Do I need to declare Ayurvedic or herbal medicines when I arrive in NZ?
Yes. You must declare all traditional and herbal medicines, including Ayurvedic, Chinese and other herbal remedies. Some traditional medicines with animal or plant ingredients may be covered by CITES, the endangered species convention. 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 →
People also ask
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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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