New Zealand (NZ)
Fish products for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.
Some products exported to New Zealand may be done so under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) and do not require health certification. Such exports are exempt from export registration requirements. However, if these products are intended to be on-sold to another country after being exported to New Zealand, and the exporter requires a health certificate, template NZEXF is available. See section 6.2.
For some fish and fish products exported to New Zealand, the New Zealand Import Health Standard for Aquatic Animal products (the IHS) requires certification under the Export Control (Fish & Fish Product) Rules 2021.
If certification is required, the products must be sourced, prepared and exported in an establishment (including fishing vessels) that is registered by the Department and in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Fish & Fish Products) Rules 2021. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the departments Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au.
Exceptions to establishment list and overseas registration
Preparation of goods at an export registered establishment and an export permit is not required if you are exporting the following as these goods are not prescribed under the Export Control (Fish & Fish Products) Rules 2021;
- (a) liquid fish and liquid fish products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
- (b) dried fish and dried fish products (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 2 kilograms;
- (c) fish products where fish or fish products are not the major component;
- (d) fish or fish products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
- (e) fish or fish products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (d) (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
- (f) fish or fish products in the form of a tablet or capsule;
- (g) some fish or fish products for export to New Zealand.
1.2 Overseas listing
| Initial listing procedure for edible products | Required? |
|---|---|
| Establishment listing for New Zealand | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
Live fish
New Zealand has not developed Import Health Standards for any live fish (marine or freshwater origin) exported from Australia. In the absence of Import Health Standards, these goods are not permitted to be imported into New Zealand.
1.4 Access for fish products for human consumption
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
| Finfish | Yes* |
| Bivalves (for example, oysters, scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, cockles) | Yes |
| Crustaceans (for example, crab, prawn, lobster, scampi, crayfish) | Yes |
| Echinoderms (for example, sea urchins, sea cucumber) | Yes |
| Gastropods (for example, abalone, periwinkles) | Yes |
| Tunicates (for example, sea squirts) | Yes |
| Crocodile | Yes** |
Exporters must ensure that products exported to New Zealand meet the requirements of the Import Health Standard for Aquatic Animal products (the IHS). *Australia does not have negotiated health certification for the export of freshwater finfish to New Zealand. In the absence of agreed certification freshwater finfish products requiring health certification cannot currently be exported to New Zealand. **Crocodile is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and require a wildlife trade certificate to be exported to New Zealand. | |
2.1 Harvest
Sourcing of fish and fish products
Not all fish and fish products can be exported to New Zealand. Refer to Section 1.3 and 1.4 for information and Part 2 - General Processing Requirements of New Zealand’s Import Health Standard - Aquatic Animal Products.
Sourcing, slaughter and post-mortem inspection of crocodiles
New Zealand has no known additional requirements for sourcing, slaughter and post-mortem inspection of crocodiles that differ from those required by the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
2.2 Microbial and residue sampling
New Zealand has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of fish and fish products that differ from those required in the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
New Zealand residue standards
Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in New Zealand or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between New Zealand and Australia.
Food business operators should note that:
- These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the New Zealand standards and the Australian standards.
- Any detection of a residue above the New Zealand MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
- Note
- Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.
2.3 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation
New Zealand has no known specific operational hygiene requirements that differ from those required by the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
2.4 Premises and equipment
New Zealand has no known additional requirements for premises and equipment that differ from those required in the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.1 Live fish
New Zealand has not developed Import Health Standards for any live fish and fish products (marine or freshwater origin) exported from Australia. In the absence of Import Health Standards, these goods are not permitted to be imported into New Zealand.
3.2 Non-viable fish
Salmonids fish products
Salmonid products, including Atlantic salmon may be exported to New Zealand in any form provided the gut has been removed.
All Salmonid products must be accompanied by a health certificate; see section 6 ‘Documentation Requirements’.
For further information on the import/ production requirements for salmonid products, including for further processed products and specific documentation requirements see section 2.1 of the IHS.
Non-salmonid fish products - straddling
All non-salmonid straddling fish and fish products (including whole fish) may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when the consignment is accompanied by an exporter’s declaration that the fish was caught in one or both of the following fisheries:
- a) Lord Howe Rise Deepwater Fishery
- b) Macquarie Island Fishery Zone
Non-salmonid fish products from other locations in Australia
Eviscerated non-salmonid fish and fish products caught in other locations in Australia, derived from fish species belonging to families listed in Schedule 3 of the IHS, may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals where the exporting country is free from the risk organisms listed in Schedule 3 of the IHS for the relevant family of the fish species. The product must be accompanied by a negotiated health certificate naming the fish species.
Low-risk non-salmonid fish products from Australia
Whole non-salmonid fish and fish products derived from non-salmonid fish listed in schedules 4, 5 or 6 of the IHS may be imported to New Zealand from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals.
- Fish or fish products from Australia must be accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Non-salmonid fish for further processing in New Zealand
Whole non-salmonid fish may be imported from Australia for further processing in New Zealand when accompanied by an import permit. The non-salmonid fish must be processed in accordance with Schedule 9 of the IHS at the transitional facility listed on the import permit.
Non-salmonid fish skin-off fillets
Non-salmonid fish skin-off fillets may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Heat-treated non-salmonid fish products.
Heat-treated non-salmonid fish products may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Dried non-salmonid fish products
Dried non-salmonid fish products may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Non-salmonid fish products commercially packaged for direct retail sale
1.0 kg or 1.0 litre net weight or less
Non-salmonid fish products commercially packaged with a net content of not more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre for direct retail sale can be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
More than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre net weight
Non-salmonid fish products commercially packaged with a net content of more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre for direct retail sale can be imported for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration and an import permit.
For further information see section 2.2.8 of the IHS.
Crustaceans
Heat-treated crustacean products
Heat-treated crustacean products may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Frozen crustacean products
Frozen crustacean products may be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Chilled crustacean products
For crustacean products shipped in chilled form, the packaging must be labelled with the words “Not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals”.
Crustacean products commercially packaged for direct retail sale
1.0 kg or 1.0 litre net weight or less
Crustacean products commercially packaged for direct retail sale and with a net content of not more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre can be imported from Australia for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
More than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre net weight
Crustacean products commercially packaged for direct retail sale and with a net content of more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre can be imported when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration and an import permit.
Mollusc products
Haliotis spp. (abalone) products
Haliotis species (abaone) products may be imported from Australia where the product is accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Mollusc products other than Haliotis spp. (abalone)
Mollusc products other than Haliotis spp. (abalone) may be imported from Australia when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
Echinoderms
Echinoderms may be imported from Australia provided they are commercially packaged for direct retail sale.
Tunicates
Tunicates may be imported from Australia provided they are commercially packaged for direct retail sale.
Cnidarian (jellyfish) products
Cnidarian (jellyfish) products may be imported from Australia provided they are commercially packaged for direct retail sale.
Marine annelid (segmented worms) products
Marine annelid (segmented worms) products may be imported from Australia provided they are commercially packaged for direct retail sale.
Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil products for uses other than bait or animal feed
Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil products may be imported from Australia when accompanied by an exporter’s declaration.
3.3 Crocodile
Crocodile is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and requires wildlife trade certificate. Eligibility for importation of crocodile can be found in the Import Health Standard For Crocodile Meat Products From Australia . New Zealand import eligibility for crocodile meet from Australia is restricted to farmed product.
3.4 Packaging
Fish and fish products for human consumption
New Zealand has no known specific requirements for packaging in addition to those provided in the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.5 Labelling
Crustacean products shipped in chilled form, the packaging must be labelled with the words “Not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals”.
3.6 Shelf life
New Zealand has no known specific requirements for use-by dates and/or shelf-life restrictions in addition to those provided in the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
4.1 Shipping marks
New Zealand has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).
4.2 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout
New Zealand has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight in addition to those provided in the Food Standards Code or Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
5.1 Import permit
Import permits apply to two product categories as follows:
- Salmonid fish products commercially packaged for direct retail sale with a net content of greater than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre - Health certificate and import permit required
- Salmonid fish products which are gutted and do not satisfy another category - Health certificate and an import permit are required. The product is required to be directed to a New Zealand Transitional Facility for further processing.
Information on applying for an import permit can be found on MPIs website. Steps to importing seafood | NZ Government
Transitional facilities in New Zealand
Information on transitional facilities can be found on New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website.
5.2 Port of entry inspection and testing
ECERT
Where export certification is required, New Zealand requires electronic certification (eCert) for fish products sourced and exported from Australian establishments (including fishing vessels). An extract of the data sent via eCert will be issued to the exporter in lieu of the paper health certificate. The extract carries only commercial information required to identify the product. Electronic export clearance information (including endorsements) is sent from NEXDOC to New Zealand import clearance authorities at the same time the eCert extract prints.
Exporter’s declaration
An exporter’s declaration, where required by this IHS must:
- a) Include information that supports that the relevant requirements outlined in the specific commodity clauses in Part 2 of the IHS have been complied with.
- b) Include consignment-specific information that links to the accompanying commercial document(s).
- c) Include one or both the following statements, if applicable:
- i) The product was manufactured in Australia using local and/or imported ingredients.
- ii) The product was manufactured in a third country and given quarantine clearance for sale in Australia.
6.1 Live fish
New Zealand has not developed Import Health Standards for any live fish and fish products marine or freshwater origin exported from Australia. In the absence of Import Health Standards, these goods are not permitted to be imported into New Zealand.
6.2 Non-viable fish
Salmonids
For salmonoid products requiring health certification, use certificate template NZEXF and select one of the endorsements 8111, 8112, 8113 or 8114 as applicable to your product type.
The NZEXF contains the following attestations:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are:
- In sound condition
- Fit for human consumption
- Of Australian origin
Endorsement selection for Salmon products
Endorsement 8111 - Salmonoid fillets or steaks.
Endorsement 8112 - Salmonoid product commercially packaged for direct retail sale with a net content of 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre or less.
Endorsement 8113 - Salmon product commercially packaged for direct retail sale with a net content of greater than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre.
Endorsement 8114 - Salmonid fish product is gutted (and does not satisfy another category).
- Note
- Endorsement 8111 for Salmonid fillets or steaks applies to product not commercially packaged for retail sale.
In addition to the salmonoid product category details, endorsements 8111, 8112, 8113 and 8114 contain the following Zoosanitary information:
- The product for export is derived from fish within the family Salmonidae.
- The product for export is derived from fish that were harvested from a population for which a documented health surveillance programme exists which is administered by a competent government-authorised agency.
- The product for export is derived from fish that were not slaughtered as an official disease control measure as a result of an outbreak of disease.
- During processing the fish were:
- individually inspected and graded, ensuring the product for export is free from visible lesions associated with infectious disease and fit for human consumption.
- individually inspected and graded, ensuring the product for export is free from visible lesions associated with infectious disease and fit for human consumption.
- The product is derived from salmonid fish that were processed in premises under the supervision of a competent government-authorised regulatory agency with responsibility for food safety standards during processing of fish for export.
Please note that each health certificate must only contain products belonging to the same product categories e.g. salmon fillets or steaks must be sent on separate certification to salmon products commercially packed for retail sale with a net content of greater then 1kg or 1 Liter.
Salmonid products using product category endorsement 8114 must be directed to a New Zealand approved Transitional Facility for further processing. For more information, refer to New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website.
For other non-viable fish products where the exporter may require certification (for example if on-sold to another country after being exported to New Zealand), use certificate template NZEXF.
The NZEXF contains the following attestations:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are:
- In sound condition
- Fit for human consumption
- Of Australian origin
6.3 Crocodiles
As crocodiles are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) species database, you must apply for a permit in order to export from Australia. If you do not obtain a permit before the consignment is exported, it may be detained.
For crocodile meat, use NZEXF with endorsement 523.
NZEXF contains the following attestations:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are:
- In sound condition
- Fit for human consumption
- Of Australian origin
Endorsement 523 – New Zealand Crocodile
- The meat was derived from crocodiles farmed and slaughtered in Australia.
- The products are derived from farmed crocodiles of Australian origin and processed in accordance with the Australian Standard for Hygienic Production of Crocodile Meat for Human Consumption.
Fish products not for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021 does not regulate fish and fish products not for human consumption. Establishments processing such products are not required to be export registered with the Department unless it is a requirement of the importing country. Exporters are encouraged to confirm the eligibility and import requirements of their product with their importer, or directly with the importing country competent authority prior to export.
Importing countries may require a health certificate be provided for fish and fish products not for human consumption. If a health certificate is required, contact the department’s non-prescribed goods program at NPGExports@aff.gov.au for further information.
1.2 Overseas listing
| Initial listing procedure for fish products not for human consumption | Required? |
|---|---|
| Establishment listing for New Zealand | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
The Department is not aware of any prohibited fish products. Exporters should check with their importers to determine if their products are permitted for import into New Zealand.
1.4 Access for fish products not for human consumption
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
*Please refer to Aquaculture feed section for more information. **Please refer to Animal feed section for more information. | |
| Aquaculture feed | Yes* |
| Animal feed | Yes** |
| Crocodile skins and hides | No agreed certification |
| Technical products and pharmaceutical material (for example, fish oil capsule) | No agreed certification |
| Rendered products | No agreed certification |
| Shells | No agreed certification |
Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil not intended for fish bait or fish food
For the export of aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil for all animal feed uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals to New Zealand, the shipment must be accompanied by an exporter declaration with all of the following attestations:
- i) The product is derived only from aquatic animal species.
- ii) The product was heat treated at a minimum core temperature of 80°C for a period of not less than 20 minutes.
For the export of composite products containing aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil that are not a bait or feed for aquatic animals to New Zealand, the product must be commercially prepared and packaged for direct retail sale and shipment must be accompanied by an import permit issued by New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI).
An import permit will be issued by MPI on case-by-case basis and application form can be found on the MPI website Permit to Import Animal Products, or apply for the permit online.
Aquaculture feed
Electronic certification
From the 22nd of October 2024, New Zealand accepts electronic certification (eCert) for fish food products sourced and exported from Australia. Export clearance information (including endorsements) is sent directly in digital format from EXDOC to New Zealand’s import clearance authorities at the same time Request for Permit (RFP) goes to COMP status. An extract of the data sent via eCert will be issued to the exporter in lieu of the full paper health certificate. The extract carries only commercial information required to identify the product and is not intended for clearance use.
Certification is no longer available to be processed manually after this date.
Aquaculture feed/fish food containing fishmeal and or fish oil exported to New Zealand
For aquaculture feed containing fishmeal and/or fish oil exported to New Zealand, use NZEXI8 (eCert) with the additional endorsement 7899.
Product types: fish meal and fish oil only
Product code: FFF
Additional endorsement 7899
The fish food product is comprised of fish meal and/or fish oil only and the ingredients are NOT derived from animals that were slaughtered as an official disease control measure.
Fishmeal and/or fish oil were derived from animals that at the time of slaughter did not show any clinical signs of disease.
Fishmeal and/or fish oil have been treated at a minimum core temperature of 80°C for a period of no less than 20 minutes.
During manufacturing, quality control measures were in place to ensure that contamination with other products did not occur.
Fish food containing fish and terrestrial animal material
For specific requirements for aquaculture feed containing fishmeal/fish oil and terrestrial animal material, refer to Micor Meat for further information.
Aquaculture feed containing fishmeal and or fish oil exported to New Zealand to feed fish intended for export to the United Arab Emirates
For aquaculture feed containing fishmeal and/or fish oil exported to New Zealand to feed fish intended for export to the United Arab Emirates, use NZEXI8 (eCert) with an additional endorsement 7899. Shipments must also be accompanied by a manufacturer’s declaration (on a manufacturer’s letter head). Details are provided below.
Additional endorsement 7899
The fish food product is comprised of fish meal and/or fish oil only and the ingredients are NOT derived from animals that were slaughtered as an official disease control measure.
Fishmeal and/or fish oil were derived from animals that at the time of slaughter did not show any clinical signs of disease
Fishmeal and/or fish oil have been treated at a minimum core temperature of 80°C for a period of no less than 20 minutes.
During manufacturing, quality control measures were in place to ensure that contamination with other products did not occur.
Manufacturer's declarationI, of where the fish feed has been produced, understand this product may be fed to fish which are destined for export to the United Arab Emirates, and certify that:
The product contains no terrestrial animal ingredients.
Evidence to support point a) has been provided to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture.
Name...................................
Signature of Manufacturer.............................................
Date............................
After due enquiry, I have no reason to doubt the veracity of the Manufacturer's Declaration.
Signature..................................
Printed name, qualifications and title (capital letters)..........................................
Officer of the Department of Agriculture
Date..................
Place......................
In order to import crocodile skin and hides into New Zealand, the packaging should be as follow.
- The consignment must be clearly identified and (where applicable) the identifier must be stated on the veterinary certificate.
- The packaging of all consignments of hides and skins must be clean and secure.
- The criteria to be applied to determine whether the outcome in clause (2) has been achieved are as follows:
- The exterior of the package is free from any organic contaminants.
- The hides and skins are adequately contained.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for Rendered products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the New Zealand competent authority prior to shipping any Rendered products to New Zealand.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for technical grade and pharmaceutical products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the New Zealand competent authority prior to shipping any technical products or pharmaceutical material to New Zealand.
03/09/2025 - Updated documentation requirements with health certificate available for on-sold products (sections 1.1 and 6.2).
06/06/2025 - Updated certification for Australian Salmonid products exported to New Zealand (sections 5.1 and 6.2).
22/10/2024 - Updates for commencement of paperless electronic certification (eCert) for the export of fish feed products to New Zealand. Refer to MAA2453.
23/02/2024 - Revised export requirements for animal feed of aquatic origin to New Zealand.
28/09/2023 - Major review of all content.
29/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 2.2).
12/09/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.
06/06/2025 - Updated certification for Australian Salmonid products exported to New Zealand (sections 5.1 and 6.2).
22/10/2024 - Updates for commencement of paperless electronic certification (eCert) for the export of fish feed products to New Zealand. Refer to MAA2453.
23/02/2024 - Revised export requirements for animal feed of aquatic origin to New Zealand.
28/09/2023 - Major review of all content.
29/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 2.2).
12/09/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.