Follow the steps
Types of cut flowers and foliage
Cut flowers and foliage include fresh flowers, stems, and foliage used for decorative purposes but not for propagation or planting.
Plant material for propagation (cuttings, tissue cultures, and roots), and dried flowers and foliage, have different import regulations. Refer to the requirements for importing:
To import cut flowers and foliage successfully you need to:
- know whether the plant species is approved for import from the country of origin (where it's grown)
- know about the phytosanitary import requirements listed in the import health standard (IHS)
- know about labelling and packaging requirements
- arrange any pre-departure inspections and treatments required
- submit documentation
- get a New Zealand Customs permit
- arrange any on-arrival treatments required
- book an inspection for pests or contaminants
- get a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC)
- book pest treatments, re-shipment or disposal if required
- pay relevant fees and charges.
Do preliminary research
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules to prevent the entry and spread of harmful pests and diseases. You need to check with MPI and other agencies to see if:
- you can import the product
- the product will be subject to duties or tariffs
- a New Zealand Customs permit is needed
- the product is subject to biosecurity controls or regulations.
Check if your commodity can be imported
Fresh cut flowers and foliage approved for entry into New Zealand are listed in Part 4 of the Import Health Standard for Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage.
Import Health Standard: Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage for Decorative Purposes 2025 [PDF, 574 KB]
You can also use the PIER (Plant Import and Export Requirements) Search tool to check if your flower or foliage can be imported into New Zealand. You’ll need to know the genus name (or genus and species) to search.
How to know when your commodity cannot be imported
- If your commodity is not listed in the Import Health Standard (IHS) for Fresh Cut Fowers and Foliage, then it is not approved for importation.
- If your commodity is listed in the IHS but not for the country you wish to import from, then it is not approved for importation. You can only import from the countries stated in the IHS.
- If your commodity is listed in the IHS against the country you wish to import from but does not show up when you search PIER, this means an export plan has not yet been finalised and the commodity is not currently eligible for import. When an export plan is signed, PIER will be updated to reflect this.
An export plan is a bilateral arrangement between New Zealand and the exporting country.
Summary of checks to make to see if your commodity can be imported
- Check the IHS to see if your country/commodity is approved.
- Check PIER to see if the pathway is open.
- If yes to both (1) and (2), you can trade.
- If yes to (1) but no to (2), you cannot trade until an export plan is signed.
- If no to (1) and (2) the pathway is closed. You can submit a request to MPI by emailing plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
Comply with IHS requirements for your genus
If your genus is eligible for import, you'll need to comply with the relevant IHS requirements.
Import Health Standard: Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage for Decorative Purposes 2025 [PDF, 574 KB]
Ask MPI if you're not sure or to request an IHS change
If you have questions about the IHS requirements, email plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
You can ask MPI to add a country or genus to the IHS.
Find out about requesting the development of an IHS
Check other agencies' import restrictions
Check with the New Zealand Customs Service to see if:
- you can import the product without restriction
- the product will be subject to duties or tariffs
- a customs permit is needed.
Visit the NZ Customs website to:
The tariff classification of the goods you want to import will indicate whether you need a customs permit.
You should also visit the Department of Conservation (DOC) website to:
- check your plant product doesn't breach the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- check whether you need a CITES permit from DoC
Meet phytosanitary requirements
All imported cut flowers and foliage products need a phytosanitary certificate, which is issued in the country of production (the export country).
Phytosanitary requirements are listed in the import health standards (IHS).
To meet the requirements you may need to complete some or all of these tasks before your products are shipped:
- inspection for pests and diseases
- arranging approved packaging and shipping materials that are free of soil or other contaminants
- labelling with the product's scientific (genus) name
- meeting other requirements listed in the IHS.
Apply for a phytosanitary certificate
For queries about phytosanitary certificates or to apply for a certificate, contact the export agent or the relevant National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO, an equivalent agency to MPI) in the country of export. You can find contact details on the International Plants Protection Convention (IPPC) website.
A phytosanitary certificate is issued when the NPPO contact point agent is satisfied that the IHS requirements have been met. The phytosanitary certificate must be included with your consignment of cut flowers or foliage.
Search for contacts on the International Plants Protection Convention (IPPC)
Check the requirements for packaging materials
If you use packaging such as wood crates or peat there are extra requirements or restrictions, to ensure there are no hidden pests or diseases.
Read the import requirements for using wood packaging
Comply with labelling requirements
Your consignment must be clearly labelled with all the scientific names of the plant genera.
Consider using a customs broker
A customs broker will help you get import entry clearance. Some services provided by the New Zealand Customs Service can only be accessed by registered customs brokers.
Many freight and transport companies employ their own brokers but if you need help finding one, contact the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation.
- Visit the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation
- Read about the import entry process on the NZ Customs
Submit all required documentation 48 hours prior to arrival
You or your customs broker need to make sure that all the documents required are submitted to the New Zealand Customs Service or MPI at least 48 hours before the consignment arrives in New Zealand.
A copy of the phytosanitary certificate must be included. Other documents may include:
- treatment certificates
- a purchase invoice
- the bill of lading (issued by a carrier showing details of the consignment and ownership).
Comply with on-arrival inspections
An MPI inspector will check your cut flowers and foliage when they arrive in New Zealand to make sure they comply with the IHS and are free of contaminants. Your customs broker should book the inspection at a suitable time and location. The inspection will include a visual check of a sample from the consignment and checks for:
- correct documentation, including the phytosanitary certificate
- correct labelling with the scientific name of the plant genus
- packaging that is free of contaminants (detritus, soil, disease, and pests).
Import Health Standard: Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage for Decorative Purposes 2025 [PDF, 574 KB]
The MPI inspector issues a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC) to identify any actions needed for a consignment. These may include:
- documents needing to be corrected
- further treatments required.
What to do about contamination
If contamination (like live organisms or soil) is found in a consignment of your cut flowers and foliage, the MPI inspector will inform you of the options for your consignment. Depending on the type of contamination, you may choose to:
- identify the organism (and treat it, if the organism is identified as a restricted pest)
- treat the container or consignment for the organism (for example, by fumigation)
- ship the product to another destination
- destroy the product.
Find an MPI-approved pest identification service [PDF, 444 KB]
Search the Official New Zealand Pest Register
The quantities of contaminants allowed in a sample are specified in section 5.8 of our guidance document.
Import Health Standard: Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage for Decorative Purposes 2025 [PDF, 574 KB]
Arrange for any additional treatment required
If treatment is required when your product arrives in New Zealand it needs to be carried out by an approved treatment supplier. Treatment can include fumigation, dips, or sprays for insects, mites, or fungi.
Check that you or your customs agent have completed the following tasks for your shipment.
Pre-shipment
- Ensure IHS requirements have been met (for example, pest and disease inspections, treatments, labelling).
- Apply for a phytosanitary certificate from the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) in the country of export.
- Check your packaging material has been approved.
- Include the original phytosanitary certificate with the consignment.
- Submit documentation to the New Zealand Customs Service and MPI at least 48 hours before the consignment arrives in New Zealand.
On arrival
- Supply correct documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate.
- Comply with any treatment required (fumigation or devitalisation).
- Comply with treatments or disposal specified in the Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC).
Your product can be imported once all requirements have been met. MPI issues a BACC to confirm that the consignment has been released.