Importing food, drinks and/or ingredients?

Check you are properly registered to avoid delays.

 

If you import food, drinks, or ingredients for sale (including goods for further processing or re-export), you must be registered as a food importer with New Zealand Food Safety (part of the Ministry for Primary Industries). Alternatively, you can use an agent who is registered to import your food for you.

As part of New Zealand Food Safety’s improvements to the food safety system, from 30 June 2021, there will be an automatic check of Food Importer registrations for all consignments intended as food for sale.

These rules apply to everyone importing food for sale including: processed food; health and dietary supplements; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; fresh fruit and vegetables; grains, seeds, and nuts; confectionery; and food for promotional giveaways. Imported food includes ingredients used in the manufacturing of food and beverages, such as hops.

For details: Industry Update: Importing food, drinks and/or ingredients?