Importing

If you are importing food for sale into New Zealand, you have legal obligations under the Food Act 1981.

What's new

Recent changes to the importing section of the NZFSA website.

Overview

If you are a new importer, or want to learn more about importing food into New Zealand, read this overview of the imported food programme.

Documents

Documents for importers, customs brokers and agents. Includes imported food alerts, forms and legislation.

Consultation

Send us your comments on proposals, standards and documents relating to imported food.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges associated with clearance of prescribed foods.

Import clearance procedure

If you are importing food you need to understand the import clearance procedures and requirements for food imported into New Zealand.

Food importer standards guidance

Guidance for pre-import requirements. They include importer listing and the general requirements standard (sourcing, storage and transport prior to import as well as record keeping requirements).

Import requirements for specific foods

Some foods are monitored for specific hazards ('prescribed foods'). Includes clearance options and procedures for sampling and testing.

Monitoring and review

NZFSA monitors imported food for known hazards, including microbiological pathogens and chemical residues. This includes the Annual Imported Food Monitoring Programme and scanning list.

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Quick links

Importers: apply online to be listed with NZFSA

NZFSA Single Use Permit application form

NZFSA's sampling and testing protocol for imported prescribed foods

Bringing food in and taking it out of New Zealand

Biosecurity restrictions for foods coming into New Zealand - Biosecurity website

Contact for enquiries and comments

import.systems@nzfsa.govt.nz

All information on this website is subject to a disclaimer.

Contact for enquiries

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
68-86 Jervois Quay
PO Box 2835
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 2500
Fax: +64 4 894 2501

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