If you want to import edible fungi for growing – such as truffles and mushrooms – you need to meet biosecurity and phytosanitary requirements. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
This import process covers edible truffles (Tuber spp.) and mushrooms.
To import edible fungi you need to know:
Truffles can be imported as fresh, frozen, or dried.
These scientific names are listed alphabetically.
Mushrooms can be imported as:
Not all edible fungal species can be imported into New Zealand. This is because species new to the country, called ‘new organisms’ need to be approved by the Environmental Protection Authority. You can apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to have it approved.
Apply to have a new organism approved – EPA
If the EPA approves your application, you will then need to ask MPI to develop an import health standard for the species before it can be imported.
The biosecurity requirements for importing truffles are different to the requirements for mushroom fungi.
To import truffles you will need to:
Details of the requirements are in the import health standard.
Truffles for Propogation: Import Health Standard [PDF, 550 KB]
To import mushroom fungi you will need to:
Details of the requirements are in the import health standard.
Microorganisms From All Countries: Import Health Standard [PDF, 338 KB]
An import permit is required for all edible truffles and mushroom. You can apply for a permit using our online system.
Make a plant and plant products import permit application
For mushroom fungi for propagation, you will also need to complete a questionnaire.
Questionnaire to accompany an application to import mushroom spawn [DOCX, 197 KB]
All consignments of edible truffles need to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.
To apply for a certificate, you or your supplier should contact the relevant National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) in the country of origin. You will find contact details on the International Plants Protection Convention (IPPC) website.
If you have questions about phytosanitary certificates, contact the export agent or your NPPO contact.
If you are importing truffles, request a morphological report from your supplier or manufacturer specifying the identity of the truffle species.
The examination must be done by persons competent to identify species by visual and aroma characteristics.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) approves transitional facilities to hold and manage imported goods that might pose a biosecurity risk. You need to arrange a testing facility for molecular testing of your truffles. Your truffles need to be held in the transitional facility until the results of testing are confirmed.
You or your customs broker need to arrange for the transfer of your goods to a transitional facility before they arrive in New Zealand.
Transitional and containment facilities for border clearance
If you are importing edible mushroom fungi, request a certificate from the supplier or manufacturer that verifies the purity of the mushroom spawn or culture.
For edible mushroom fungal spawn imported on logs or other substrate like straw or cereal grain, the manufacturer's certificate must state that the substrate:
Correct packaging and labelling will help ensure that your consignment is quickly identified and processed by border clearance when it arrives in New Zealand.
The packaging must be clean and free from soil, pests, and other contaminants.
If you are transporting your fungal species using growing media or packaging such as wood crates, there are extra requirements or restrictions to manage for potential pests and diseases. Refer to the relevant import process for details of the requirements.
Importing growing media and fertilisers of plant origin
All edible fungi must be:
If you are importing more than one edible truffle species at a time, each must be packaged separately.
Check with the New Zealand Customs Service whether:
Check that you or your customs broker have complied with the conditions listed in the Import Health Standard for all pre-shipment, transit, and on-arrival tasks.
You or your customs broker need to make sure that all the necessary documentation is submitted to New Zealand Customs or MPI before your consignment arrives in New Zealand.
Documentation may include:
An MPI inspector will check your documentation and may inspect the consignment when it arrives in New Zealand, to make sure it complies with the import health standard. The inspector checks that:
An MPI inspector may issue a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC) requiring:
If contamination (such as live organisms) is found on your consignment, an MPI inspector will explain your options. Depending on the type of pest or disease found, you may:
All treatments have to be done by an approved treatment provider at a transitional facility. You are liable for any costs associated with non-compliance or contamination.
Search for an approved treatment provider [PDF, 227 KB]
Find an MPI-approved pest identification service [PDF, 418 KB]
Your edible fungi for growing will be cleared for entry into New Zealand when you have had your products and documents inspected and given clearance by an MPI inspector.
Bottled or canned truffles/mushrooms
Non-edible fungi for research, analysis, and testing
If you have questions about importing fungi, email plantimports@mpi.govt.nz.
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