We did not implement the changes proposed in this consultation because of concerns about fraudulence relating to the rabies and residency import requirements.
Since then, we've reviewed the rabies and residency requirements and completed further risk work on Brucella canis and Babesia spp.
We ran a new consultation and submissions closed on 13 March 2025.
From 1 September to 30 October 2021, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invited comment on proposed changes to the draft import health standard for cats and dogs.
We proposed many changes to the existing IHS for cats and dogs [PDF, 287 KB]
We summarised those changes in a document to help you with your submission.
Summary of the proposed changes to the IHS for cats and dogs [PDF, 214 KB]
Full details were in the consultation documents.
Draft IHS for importing cats and dogs [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Risk management proposal for importing cats and dogs [PDF, 719 KB]
NZL 656 – SPS Notification for cats and dogs [PDF, 105 KB]
Note that any submission you make becomes public information. People can ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we have to make submissions available unless we have a good reason for withholding it. That is explained in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include that it's commercially sensitive or it's personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may tell us to release it.
MPI must consult with interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and MPI's consultation policy before issuing or amending (other than of a minor or urgent nature) import health standards (IHS) under sections 24A and 24B of the Biosecurity Act.
An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods/animals to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.
Steps to bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand (current requirements)
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