To import hides and skins into New Zealand there are special procedures to help reduce any biosecurity risks. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
Certain types of hides and skins are eligible for importation into New Zealand:
An overview of importing hides and skins from start to finish.
Processes for importing products related to hides and skins are elsewhere on the website. Follow these steps if you're importing:
If your consignment is shipped to New Zealand on wooden pallets, or wood has been used to package any part of your consignment, you'll also need to comply with requirements for importing wood packaging.
The tasks you need to complete to import hides and skins.
The import health standard (IHS) for your product will tell you what you need to do to import it into New Zealand. Read it thoroughly to make sure you can comply with all the requirements.
Download the Import Health Standard for Hides and Skins [PDF, 293 KB]
An MPI guidance document will help you meet the IHS requirements for importing hides and skins.
Download the guidance document for importing hides and skins [PDF, 296 KB]
Inside the guidance document you'll find a model:
The veterinary certificate tells you the treatments and health certification your products may need before coming to New Zealand.
You may need to get a veterinary certificate filled out and signed and stamped by an official veterinarian from the country of export.
Refer to the IHS for more information about your type of hides and skins.
The model veterinary certificate you should use is in the guidance document.
You may need to get a completed manufacturer's declaration if you're importing hides and skins such as:
Refer to the IHS for more information about your type of hides and skins.
The model manufacturer's declaration is found in the guidance document.
You may need to apply for a permit for certain types of hides and skins that you want to import.
The IHS and guidance document will tell you if you need to apply for a permit.
Download the permit to import animal products:
The IHS tells you what documentation you'll need to accompany your hides and skins on arrival in New Zealand. Documents may include:
How you know you've met MPI requirements.
Your consignment is eligible for biosecurity clearance when:
Your consignment will be authorised to be moved to a transitional facility listed on your permit if it needs further processing.
For hides and skins that do not meet the requirements of the import health standard, the items will either require further treatment, be reshipped, or be destroyed.
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the consignment is accompanied by any permits required to meet the legislation of the country of origin and CITES.
Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species
The Department of Conservation (DOC) website has more details.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – DOC
Before shipping, importers should clarify the status of the species of animal in relation to international agreements on their trade.
Material arriving in New Zealand without the relevant CITES permits may be seized by DOC.
If you have questions about importing hides and skins, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
MPI uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.