Requirements and standards for food importers
If you want to import food for sale in New Zealand, you must meet MPI's food importing and safety requirements. These requirements include listing with MPI as a food importer, safely sourcing and handling food before export, and meeting specific requirements for foods identified as presenting a higher risk to consumers.
New law for food importers from 1 March 2016
The law onTo help you understand and meet MPI requirements and food safety standards, we've developed step-by-step guides to importing food is changing with the Food Act 2014 that comes into force on 1 March 2016.specific types of food.
The Food Act 2014 strengthens food safety in New Zealand. It requires importers to show the food they sell is safe.
The most significant change is that people or businesses wishing to import food into New Zealand must either register with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as a food importer or use a registered food importer to import on their behalf. Under the current rules, food importers must only 'list' with MPI.
Registration will help MPI communicate with importers, for example if there is a food safety incident.
It will also help other businesses contact importers. The register of food importers will be available on this website. Registration will help assure customers that the food they buy is safe.
All currently listed importers are deemed registered until the 1st anniversary of their current listing that falls after 1 July 2016.
From 1 March 2016
Food must be imported through a registered importer.
Registered importers must:
- start paying a fee to register
- renew registration each year
- keep or have access to records to show where food has come from and that it's safe (under the current law you must keep records yourself, under the new law, someone else can keep records for you)
- get food safety clearance for foods of high regulatory interest (formerly called prescribed foods) – there will be a few changes to how you do this.
For more information about the requirements from 1 March 2016, read our guidance documents:
Current requirements until 1 March 2016
Until 1 March 2016 – nothing is changing. Continue to follow our step-by-step guides to importing specific types of food.
List with MPI
Browse the list of import food commodities with step-by-step guides
List with MPI
All commercial food importers must list their details with MPI. You need to be a New Zealand entity and meet other requirements. (Note, from 1 March 2016 food importers will have to register).
You can list as a food importer with Customs and MPI at the same time.
Download and complete a Customs client registration application
When you have completed your form, either:
- email it to clientcodes@customs.govt.nz
- fax it to 09 927 8015.
If you need help, you can call Customs free on 0800 42 87 86.
Comply with food importer general requirements
Comply with food importer general requirements
Food importers must comply with the Food (Importer General Requirements) Standard 2008. The standard ensures food that has been produced and processed in another country meets New Zealand's food safety requirements.
The requirements cover sourcing, storage, transport prior to importing, and record-keeping.
Download MPI's guidance to the Standard
Keep good records
You'll also need to keep records that show how the food you import for sale in New Zealand complies with New Zealand legislation. These records must show how food products have been produced, transported, and stored. You may also need to keep purchase records and relevant supplier information.
Prescribed foods have extra requirements
Prescribed foods have extra requirements
Some foods present a greater risk to consumers and public health. These foods (called prescribed foods) are monitored for specific hazards.
More stringent clearance procedures are needed for prescribed foods—importers need to get a food safety permit from MPI.
Requirements for prescribed foods are detailed in imported food requirements (IFR) documents.
See a list of prescribed foods and their requirements
Legal obligations
Food importers are legally obliged to ensure that food is safe and suitable.
Food importers have legal obligations they must meet under the:
- Biosecurity Act 1993
- Animal Products Act 1999
- Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997
- Food Act 1981, and 2014 as it comes into force, and related legislation
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Labelling and composition requirements
The imported food must comply with the labelling and compositional food standards that apply in New Zealand. These labelling requirements are set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Find out more about the Code on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website