Importing ingredients for animal food

Ingredients for animal food need to meet strict requirements to enter New Zealand. Requirements vary depending on the type of product and the country of origin. The requirements prevent unwanted diseases and pests from entering the country, and reduce risks to public health, animal welfare and trade.
pet biscuits in a bowl
Importing guide
Your step-by-step guide to importing ingredients for animal food.
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Importing dietary supplements

If you want to import dietary supplements into New Zealand for use in animal food, you may have to apply to MPI for a class determination. A biosecurity risk assessment will need to be completed before the application can be accepted. If a suitable import health standard isn't available, MPI assesses applications on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz.

Legal obligations

Importers must meet legal obligations under the:

  • Biosecurity Act 1993
  • Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) (Exemptions and Prohibited Substances) Regulations 2011
  • Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999
  • ACVM (Imported Feed Commodities) Notice 2014
  • Animal Products Act 1999 (if you intend to re-export).

Who to contact

If you have questions about:

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