Transiting requirements for zoo animals
Animals in transit must remain on the vessel or aircraft that brings them to New Zealand at all times, and can't stay longer than 4 hours.
Zoo animals can only transit through New Zealand if there's a specific import health standard (IHS) for that animal and country.
Zoo animals transiting New Zealand must:
- comply with the veterinary requirements of the final destination country
- have a contingency plan that has been pre-approved by MPI
- have an MPI transit permit, which must be presented on arrival in New Zealand.
Apply for an import permit online, if required
The IHS will tell you if an import permit is required. If needed, apply for a permit by completing an application online. Manual application forms are no longer available.
Payment is required when submitting an online application.
Processing time for permit application is 20 working days. Ensure you give us this time to process the application.
Online permit application – Animal and Plant Import Permits
If you have any questions about permits, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
Wooden crates or containers must meet requirements
If your animals are shipped to New Zealand in wooden crates or containers, or wood has been used as flooring or walls, you'll also need to comply with the requirements for importing wood packaging.
Follow the steps for importing wood packaging
Containers used for transporting live animals must be new, or cleaned and disinfected with a virucidal disinfectant.
Who to contact
If you have questions about zoo animals in transit, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
