Do I need a permit to bring ginseng or traditional medicines into NZ?
Yes, for some products. American ginseng root and traditional medicines containing dendrobium or saussurea costus need a permit from the Department of Conservation. You must declare all traditional medicines. If you are not sure, email the Department of Conservation at cites@doc.govt.nz.
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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