Products likely to be exempt from registration
If you import pet food, animal feed, or nutritional supplements, they're likely to be exempt from registration under the ACVM Act 1997.
Find out more about ACVMs exempt from registration
However, to be exempt you must meet the requirements for oral nutritional compounds. These are set out in the ACVM (Exemptions and Prohibited Substances) Regulations.
The regulations require you to:
- make sure the imported animal feed or dietary supplement is fit for purpose (regulation 7)
- make sure the specified information is on the label of the imported animal feed or dietary supplement (regulation 12)
- not make misleading statements about the animal feed or supplement – particularly therapeutic claims (regulation 13)
- keep records (regulation 15)
- meet the specific requirements for oral nutritional compounds (Schedule 2, Part B, entry 22).
Importing feed commodities
If you're importing feed commodities, you must also meet additional requirements for these products.
ACVM Notice: Imported Feed Commodities [PDF, 268 KB]
If you change the product or its label
Regulation 12 lists what needs to be on your product's label. This includes (but is not limited to):
- directions for use
- expiry or use-by date
- details of any precautions to take.
There may be products manufactured overseas for which you want or need to change the labels for the New Zealand market, either to:
- provide more information specific to New Zealand customers, or
- bring the product into compliance with ACVM requirements.
If you do make a change to the product or its label, you will be considered a manufacturer for that product. You will then need to meet the requirements for manufacturers.
Find out about manufacturing pet food, animal feed, and nutritional supplements
Border clearance of oral nutritional compound imports
You can import exempted products but you will need either an MPI issued class determination letter or a fully completed self-determination to show the border inspector. During the border clearance process, officials inspect the documentation and product for evidence that it is exempt from registration. Officials will not clear the imports if they're not sure that a self-determination is correct.
Find out about class determinations and self-determinations under the ACVM Act 1997
Find out more
Importing animal feeds made from plants
Importing ingredients for animal food
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 – NZ Legislation
Who to contact
If you have questions about pet food, animal feed, and nutritional supplements, email info@mpi.govt.nz
