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

Import Clearance Procedure

Amendment 0

Introduction

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) sets policies, criteria and procedures to monitor the safety of imported food for human consumption. This document describes the NZFSA’s clearance procedures for all food imported into New Zealand. Importers should note the definition of food under the Food Act 1981 is very broad and includes ingredients and anything intended to be mixed or added to any food (or food related products).

Helpful terms and definitions

In New Zealand, food for human consumption, is regulated under the Food Act 1981 and delegated legislation under that Act. Food cannot be sold that is unsafe, unfit for human consumption or contaminated. Under section 11C of the Food Act, the Minister for Food Safety has the power to issue food standards.

The Standards that apply to importers and imported food are the:

• Food (Prescribed Foods) Standard 2007

• Food (Importer Listing) Standard 2008

• Food (Importer General Requirements) Standard 2008

• Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

• All other general food standards.

Some foods present a risk to consumers and are monitored for specific hazards; these are called ‘prescribed foods’. Prescribed foods must not be imported into New Zealand unless the importer of those prescribed foods has satisfied a Food Act Officer (FAO) that the food complies with the Food Act, relevant regulations and applicable food standards. NZFSA has specific options and clearance procedures available for importers wishing to satisfy a FAO that the prescribed food is compliant. These procedures are known as Imported Food Requirements (IFR) which can be viewed on the NZFSA website.

Food standards

Import requirements for specific foods

All importers of food for sale must list their contact details with NZFSA. They are also required to keep records that show how the products they import for sale comply with all applicable New Zealand legislation.

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code describes, among other things, the composition and labelling requirements for food sold in New Zealand. Food sold in New Zealand must be labelled according to Food Standards Code.

NZFSA importing procedures apply in addition to and after MAF Biosecurity New Zealand clearance. Importers should check requirements with MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.

Import Health Standards Search - MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website

This document has been prepared to assist importers of food and food related products in understanding the requirements set by NZFSA to ensure food coming into New Zealand is safe and suitable.