New Zealand biosecurity: what you must declare, and the fine if you do not

New Zealand's economy rests on agriculture and its ecosystems evolved in isolation, so its biosecurity controls are among the strictest anywhere. Travellers who arrive expecting European or North American norms are the ones who get fined.

This is a strict liability offence

Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, failing to declare risk goods you have with you is an offence whether or not you meant to. Forgetting an apple in your bag is treated the same as hiding one. The penalty is an instant infringement fee of NZD $400.

Deliberately concealing items is a different matter: a maximum fine of NZD $100,000 and up to 5 years' imprisonment.

What people are actually caught with

• Food of any kind — fruit, meat, dairy, honey, snacks from the plane
• Plant material — seeds, wooden souvenirs, woven items, flowers
• Hiking boots and tent pegs with soil still on them
• Camping and fishing gear, and anything used around animals

The rule that keeps you safe

Declaring costs nothing. If you declare an item and it turns out to be permitted, you keep it and walk on. If you fail to declare it and it is found, the fine applies even if the item itself would have been allowed through. When in doubt, tick yes.

Before you pack

• Clean the soil off boots, tent pegs and sports equipment at home
• Eat or bin food before you land rather than carrying it through
• Check wooden and woven souvenirs — they are risk goods, not curios

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries — What happens if you fail to declare