In recent developments, New Zealand has granted market access to Taiwanese pineapples. Furthermore, Peru has finalized an agreement to export citrus fruits to New Zealand. These new imports highlight the steady expansion of trade relations, enhancing the variety of fresh produce available to consumers in the region.
However, while such trade opportunities open doors, food importers must navigate rigorous biosecurity standards and complex regulations. This article will guide you on how to import perishable food such as fruits and vegetables and shed light on import regulations before shipping.
The Importance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Import
Fresh produce imports support New Zealand’s food supply, economy, and consumer lifestyle. While the country boasts a strong agricultural sector, the limitations of climate and seasonality mean certain fruits and vegetables are not available locally year-round. Imports not only fill these gaps but also introduce a wider variety of products that cater to consumer demands.
Here’s why fruit and vegetable imports are important to the economy:
Food Security and Dietary Diversity
Imports of fresh produce play a crucial role in supplementing local food production. It ensures a steady supply of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. New Zealand’s growing seasons vary, limiting the availability of certain crops at specific times. Importing fresh produce bridges this gap, meeting consumer demand for year-round availability.
In addition, access to a wide range of food options promotes dietary diversity and improves public health. Consumers increasingly value international produce to meet their nutritional needs and to experience diverse culinary options. Importing fresh fruits and vegetables worldwide encourages healthier eating habits by providing variety beyond domestic offerings.
Economic Growth and Trade
The import of fresh produce also contributes to the nation's economy. Supporting local wholesale, retail, and hospitality businesses, imported fruits and vegetables strengthen the supply chain and foster new business opportunities.
Furthermore, global trade offers further potential for the country’s agricultural businesses. Through collaborative trade arrangements, local companies gain exposure to international markets, enhancing their capacity to export homegrown produce, strengthening the economy, and bolstering bilateral trade relations.
Understanding New Zealand's Biosecurity Framework
The preservation of New Zealand’s environment relies heavily on robust biosecurity measures. Any introduction of foreign pests or diseases could cause severe damage to native ecosystems and agricultural industries.
Perishable food importers must align with these biosecurity protocols to ensure their products meet compliance requirements while minimizing risks to the local environment.
Protecting The Environment
New Zealand’s biosecurity system is designed to protect the country’s environment and agricultural industry from harmful pests and diseases. The nation’s isolation has allowed its ecosystems to develop uniquely, but this also means they are vulnerable to invasive species. Strict biosecurity measures are, therefore, essential to safeguarding these ecosystems.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), in particular, aims to maintain biodiversity while supporting safe trade. Biosecurity efforts ensure that imports do not pose a threat to New Zealand’s environment, agricultural sector, or economy.
Import Health Standards (IHS): The Cornerstone of Biosecurity
A key component of New Zealand’s biosecurity system is the Import Health Standards (IHS), which outlines specific requirements for importing various types of produce. Importers must carefully review the IHS for each product category to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of delays or rejections.
Navigating the Food Import Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Food Importer Registration
Food importers are required to register with the MPI or work with a registered agent. This establishes accountability and ensures all food products entering the country meet safety and biosecurity standards.
The registration process involves meeting eligibility criteria, including demonstrating compliance with the Food Act 2014 and providing necessary documentation. Once registered, importers can access MPI’s systems to track shipments and handle regulatory requirements efficiently.
Step 2: Meeting New Zealand Customs Service Requirements
New Zealand Customs plays a critical role in the clearance of imported goods. Fresh food importers must comply with customs regulations, including paying duties or tariffs where applicable. Engaging a customs broker is highly recommended to navigate these procedures smoothly and ensure timely clearance.
Step 3: Obtaining a Phytosanitary Certificate
Phytosanitary certificates are also essential for shipping perishable goods. These certificates confirm that products meet international health standards and are free from harmful pests and diseases. Exporting countries issue these certificates through the National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPO).
Obtaining a phytosanitary certificate involves inspections, sourcing produce from pest-free areas, and ensuring that packaging complies with export regulations. Food importers must complete all documentation before shipment to avoid customs issues.
Step 4: Complying with On-Arrival Inspections
Upon shipping to New Zealand, all imported perishable goods undergo inspection by MPI officers. These inspections confirm that shipments meet biosecurity requirements. In cases of non-compliance or contamination, goods may require treatment, re-export, or destruction.
That said, importers must ensure all shipments meet pre-shipment requirements and have valid phytosanitary certificates. Thorough preparation helps reduce risks during on-arrival inspections, minimizing delays and costs.
For more details, check out our comprehensive import guide.
Ensuring Food Safety According to the Food Act 2014
The Food Act 2014 ensures that all food imported into New Zealand for sale meets strict safety and suitability standards to protect public health. It applies to food sold directly to consumers and to fruits and vegetables imported for processing and subsequent export. Under the Food Act:
- Safety: Safety refers to the food’s ability to be consumed without risk of illness or injury, while suitability involves ensuring the food's composition, labelling, and condition are appropriate for its intended use. Any contamination, deterioration, or unexpected substances may render food unsuitable, even if it poses no direct health risk.
- Verification: Importers must ensure the safety and suitability of the food they are importing by obtaining necessary food safety certifications from overseas suppliers and carefully reviewing the technical specifications of the products.
- Handling and Transportation: It is essential to manage the proper handling, storage, and transportation of food, which includes maintaining appropriate temperatures for cold chain shipping, preventing contamination, rotating stock, and addressing any damaged or expired items.
- Traceability: Food importers are required to maintain thorough records for traceability, ensuring that the food can be tracked throughout the supply chain, from the overseas supplier to the retailer.
Importers must be prepared to initiate a product recall if the food is found to be unsafe or unsuitable for consumption.
DHL Express: Your Trusted Partner for Fresh Produce Imports
Want to know how to ship perishable food into New Zealand? With expertise in temperature-controlled logistics and tailored packaging solutions, DHL Express makes it easy for businesses to import perishable food with confidence.
DHL’s import services for shipping perishable goods ensure that fresh fruits and vegetables reach their destination in optimal condition. Our global team brings extensive knowledge of international customs regulations and biosecurity frameworks, providing valuable support with documentation assistance and easy clearance processes to those who need guidance on importing into New Zealand.
If you’re looking for perishable shipping services for imported goods, be sure to open a DHL Express business account today.
