14 May 2019

Important information for registered food importers

Avoid delays in getting your imported food application processed

Include the following with your application to the customs broker:

• whether the agent or the importer will be charged for Imported Food applications
• batch or lot numbers (we need this for screening and sampling)
• all of the shipping documents.

Under Food Regulations 2015, section 124 (2)(e) an importer must have access to the lot or batch numbers.

Tell us if you need a biosecurity inspection as well as food safety sampling 

If a commodity in your consignment needs both a biosecurity inspection and Food Safety sampling, quote both Biosecurity and Food Import reference numbers.

If this information is not supplied when you book, it may lead to a refusal for a booking and/or delays to processing the consignment.

Note: Border Clearance Service Quarantine Officers have taken over food sampling inspections for consignments that require sampling under the Food Act 2014. (They're now warranted under the Food Act 2014 as Food Safety Officers)  

Upcoming changes to the MPI website

Upcoming changes to this website will include improved information to assist in clearing your food.

Note: A link to an approved laboratory list will be added shortly.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/overview/food-imports/

For any further questions, please contact the Food Import team on imported.food@mpi.govt.nz or call them on 09-909 6210.