Does Your Parcel Meet New Zealand’s Biosecurity Requirements?

2-minute read

NZ MPI Detector Dog Frisbee had an interesting find recently, sniffing out the unusual parcel contents at the International Mail Centre. The wrongly-labelled package was imported from China and contained three animal skulls with tissue still attached.

MPI could not identify the exact animal species, so it was referred to the Department of Conservation to check whether they are endangered.

With the tissue attached, the skulls could not be given biosecurity clearance. If skulls are not from an endangered species, the importer will be given the option to treat, reship or destroy them.

In addition to postal items coming into New Zealand being inspected by NZ Customs Service, mail also needs to pass strict biosecurity requirements to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases.

Incoming mail is screened using the required declaration, x-rays and detector dogs to detect items containing restricted goods.

If you aren’t sure what you can or can’t send into New Zealand, MPI has a handy tool to help make sure goods meet biosecurity requirements. You can check it out here.

Risk goods will be inspected

Mail that may contain risk goods like food, souvenirs or seeds, will be opened and examined and may be detained at the border to ensure compliance with New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements.

If your mail item is held because it poses a biosecurity risk, you should get a letter from MPI explaining your options.

Prohibited and restricted items

Not all items are suitable for sending by post or courier. Please check that your item is safe to send.

  • Some pose a risk to the safety and security of people and equipment and are therefore prohibited
  • Others pose a risk if certain conditions are not met and are therefore restricted
  • You must check your item is safe to send
  • Not checking may increase your liability exposure

Prohibited items

Make sure your mail doesn’t contain any prohibited items and that you don’t use packaging containing prohibited items. This includes:

  • plants, plant materials, and seeds
  • food
  • animal products
  • straw and rattan items
  • wooden items and products
  • live animals
  • endangered species.

You usually can’t send anything in the post, which is:

  • illegal
  • explosive
  • dangerous
  • destructive
  • inadequately packaged
  • containing cash.

For more information on prohibited items visit the NZ Post website

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries and NZ Post

P.S. Easy Freight Ltd helps New Zealand importers & exporters to save money on international freight and reduce mistakes by guiding how to comply with Customs and biosecurity rules. 

➔  Contact us now to learn how we can assist you.