Can I bring Ginseng to New Zealand?
Ginseng→New Zealand
⚠️ Declaration Required
About Ginseng
When bringing Ginseng, ensure compliance with New Zealand Customs Service & MPI regulations. If you want to bring Ginseng as a snack or souvenir, be mindful of agricultural bans at your destination. For biosecurity reasons, many countries prohibit untreated Ginseng. Choosing commercially packaged products with ingredient lists is highly recommended. 💡 Tip: If unsure about a food item, "Declare it" to avoid fines. Customs won't fine you for declared items even if they confiscate them.
General Rules Apply
We don't have specific rules for Ginseng yet. Below are the general rules for Plants and Seeds that apply to Ginseng.
✅ Declaration Requirements
✅Required
Form needed: New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
📌 Quick Summary
🔗 Official Information Source:
Last Updated:October 14, 2026
Reliability:
📝 Important Notes
- •📋 DECLARATION REQUIRED: Plants and seeds are risk items that must be declared when you arrive in New Zealand.
- •📋 Quick Summary:
- •Status: Declaration required
- •Scope: any plants or seeds, whether alive, dried, natural or packaged. The sample declaration form also lists flowers, bulbs, leaves, nuts, vegetables and parts of plants.
- •Declaration: List all risk items on your arrival declaration, in both hand luggage and checked-in bags. If you are unsure, declare the items on arrival for inspection or put them in the marked amnesty bins.
- •Inspection: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) officers inspect the items and decide whether they can be returned to you or are not permitted to enter New Zealand. Items may need treatment before they can be returned to you, and you pay for it.
- •Undeclared items: If you do not declare a risk item, you may get a fine or be prosecuted.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ginseng need to be vacuum-sealed for entry?
Vacuum sealing can significantly reduce the risk of confiscation, especially for meat or dried products. Additionally, Ginseng with complete commercial labeling and ingredient lists is more likely to pass inspection.
What should I consider when bringing Ginseng?
The most important thing when bringing Ginseng is to confirm if it exceeds the duty-free allowance or declaration threshold of your destination. It's recommended to keep purchase receipts and ensure Ginseng is in its original packaging for easier customs inspection. If the Ginseng is of high value, always use the red declaration channel.
❓ More Questions
Can I bring seeds or plants to New Zealand?
They are risk items and must be declared. MPI officers inspect the items and decide whether they can be returned to you or are not permitted to enter New Zealand.
Do I need to declare dried or packaged seeds?
Yes. Plants or seeds, whether alive, dried, natural or packaged, are risk items. Declare them on your arrival declaration, whether they are in hand luggage or checked-in bags.
What if I am unsure or do not declare?
If you are unsure, declare the items on arrival for inspection or put them in the marked amnesty bins. If you do not declare a risk item, you may get a fine or be prosecuted.
More items for New Zealand
Ginseng in other countries
Complete New Zealand Entry Guide
Entry process, prohibited items, duty-free allowances, and more
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