Can I bring spices, snacks and sweets from home to New Zealand? Do I need to declare them?
You must declare them. Any food counts, including dried, packaged, snacks, tea and dried herbs or spices. An MPI officer at the border inspects the items and decides whether you can bring them in. If you are not sure, declare it.
Official figures
- What the NZTD is
- It collects your travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It replaced the old paper Passenger Arrival Card.2
- Who must complete the NZTD
- Everyone who arrives, including New Zealand citizens and residents. Babies and children each need their own declaration.1
- Cost
- Free. You can complete it on the NZTD website or in the NZTD app.1
- Earliest time to submit
- If you travel by air: from 24 hours before you depart.1
- Penalties for a false declaration
- Your items may be confiscated, and you may get an instant fine of at least NZ$400. You may also be prosecuted, jailed or deported.1
Official sources
- Completing your declarationNew Zealand Customs Service (NZTD) · travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
- About the New Zealand Traveller DeclarationNew Zealand Customs Service (NZTD) · travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
- What you can and can't bringNew Zealand Customs Service · customs.govt.nz
- Receive items from overseasNew Zealand Customs Service · customs.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Arriving in New Zealand: declaring food and medicines →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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