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Changes to NZFSA Imported Food Requirements

Prescribed foods imported from Australia

More foods can now be imported into New Zealand from Australia without requiring clearance by NZFSA. This is part of an ongoing plan to create a single trading market between both countries and applies to food both produced in and imported into Australia. The list of affected foods can be found below.

Importing prescribed foods from Australia

NZFSA is working with the New Zealand Customs Service to remove the tariff code alerts for these products imported from Australia and expects this process will take a few weeks to complete. During this time, importers and customs brokers should continue to apply for a ‘Single Use Permit’ for these products from NZFSA’s Central Clearing House.

From 1 September 2009 New Zealand Customs Service will no longer require NZFSA permits to release these foods and NZFSA won’t issue permits for them.

Review of Imported Food Requirements

NZFSA is also reviewing the Imported Food Requirements for a number of prescribed foods. There will be further information available about these changes from next week. Changes will include:

• Crustaceans shrimps and prawns: products imported from all countries will no longer be sampled and tested for heavy metals

• Fish species susceptible to production of histamine: sardines will require NZFSA clearance

• Peanuts and pistachio nuts: satay and peanut sauce will require NZFSA clearance

• Soft and grated cheese: grated and powdered imported from all countries will not require NZFSA clearance. Soft cheese will still require NZFSA clearance

• Soy sauce: products imported from all countries will not require NZFSA clearance

• Spices – nutmeg: products imported from all countries will not require NZFSA clearance

• Fish – susceptible to elevated mercury and spoilage: products imported from all countries will not require NZFSA clearance.

Update your import entry systems

Until 1 September, importers and their customs brokers are still required to apply for an NZFSA Single Use Permit from NZFSA’s Central Clearing House.

Importers and customs brokers should update their import entry systems by 1 September to action these changes using the updated ‘list of tariff codes with NZFSA alerts’.

List of tariff codes with NZFSA alerts

After 1 September New Zealand Customs Service will no longer require NZFSA permits to release the goods and NZFSA will no longer issue permits to release these goods.

Last updated 14 August 2009