Can I Bring Spices Into New Zealand?

Mostly yes, if declared and commercially sealed. Ground and packaged spices are generally allowed into New Zealand once declared on your Traveller Declaration. Whole, unground spices and seeds must be commercially manufactured in their original unopened packaging. Whole viable seeds meant for planting fall under far stricter rules. Undeclared spices risk an instant NZ$400 fine.

Key restrictions

All spices must be declared on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration — dried, ground, whole, or blended.

Whole, unground spices and seeds must be commercially manufactured and in their original unopened packaging.

Ground spices and sealed commercial blends are lower risk and usually allowed once declared and inspected.

Whole viable seeds meant for planting fall under New Zealand's much stricter seeds-for-sowing rules.

A quarantine officer makes the final call; undeclared spices risk an instant NZ$400 fine.

Why this matters

New Zealand runs one of the strictest biosecurity borders in the world, and spices sit inside it because they are dried plant material. Ground, processed spices are low risk, but whole spices can include seeds that are still viable — and a viable seed is treated not as food but as a potential "seed for sowing," which faces far tighter controls.

The practical risk for travellers is the declaration. Every food item must be declared on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, and undeclared risk goods carry an instant NZ$400 fine — a strict-liability penalty, so "I forgot" is not a defence.

Restrictions

Declare everything. All spices — dried, ground, whole, or blended — must go on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
Ground and packaged spices in sealed commercial packaging are lower risk and usually allowed once declared and inspected.
Whole, unground spices and seeds must be commercially manufactured and in their original unopened packaging. Loose or home-packed whole spices are likely to be confiscated.
Whole viable seeds intended for planting fall under New Zealand's much stricter seeds-for-sowing regime, which can require permits or prohibit them outright.

A quarantine officer inspects on arrival and makes the final decision. Declaring protects you from the fine; it does not guarantee the spices get in.

What the official guidance says

The Ministry for Primary Industries requires every food item to be declared on arrival, and treats unground spices, herbs, and seeds as allowed only when they are commercially manufactured, packaged, and in their original unopened packaging. Ground and processed spices are handled more leniently, but the decision always sits with the quarantine officer at the airport. Whole seeds that could germinate are routed through the stricter seeds-for-sowing rules. If you are not sure a spice product qualifies, declare it or drop it in an amnesty bin before the checkpoint — undeclared risk goods carry an instant NZ$400 fine.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to declare sealed supermarket spices?

Yes. Every food item, including sealed ground spices, must be declared on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Commercially packaged ground spices are low risk and usually cleared quickly once declared — the declaration itself is what matters.

Can I bring whole spices like cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods?

Only if they are commercially manufactured and in their original unopened packaging. Loose or home-packed whole spices are likely to be confiscated, and whole seeds that could be planted are assessed under much stricter seeds-for-sowing rules.

What happens if I do not declare my spices?

Undeclared biosecurity risk goods carry an instant NZ$400 fine in New Zealand, and it is a strict-liability offence — forgetting is not an excuse. If you are unsure, declare the spices or use an amnesty bin before the checkpoint.