- PDF Version ( 80K) - Print Friendly - Help

Import Clearance Procedure

Food imported for private consumption

Prior to importing food to New Zealand, people should check the Biosecurity New Zealand requirements for the foods they intend to import. NZFSA does not have an interest in most foods imported into New Zealand for private consumption. Personal imports are consumed at importers own risk and it is illegal to sell a personal import that is also a prescribed food.

Imports for personal use may be captured by Customs as part of the import entry process. If the food is a prescribed food, the consignment may need to be assessed by CCH on a case-by-case basis as to whether it is being imported for personal use.

The case-by-case determination may depend on many factors such as:

• the quantity of the food;

• the type of product (the nature of the food);

• the behaviour of the importer; and

• past behaviour of the importer.

As a guideline, the following amounts are considered by NZFSA as appropriate for personal use:

• For food in liquid form: up to 10 Litres.

• For food not in liquid form: up to 10 Kilograms.

• For concentrated liquid food (however packed), which are used in the preparation of other food or are not usually consumed unless as part of a prepared food: not more than 2 Litres eg, fruit juice concentrate.

• For moisture reduced food (however packed), other than liquid food, which are used in the preparation of other food or are not usually consumed unless as part of a prepared food: not more than 2 Kilograms net weight eg, a powdered drink base, etc.

• For spices (however packed) which are used in the preparation of other food or are not usually consumed unless as part of a prepared food: not more than 1 Kilogram.