Meat Products → New Zealand

Almost all meat products are prohibited. New Zealand has strict biosecurity controls.

Details

New Zealand prohibits most meat and meat products from being brought in by travellers under the Biosecurity Act 1993. This includes fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, and cured meats. Commercially sealed, heat-treated products in retail packaging may be assessed by MPI biosecurity staff at the border but are often still refused. The main concern is foot-and-mouth disease and other exotic pathogens that could devastate NZ's agricultural sector. Penalties for non-declaration start at NZD 400 and can reach NZD 100,000 for deliberate smuggling. New Zealand uses X-ray, detector dogs, and declaration cards to intercept prohibited items.

Quantity limit

Zero for most meat products

Documentation required

• Declaration on Passenger Arrival Card mandatory

Legal reference

Biosecurity Act 1993; Biosecurity (Prohibited Items, Inspection and Seizure of Craft) Regulations 1993

Practical advice

Consume or dispose of all meat products before landing in New Zealand. Declare anything food-related even if uncertain — it is better to have it checked than face a fine.

Customs authority

New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) · https://www.customs.govt.nz