New Zealand biosecurity tips

What not to bring to New Zealand?

To avoid any uncertainty Biosecurity New Zealand recommends it is best NOT to bring:

• Plant material
• Food
• Honey and Honey Products
• Animal products
• Straw items
• Wooden items
• Sporting/camping equipment
• Live animals
• Endangered species

Plant material

All plant material must be declared, without exception. Items may require treatment or permits, and some will not be allowed in at all. Items may be carrying viable seeds, insects or diseases. Plant products requiring inspection include:

• Dried flowers
• Straw items
• Wooden artefacts and carvings
• Corn souvenirs
• Christmas decorations containing pinecones
• Items made from cane, bamboo or wickerware

Food

Food must be declared. Processed and industrially packaged foods are probably allowed to bring, other may require documentation. Be especially careful with:

• Meat
• Eggs
• Fresh fruit, vegetable and living plant material (dried fruit and dried vegetables are permitted entry)
• Dairy products
• Honey

Animal products

If there is a chance that they contain pests and diseases they will be prohibited. Be careful with skins, wool, feathers and bones. Products from endangered species are of course also banned.

• Ivory
• Turtle shell artefacts
• Clam shells
• Coral
• Products made from snakeskin or whalebone
• Some Chinese medicines

Other problematic items

• Straw (can carry cereal pests and diseases)
• Baskets, woven grass and mats (can all bring pests into New Zealand)
• Wooden items and curios (can harbour wood boring insects and other pests)
• Footwear, camping, outdoor, sporting and agricultural equipment has to be cleaned thoroughly (can carry soil-borne diseases, seeds and fungal spores)

These items may be inspected on arrival and should be packed in an easily accessible place.

Live animals must meet specific requirements and have documentation to enter New Zealand. The requirements will depend on the type of animal and its country of origin.

It is always best to declare suspicious items – the customs officers are not motivated to issue fines but to minimise any chance of potential damage to the country, they are certainly happy for your cooperation.

See this biosecurity brochure.

Source: Biosecurity New Zealand