Some imported foods require food safety clearance
Foods that are known to present an increased risk to human health are classified as "high regulatory interest" (HRI) foods and always require food safety clearance.
Foods where there is uncertainty or concern about the risk they present to human health are classified as foods of "increased regulatory interest (IRI). Some IRI foods also require food safety clearance.
Food safety clearance must be granted before these foods can enter the New Zealand market. This is additional to any biosecurity or Customs import requirements.
To gain food safety clearance, an importer may need to provide an official certificate or other documentation, or the food may require sampling and testing when it arrives in New Zealand.
Find out what foods are HRI and IRI and their clearance requirements
Documentation may be required for clearance
Documentation is often required for food safety clearance, especially where we have an existing trade agreement with an exporting country.
Documents or evidence required for clearance must be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.
Documents must be uploaded into the Trade Single Window (TSW) system when an import entry is made.
