an X-ray machine and detector dog, inspect all parcels entering New Zealand at the International Mail Centre. There are regular interceptions of risk goods, which include fresh produce, seeds, plants and straw items. Recipients of restricted items are given the option of having goods treated and returned to them at their expense.
New Zealand is now party to a world-wide agreement designed to prevent trade in endangered, threatened or exploited species. It covers items such as ivory, turtle shell artefacts, clam shells, coral and products made from snakeskin or whalebone. Plants, animals or products covered by the agreement can no longer be brought into New Zealand, except with a special permit issued by the Department of Conservation.
Items which could pose a risk include meat and meat products, eggs and egg products, dairy products, animal products such as wool, hides, hunting trophies, soil, seeds and plants, second-hand saddlery, animal remedies, some Chinese medicines, used vehicles, farm machinery and contaminated containers.
All wood products imported into New Zealand will be inspected on arrival in New Zealand for pests, evidence of pest infestation, or for unwanted organic contamination such as soil or bark.
Wood found to be contaminated with pests or soil or bark will need to be treated (if you want the items to enter New Zealand), re-shipped (sent back) or destroyed (incinerated). The treatment will depend on the contaminant found (e.g. fumigation for insects or bark, heat treatment for fungi).
Fumigation is mandatory for products made from or containing cane or bamboo.
All wood packaging material imported into New Zealand will be inspected on arrival in New Zealand for pests, evidence of pest infestation, for unwanted organic contamination such as soil or bark, o
If you have been on a farm or in a forest outside of New Zealand, there are a few things you need to do. Consult the Restricted Items pages.
Footwear, outdoor and agricultural equipment can all carry soil-borne diseases, seeds (which can introduce noxious weeds) and fungal spores. Please clean all of these thoroughly before coming to New Zealand. Footwear is likely to be inspected on arrival and should be packed in an easily accessible place.
In terms of camp food, dried fruit and dried vegetables are permitted entry. All heat and eat meals, dehydrated meals, and milk powder must meet the requirements of this Import Health Standard. Particular notice should be paid to packaging and country of origin requirements.
When you bring risk goods to NZ, your goods will be inspected, treated if necessary, and you can collect them afterwards. Animal and plant products may be treated with Methyl Bromide and/or Formalin. Seeds, straw products and pine cones may be heat treated to destroy the viability of seeds and fungal spores.
Because there are so many different types of food and animals products please contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Clearance Service directly.
Travellers sometimes think there is no quarantine risk when they bring back souvenirs that are commercially wrapped. This is not the case. Items such as pot-pourri can harbour pests and seeds. Depending on what's in the mixture, it may be allowed in after treatment at the owner's expense.