What our fees cover
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) calculates fees on a cost-recovery basis. Activities and services we charge for include:
- registering as an exporter
- unit fee charges for animals exported
- hourly rate and mileage charges for MPI employees.
Not all charges on this page may apply to you, and there may be other charges not listed here.
Registering as an exporter
| Activity type | Charge (excl GST) | Charge (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual exporter registration fee | $135 | $155.25 |
Unit fee charges
The live animal export system requires constant review and maintenance to ensure that certification issued for the export of live animals is accepted by the importing country. The unit fee helps you to continue to export smoothly.
For live animals, a unit is usually an animal.
Unit charges for live animals
| Charge | Charge (excl GST) | Charge (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| MPI charge per export certificate (a unit) | $114.44 | $131.61 |
| Listed veterinary practice examination and export certificate charge | Varies | Varies |
The total fee to the client is paid by the client to the vet practice signing and issuing the export certificate which includes the charges for MPI, AsureQuality and the veterinary practice. As mentioned above, the veterinary clinic examination and export certification charge can vary and is at the discretion of the practice. MPI does not have any involvement in this part of the fees.
Hourly rate charges
You'll be charged the hourly rate for MPI employees doing specialist activities on your behalf. These services include:
- specialist functions and activities needed to export live animals
- negotiating alternative measures for meeting access requirements with importing countries
- negotiating new access requirements for overseas markets (exporters of cats and dogs are not charged for this type of work).
| Charge type | Charge (excl GST) | Charge (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| MPI employee – hourly rate (except final part hour) | $186.30, with a minimum charge of $93.15 | $214.25, with a minimum charge of $107.12 |
| MPI employee – charge for each 15-minute block in a part hour | $46.575 | $53.56 |
Fee waivers
If you wish to apply for a waiver for the export of live animals, email animalexports@mpi.govt.nz.
Set out your details, the proposed export(s), fees, purpose for export, and your reasons for seeking a waiver. Make your application at least 20 working days before the fees will be incurred.
Find out more
- Animal Products (Fees, Charges, and Levies) Regulations 2007
- Updated fees and charges
- Download MPI's complaints and appeals procedure
- Download MPI's conflict of interest policy
Who to contact
If you have any questions about MPI's fees and charges for exporting pets, email animalexports@mpi.govt.nz.
