What our fees cover
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) calculates fees on a cost-recovery basis.
Activities and services we charge for include:
- import permits
- border clearance inspections.
Not all the fees on this page may apply to you and there could be other charges not listed here – like transport, storage, treatment or laboratory costs.
Import permit fees
Many growing media and fertilisers need a permit before they can be imported into New Zealand. The import health standards (IHS) for your product will tell you if a permit is needed.
- IHS for growing media and fertilisers of plant origin [PDF, 371 KB]
| From 1 July 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee type | Fee (excl GST) | Fee (incl GST) |
|
$233.25 | $268.24 |
| * If processing your application takes longer than one-and-a-half hours, additional time will be charged at an hourly rate of $155.50 excluding GST or $178.83 including GST. | ||
Border clearance charges
MPI may charge you for costs related to inspecting your growing media and fertilisers when they arrive in New Zealand.
The fee is $155.50 ($178.83 including GST) per hour for biosecurity inspectors.
You may also be charged extra fees if MPI's inspector has to:
- travel to inspect your goods
- wait before inspection can start
- work outside of normal hours.
Testing or treatment costs
If your growing media or fertilisers need testing or treating, you'll need to pay any costs associated with these services. You may also have to pay storage charges at a transitional facility.
Charges for these services will vary depending on the provider.
- Download MPI's Plant Health and Environment Laboratory costs [PDF, 339 KB]
- MPI Plant Health and Environment Laboratory
- Transitional facilities and treatment providers
- Download a list of approved providers of pest diagnostic and pre-determined testing [PDF, 418 KB]
Other charges
Costs for class determination of agricultural compounds
You may need to get an exemption under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act to import some fertiliser products of plant origin.
To get an exemption, you'll need to apply for a class determination of your product. The cost of this is listed on the application form.
Download the form to request a class determination
Find out more
Who to contact
For more information about fees and charges, email info@mpi.govt.nz.
