New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort at ports and airports into minimising the risk of these being introduced.
Heavy fines may be imposed if you’re caught carrying prohibited materials. We’re serious about protecting our agricultural economy and environment.
You’re required by law to “declare” all plant and animal material you bring with you. You must fill out an “Agriculture and Customs Declaration” when you arrive.
You must declare if you have any of the following:
- food of any sort
- plants and parts of plants (alive or dead)
- animals (alive or dead) or products of animals
- equipment used with animals
- camping gear, golf clubs and used bicycles
- biological specimens
- certain items cannot be brought into New Zealand at all or can only be brought in with written permission given beforehand. These include fruit, meat, honey, bird nests and reptiles.
It’s extremely important that you declare any items that are restricted. If you’re in doubt about any items, either declare them or place them in the MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) amnesty bins provided at Customs.
If you declare restricted items you won’t be charged with any offence. The goods will simply be taken from you and you can go on your way. Some items may be treated (for example, fumigated) and then returned to you.
However, if you try to bring in restricted items and do not declare them, you will be prosecuted. You can face heavy fines or other sentences.