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Importing microorganisms

Microorganisms must meet certain requirements to be imported into New Zealand. Strict biosecurity measures are in place for importing them. Each application to import a microorganism is assessed on a case by case basis.

In this section

I tēnei wāhanga

Steps to importing

Requirement documents

Forms and templates

Fees and charges

Types of microorganisms you can import

Viable microorganisms that can be imported into New Zealand include:

  • protozoa
  • fungi
  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • unicellular algae.

Products containing microorganisms can be imported for:

  • the isolation and enrichment of microorganisms, for example meat or dairy samples for food safety
  • laboratory research, diagnostic and analytical purposes (including equipment calibration and method validation)
  • environmental use like bioinsecticides
  • probiotics
  • veterinary medicines and supplements.

Who to contact

If you have any questions about importing microorganisms:

MPI business units