Seeds & Plants → New Zealand

Strict prohibition on most plant material

Details

New Zealand's biosecurity rules under the Biosecurity Act 1993 prohibit personal import of viable plant seeds, soil-attached plants, and most fresh plant material from any country without an MPI Import Health Standard permit. Sterilised commercial seed packets from approved retailers may be allowed if declared; airport biosecurity beagle teams routinely intercept undeclared seeds. Penalty for non-declaration: NZ$400 instant infringement plus seizure.

Legal reference

Biosecurity Act 1993

Practical advice

Declare all plant material. NZ uses biosecurity detector dogs at airports.

Customs authority

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