Import Procedures for Goods Entering the New Zealand Market

The Vietnam Trade Office in New Zealand has recently shared the General Commercial Import Process regulated by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The process focuses on six key steps that Vietnamese businesses should understand to facilitate the export of goods to the New Zealand market.

Khang Anh

July 09, 2026 | 07:13

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According to the Vietnam Trade Office in New Zealand, importing goods into New Zealand requires compliance with both biosecurity requirements administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and customs procedures overseen by the New Zealand Customs Service. The general process includes the following core steps:

1. Study the Import Health Standards (IHS) at an early stage

This is the most important step in determining whether your goods are eligible for entry into New Zealand.

Note: Not all products are permitted to enter New Zealand. Each product category, especially agricultural products, food, and timber, is subject to specific Import Health Standards (IHS) based on the country of origin. Businesses should proactively review these standards or ask their import partners to verify the applicable requirements before signing contracts and preparing shipments.

2. Strictly comply with certification and pre-shipment treatment requirements

New Zealand's island ecosystem is highly vulnerable, making its biosecurity regulations among the strictest in the world.

- Quarantine certificates: Ensure that phytosanitary or veterinary certificates are issued by the competent authorities in Vietnam and fully comply with the requirements specified in New Zealand's Import Health Standards (IHS).

- Pest treatment: For products such as timber, bamboo and rattan products, or goods shipped in containers, businesses must complete all required pest treatment and fumigation measures in accordance with regulations. For example, treatment against brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) is mandatory during the high-risk season.

Import Procedures for Goods Entering the New Zealand Market (Photo: The Vietnam Trade Office in New Zealand)

3. Ensure proper packaging and container hygiene

A common reason for shipments being held at the border is not the product itself but the condition of the packaging and containers.

- Clean containers: Ocean freight containers must be completely clean and free of soil, sand, plant material, insects, or any biological contaminants.

- Packaging materials: Wooden pallets and wooden packaging materials must be heat-treated or fumigated and bear the internationally recognized ISPM 15 certification mark.

4. Verify import permit requirements in advance

If a product falls under the high-risk category requiring an import permit, Vietnamese exporters should work closely with their New Zealand import partners to ensure that the importer has obtained the necessary approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before the shipment leaves a Vietnamese port. Sea freight shipments without a valid import permit before departure face a high risk of penalties or being refused entry and returned.

5. Work with experienced customs brokers and approved transitional facilities (ATFs)

Although this stage is primarily the responsibility of the importer, Vietnamese exporters should closely coordinate with their partners to ensure smooth customs clearance.

- Accurate declarations: Customs declarations and tax obligations, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and customs duties, are transparent but relatively complex in New Zealand. Working with a capable import partner or an experienced customs broker in New Zealand can significantly facilitate the clearance process.

- ATF arrangements: An Approved Transitional Facility (ATF) must be clearly designated so that containers can be transferred there for inspection immediately upon arrival at a New Zealand port, in accordance with New Zealand's legal requirements.

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