Before you leave

Check your luggage to see if you are carrying any restricted goods.

Restricted goods include:

• Meat and meat products
• Eggs and egg products
• Dairy products
• Animal products (eg wool, hides and hunting trophies)
• Soil
• Seeds
• Plants and plant products
• Some Chinese medicines
• Soiled equipment (eg tents, hiking boots, second-hand saddlery and farm footwear), and
• Treatment or medicine for animals.

This list is not exhaustive. Additional items are listed under Restricted Items and are also discussed in the  "Declare it for New Zealand (243 Kb)" brochures.

Our qualified clearance officers are available to respond to your enquiries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For general enquiries phone +64 9 909 8609 or email your enquiries to MAFBNZ Clearance

Additional information is available on the MAFBNZ Clearance Services Facilities page.

Information is also available from your travel agent.

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

Many goods will be allowed into New Zealand after inspection or treatment. Some items require documentation to enter New Zealand. This documentation - which may include a phytosanitary certificate or a veterinary certificate - must be obtained in the item's country of origin.

You must declare any restricted goods you are carrying with you. A New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card declaration form will be given to you on the plane. Failure to declare restricted goods can lead to a $200 instant fine or prosecution.

If you want to bring dairy products, eggs or meat for human consumption into New Zealand, the item will need to meet the requirements of the appropriate Import Health Standard.

Thoroughly clean all dirty sports gear, camping and outdoor equipment and footwear before packing. This is especially important if you have visited a foot and mouth disease infected area.

To save yourself time on arrival, it's helpful if you pack any restricted items and documentation at the top of your luggage.