Restricted Animal 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.

Animal products may be prohibited or restricted because they can harbour a multitude of pests and diseases.  They may also be banned because they pose a threat to endangered species which are protected by CITES.

Oriental Medicines

Some froeign medicines contain animal products.  Even when these are commercially manufactured, they are not always processed in a way which kills pests and diseases.  In many cases the animal ingredients may also be from an endangered species which is protected under CITES

Sea Shells

Most sea shells are allowed into New Zealand, but the Queen Conch Shell, clam shells and coral are prohibited under the CITES agreement without proper documentation.

Animal skin items

Various animal pests and diseases could be harboured, however like wooden items, these souvenirs would generally be allowed into the country after treatment.

• Wooden Mask with animal hair attached - After treatment for animal diseases and wood boring insects, these can be allowed.
• Wooden Drums - The skins on the drum could harbour animal pests and diseases such as foot and mouth and hide beetles.  The wood may also contain pests such as borer.  These items would be premitted after the appropriate treatment.

Feather items

Often products such as fans or dusters may be manufactured from unprocessed feathers.  There is a risk of introducing both pests and diseases.  The highest risk is bird diseases but they may also carry such things as ticks.

Honey and Honey Products

Bringing honey to New Zealand is prohibited.  It is an unprocessed product
and a potential carrier of bee diseases.  New Zealand has a growing and valuable
beekeeping industry, which must be protected.  In addition fruit trees, flowers
and vegetable crops rely on honeybees for
pollination.

NOTE: Honey may be permitted from certain Pacific Island nations with
suitable accompanying documentation (contact MAFBNZ Clearance)

Eggs

Blown eggs may enter New Zealand if they have been fumigated to destroy any pests or diseases.  Even though the contents have been removed, the untreated shell itself may carry disease organisms.  Whole eggs are totally prohibited unless they are being brought in for hatching purposes and are accompanied by a MAF Permit to Import.

Novelty Products

Some novelty items incorporate animal dung.  While they may seem harmless, they can easily harbour an assortment of pests and diseases.