Follow the steps
What you need to know
An overview of exporting plant products from start to finish.
Plant products included in this export process
The plant products covered by this export process are those not for human consumption. They include:
- nursery stock (aquatic plants, budwood, cuttings, tree ferns)
- cut flowers, bulbs, and foliage (fresh and dried)
- seed potatoes
- dried fungi, lichens, and algae
- growing media (peat, composts)
- plant microorganisms, biological products, and lab specimens.
To export plant products successfully you need to know about:
- the phytosanitary (plant health) and labelling requirements for your destination country
- complying with extra phytosanitary requirements for specific commodities, where necessary
- using MPI-authorised Independent Verification Agencies (IVAs) or MPI-approved service providers or facilities for phytosanitary activities
- the export requirements set by the industry sector.
You may have to meet other requirements as well. These requirements might be commercial, or set by other government agencies like the New Zealand Customs Service (NZ Customs). It will also pay to check with your importing agent in the destination country to make sure you haven't overlooked any requirements.
Find out about export clearance procedures on the NZ Customs Services website
Extra phytosanitary requirements for some plant products
Official Assurance Programmes (OAPs) describe the phytosanitary requirements of an importing country – usually for specific commodities. Exporters must meet the requirements. Some plant products have extra requirements or assurance processes to follow. These products are:
- tulip and lily bulbs exported to Japan
- cut flowers and foliage exported to the United States of America (USA)
- seed potatoes exported to some specified countries
- tree ferns exported to European Union (EU) countries.
If you plan to export these products, check what else you may need to do in the OAP for your product.
All plant export OAP documents are listed in the section on Requirements.
You can only access the password-protected OAP documents if you're a registered programme participant or IVA.
To access these documents, you will first need to select the document you wish to view, and then sign in to RealMe.
Cut flowers and foliage to the USA
- Download the Phytosanitary Compliance Programme for the Export of Cut Flower and Foliage to the USA [PDF, 507 KB](password-protected)
- Choose from the list of MPI-approved export service providers and suppliers to the USA
Seed potatoes
Some countries require potato cyst nematode (PCN) or potato wart freedom declarations.
- Download the Phytosanitary OAP for Potato Cyst Nematode and Potato Wart [PDF, 672 KB](password-protected)
- Download the Export Potatoe Registration form
- Read the guidance for the phytosanitary OAP for potato cyst nematode and potato wart [PDF, 278 KB]
Tree ferns to the EU
- Download the compliance programme and registration for tree ferns to the EU (cuttings only) [PDF, 68 KB](password-protected)
Tulip and lily bulbs to Japan
- Download the OAP for the Export of Bulbs to Japan [PDF, 830 KB](password-protected)
Exporting related products
Export processes related to plant products are provided elsewhere on this website. Follow these steps if you're exporting:
What you need to do
The tasks you need to complete to export plant products.
Check and comply with phytosanitary requirements
Each country has different phytosanitary (plant health) requirements. For most countries, you can find out the requirements by reading the Importing Countries Phytosanitary Requirements (ICPR).
Search the ICPRs for your destination market
If your export destination has an ICPR, you need to comply with the requirements and contact an MPI-authorised Independent Verification Agency (IVA) for help. There may be other requirements (like documentation, tests, or treatments) that the IVA will be able to advise you about. Fees may apply.
Browse a list of IVAs and their contact information
When there's no ICPR
For countries that don't have an ICPR, you may need an import permit. Ask your import agent in the destination country to check their country's requirements.
You can read more about phytosanitary certificates issued when there's no ICPR in Section 3.3.2 of the MPI Certification Standard: Assurance System Framework.
Check the industry group's requirements
There may be requirements that have been set by industry group.
Check the destination country's labelling and packaging requirements
There may be packaging or other labelling requirements for your product. Ask your importer or agent about any requirements your product needs to meet.
Check wood packaging requirements
If you use wood packaging products other than paper for your export product, check that your wood packaging meets the phytosanitary requirements of the destination country. Most countries require you to treat wood packaging to make sure it's free of pests and diseases.
Find out the export requirements for wood packaging
Request a phytosanitary certificate, if required
Phytosanitary certificates are issued only when it's determined by MPI that your products meet all of the importing country's phytosanitary requirements.
If you need a phytosanitary certificate, request it through MPI's online phytosanitary certification system – ePhyto. You can either register to use ePhyto yourself or contact an IVA to discuss your options.
You may need to include the certificate in the documents you give to your freight or shipping company.
See the list of IVAs and their contact information
Already registered with ePhyto?
New to using ePhyto?
Getting your export documentation
How you know you've met MPI requirements.
You've met MPI requirements when you're issued with all of the approved documentation, like a phytosanitary certificate, as required by the destination country.
