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Importing processed food

All food and food-related products for human consumption that are imported for sale must meet New Zealand standards and requirements. MPI's role is to help make sure imported food products are correctly labelled, safe to eat, and free from pests and harmful organisms.

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Legal obligations

'Food' includes edible products, ingredients and anything to be mixed or added to food. No food can be sold if it is unsafe, unfit for human consumption, or contaminated. Food importers have legal obligations under the:

  • Biosecurity Act 1993
  • Animal Products Act 1999
  • Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM)
  • Food Act 2014 and related legislation
  • Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Importers must also meet other New Zealand food standards, including the Food Importing Food Notice.

Who to contact

If you have questions about: