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New Zealand’s biosecurity system is an important part of the import process. For businesses importing food, plant products, timber, animal products and many other goods, Customs clearance may be only one part of getting cargo released.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) may also need to assess and clear the goods before they can enter New Zealand.

What is MPI biosecurity clearance?

MPI is responsible for protecting New Zealand from pests and diseases that could harm agriculture, the environment and the economy.

Imported goods that present a biosecurity risk may therefore be subject to specific import requirements.

These requirements can vary considerably depending on the product, country of origin, processing method, packaging and intended use.

Which imported goods may require MPI clearance?

MPI requirements can apply to many different products, including:

• Food and food ingredients
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Plants, flowers and seeds
• Meat and animal products
• Seafood
• Timber and wooden products
• Used machinery and equipment
• Containers and packaging materials
• Other products capable of carrying biosecurity risk

The requirements are not the same for every product, so importers should check the applicable conditions before arranging shipment.

What documents might MPI require?

Depending on the goods, documents may include:

• Phytosanitary certificates
• Health or veterinary certificates
• Treatment certificates
• Manufacturer declarations
• Import permits
• Commercial invoices and packing lists
• Other declarations or supporting evidence required under the applicable import requirements

Having a certificate does not automatically mean that every requirement has been satisfied. The certificate and its declarations need to correspond with the requirements applying to the particular goods.

Can MPI inspect imported cargo?

Yes. Some shipments may be directed for inspection or further assessment.

MPI may need to verify the goods, packaging, documentation or compliance with applicable biosecurity requirements.

Depending on what is found, further action may sometimes be required before the goods can be released.

Why should importers check MPI requirements before shipping?

This is one of the most important points for new importers.

If a required certificate, treatment or declaration needs to be completed in the exporting country, discovering the problem after the goods arrive in New Zealand can cause significant delays and additional costs.

Checking the requirements before shipment provides an opportunity to correct documentation and confirm that the supplier can meet New Zealand’s conditions.

Customs clearance and MPI clearance are not the same thing

A shipment can have Customs requirements as well as MPI requirements.

Receiving Customs clearance does not necessarily remove a separate MPI hold, and MPI clearance does not replace Customs requirements.

For goods subject to both agencies, both processes need to be completed before the cargo can be fully released.

Planning an import into New Zealand?

Good preparation starts before the goods leave the supplier.

Providing your broker with the product description, composition, country of origin and supporting documents early can help identify potential Customs or MPI requirements before the shipment arrives.

Cusmode Customs assists businesses importing goods into New Zealand with Customs clearance and the coordination of applicable border clearance requirements. Importers are welcome to contact us before shipment if they need assistance preparing for the New Zealand import process.