Ministry of Primary Industries/Border Clearance (MPI) Biosecurity New Zealand (MPIBNZ) Requirements
New Zealand’s economy is dependent on agricultural, horticultural, forest and marine products, as well as tourism. Preventing the introduction of exotic pests is absolutely vital to the well-being of the nation.
MPIBNZ takes biosecurity very seriously. There are severe penalties for not following clearance requirements or failing to comply with directions. You are encouraged to find out more about these requirements by visiting: www.biosecurity.govt.nz and clicking on “Entering New Zealand” or by phoning a quarantine inspector at the intended port of arrival.
Biosecurity documentation/compliance required at first port of entry
MPIBNZ/Customs Passenger Arrival Card
Every person entering New Zealand must complete a personal declaration. Any biosecurity risk (as detailed on the card) must be declared.
Master’s Declaration The Biosecurity Act 1993 requires that the vessel Master complete this declaration, which includes the listing of all meat onboard the vessel, such as canned, frozen, dehydrated, vacuum packed and freeze-dried. This document also requires the declaration of any live animals on board.
Fresh Provisions
Vegetables and fruit must not be landed. All fresh produce items will be removed and destroyed at port of first arrival, before free cruising in New Zealand waters is allowed. This also includes honey and other bee products; dairy products; and eggs/egg cartons.
Other items restricted by MPIBNZ
The following foodstuffs will also be removed and destroyed on arrival in order to allow free cruising in New Zealand.
- Honey and other bee products
- Dairy products
- Eggs/egg cartons Further restrictions Stored cartons – will be inspected and assessed for potential risk.
- Growing plants – must not be landed or retained on board.
- Cycles, motorbikes and sporting equipment – must be cleaned to the satisfaction of a quarantine inspector before landing.
- Unaccompanied items – baggage, stores or items intended for persons other than those on board must be declared by the master.
- Animals – stringent requirements are necessary to keep New Zealand free of exotic pests and diseases. No animals other than aquarium fish, dogs or cats are likely to be allowed into New Zealand. Yachts arriving with a dog or cat aboard will be required to stay at anchor. These vessels are not allowed to berth. A weekly inspection (at the vessel owner’s expense) will be required to ensure the animal remains secured on board.
- CITES items – Inspectors have responsibilities under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to ensure there are no restricted items amongst goods to be landed. Such items include ivory, turtle shells, coral, whalebone, clamshells and animal skins. Ensure you have a certificate from the country of origin to export such items.
- Pesticides – e biosecurity inspector is required to inspect the vessel for the presence of pesticides which must be registered in New Zealand.
For full information on biosecurity requirements on arrival in New Zealand, Ministry of Primary Industries and New Zealand Custom Services
Be sure to check out The Complete List of New Zealand Custom, MPI and Port Contact Numbers.