- PDF Version ( 23K) - Print Friendly - Help

Importing prescribed foods from Australia

Due to a review of Imported Food Requirements, more high-risk (or prescribed) foods can now be imported into New Zealand from Australia without requiring clearance by NZFSA.

Prescribed foods from Australia not subject to NZFSA import clearance requirements

The following prescribed foods when imported into New Zealand from Australia, are not subject to NZFSA import clearance requirements (they are still subject to any requirements placed on them by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand):

• desiccated coconut

• fish – species susceptible to production of histamine

• fish – susceptible to elevated mercury and spoilage

• hijiki seaweed

• peanut butter

• peanuts and pistachio nuts

• raw milk cheeses (Roquefort, and raw milk extra-hard hard grating cheeses. Gruyere, Sbrinz and Emmental cheese manufactured from raw milk)

• soft cheese and grated cheese

• soy sauce

• spices - nutmeg

• spices - pepper, paprika and cinnamon

• tahini or crushed sesame seeds or any products containing these.

This does not include transhipped product that has not been imported or produced in Australia.

Prescribed foods from Australia subject to NZFSA import clearance requirements

The following prescribed foods, when imported into New Zealand from Australia, continue to be subject to NZFSA import clearance requirements:

• bivalve molluscan shellfish

• bovine meat and bovine meat products

• crustaceans – lobsters, crabs, bugs and their products

• crustaceans – shrimps and prawns

• fish – smoked (vacuum packed)

• fish – manufactured fish products (surimi and marinara mix)

• fermented meat products, meat paste and pate.

Options and clearance procedures (known as Imported Food Requirements) are in place for the prescribed foods listed above.

Future changes to import clearance requirements for foods from Australia

New Zealand and Australian governments are committed, via the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement, to creating a single trans-Tasman market for food. Work continues to further confirm recognition of Australian import and domestic production Standards meet New Zealand requirements for the remaining prescribed foods. Future changes to the import clearance requirements resulting from this work will be updated in each Imported Food Requirement.

Related links

• Import Clearance Procedure

• Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement

• Biosecurity restrictions for foods coming into New Zealand - Biosecurity New Zealand website

Updated 10 August 2009