Restricted Plant Products

If you wish to import something into New Zealand, you will need to consult the appropriate Import Health Standard. See information about importing containers and vehicles.

• Information regarding the October 2007 consignment of coco peat/coir fibre imported into New Zealand from Sri Lanka

Items manufactured from plant products may be carrying either viable seed or insects.  In all cases inspection is required to determine the risk status.  Should inspection reveal the presence of seeds or insects, treatment will be required-heat treatment for seeds (to destroy viability) and fumigation for insects.

Plant products requiring inspection include dried flowers, straw items, wooden artifacts and carvings, corn souvenirs, Christmas decorations containing pinecones, and items made from Cane, Bamboo or Wickerware.

Dried flowers:

Many pressed and dried flowers are allowed into New Zealand providing they are free from insects.  If there is a possibility that an imported plant may become a weed, heat treatment may be required to kill off any viable seeds.

Caneware:

Split bamboo and caneware is very attractive to insects.  Inspection is required.

Pine cones:

New Zealand's forestry industry is a valuable export source that must be protected.  Any pine cones coming into New Zealand require heat treatment to kill seeds and diseases unless they are fully open, free of seeds and lacquered in Christmas decorations.  Pine cones could contain viable seeds which may introduce conifer diseases not present in New Zealand.

Corn souvenirs such as dolls or pipes:

These items may be very attractive to young children, but there is an underlying risk with them.  Corn cobs or husks are often not treated before being made into these souvenirs.  They can harbour similar pests and diseases to straw items.