New Zealand Shipping and MAF

As New Zealand is an island nation with a unique ecosystem and a significant economic reliance on agriculture, there are rigorously maintained agriculture regulations to consider when shipping household items.

All containers landed in New Zealand are checked by MAF (the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries), and the following items will usually be inspected:

• Wooden items
• Gardening Equipment
• Lawn Mowers and Catchers
• Foodstuffs
• Medicines
• Cane furniture and bamboo items (these will always be fumigated)
• Bicycles
• Golf clubs and buggies
• Sporting shoes and equipment (there are special guidelines for sporting and camping equipment - there are also specific guidelines on how to clean fishing tackle and other aquatic equipment.)
• Vacuum cleaners with un-emptied dust bags
• Ornaments and curios containing skin or feathers
• Christmas decorations (no pinecones!)
• Dried flowers and seeds
• Equipment/medicines used with horses or other animals
• Used Vehicles

In the majority of cases, MAF just requires that the items are clean - in particular, that they are not contaminated by soil, seeds or insect infestations. Inspections typically cost $150 - $300, depending on what is examined - cleaning and fumigation costs are extra.

To save on inspection charges, try to ensure that your boxes are labelled correctly (not for example as "misc"), and be specific - e.g. separate "garden tools" and "DIY tools". Items of possible interest should be packed together where possible. Anything likely to have been outside will also be inspected, such as garden furniture and outdoor toys - make sure they are clean.

You can always phone or e-mail MAF about any items you are not sure about; honesty is absolutely the best policy.

Please also see our other articles on shipping your household goods to New Zealand:

• shipping your household goods to New Zealand,
• our list of what to take with you and what to leave behind, 
• moving your pets to New Zealand,
• shipping your car to New Zealand and
  
• getting a good deal on your New Zealand cargo insurance.

Broadbase International will work with you every step of the way to help you make a confident start to your new life in New Zealand. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.