Each country has their own rules and regulations when it comes to their quarantine matters and New Zealand is no different. These regulations prevent pests and diseases from entering New Zealand’s borders.
Why are there restrictions?
New Zealand relies heavily on international trade and agricultural products so it’s important that there are regulations in place to prevent the spread of pests and disease that could threaten the natural environment and agricultural and horticultural industries. There are strict penalties in place for those who break the biosecurity rules and fail to declare biosecurity risk goods. These penalties include instant fines from $400 up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison.
Quarantine zones
Unlike many larger countries, New Zealand isn’t subject to domestic quarantine boundaries and plant, fruit and animal products can travel freely around the country. Restrictions only apply to items brought into the country from overseas.
What are the restrictions?
It is illegal to import most foodstuffs into New Zealand. Other restricted items include plant and animal products, which may lead to the spread of pests and diseases in the country. If you’re unsure whether your items are a biosecurity risk or not, it’s best to leave it behind or declare it at the border.
What you can do to help
To help keep the New Zealand natural environment and local agricultural and horticultural industries safe, declare your items on your arrival card when entering the country. If you do happen to have any food on you, put it in one of the customs bins provided at the airport.
For more information on quarantine laws in New Zealand, visit www.mpi.govt.nz.
