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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, you can take New Zealand (NZ) honey to Australia, but there are strict regulations and requirements in place. The primary concern is biosecurity, specifically preventing the introduction of diseases like American Foulbrood (AFB) from New Zealand into Australia's apiary industry. You must declare all animal products, including honey, and obtain the necessary import permits and certifications from both NZ and Australian authorities.

Key Facts

All honey entering Australia from New Zealand must be accompanied by an official import permit issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The honey must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), confirming it is free from specific pests and diseases.
You are required to declare all animal products, including honey, on your incoming passenger card when arriving in Australia.
The honey must be commercially produced and packaged, with clear labeling indicating its origin and composition.
Personal consumption quantities of honey may be subject to different, though still stringent, rules and may require specific declarations and inspections upon arrival.

Overview

The question of whether New Zealand honey can be brought into Australia is a common one, driven by the strong trans-Tasman trade relationship and the popularity of NZ's unique honey varieties, such as Manuka. However, cross-border movement of agricultural products, particularly those derived from insects like honey, is always subject to rigorous biosecurity protocols. Australia, like New Zealand, maintains some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world to protect its unique flora, fauna, and agricultural industries from invasive pests and diseases. This is especially pertinent for the beekeeping industry, which is vulnerable to devastating diseases like American Foulbrood (AFB), a bacterial infection that can decimate honeybee colonies.

Therefore, while it is possible to take NZ honey to Australia, it is not a simple process of just packing it in your luggage. Strict regulations are in place to ensure that any honey entering Australia does not pose a biosecurity risk. These regulations are designed to safeguard Australia's native ecosystems and its valuable agricultural sectors, including its own thriving honey production industry. Compliance with these rules is mandatory, and failure to do so can result in confiscation of the product, significant fines, or even prosecution.

How It Works

Biosecurity Declarations: All travellers arriving in Australia must declare any animal products they are carrying. This includes honey. Failing to declare such items can lead to penalties. The declaration process allows biosecurity officers to inspect the goods and ensure they meet import requirements. This is the first line of defence in preventing the introduction of exotic pests and diseases.
Import Permits and Certificates: For commercial quantities, and often even for personal use depending on the specifics, an import permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is typically required. Additionally, the honey must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This certificate verifies that the honey has been inspected and is free from specified pests and diseases, particularly those that could affect Australian bees.
Commercial Packaging and Labeling: Honey intended for import into Australia generally needs to be commercially produced and packaged. This means it should come in sealed containers with clear labels that provide details about the product, its origin (New Zealand), and potentially its ingredients. Unprocessed or home-packaged honey is highly unlikely to meet the stringent requirements due to the difficulty in verifying its safety and origin.
Inspection and Approval: Upon arrival in Australia, all declared goods are subject to inspection by biosecurity officers. They will examine the honey to ensure it complies with all import conditions, including checking for the correct documentation and the integrity of the packaging. If the honey meets all the requirements, it will be allowed to enter. If not, it may be seized, destroyed, or re-exported at the owner's expense.

Key Comparisons

Feature	NZ Honey Export to Australia (Commercial)	NZ Honey Personal Import to Australia (Strictly Regulated)
Permit Requirement	Mandatory Import Permit from DAFF, Phytosanitary Certificate from MPI	Permit may be required, stringent declaration essential, specific quantity limits apply
Packaging	Must be commercially produced, sealed, and labeled	Preferably commercially packaged; home-packaged is highly problematic
Declaration	Mandatory on incoming passenger card	Mandatory on incoming passenger card
Health & Safety	Subject to rigorous testing and certification	Subject to inspection; risk of confiscation if concerns
Purpose	Trade and commerce	Personal consumption; strict limits

Why It Matters

Impact on Australian Beekeeping: Australia's bee population is highly susceptible to diseases like American Foulbrood (AFB), which is endemic in New Zealand. The introduction of AFB could devastate Australia's native bee populations and its multi-billion dollar agricultural industries that rely on pollination services, such as almonds, apples, and berries. The value of the Australian honey and beeswax industry is estimated to be worth over AUD $150 million annually, with pollination services adding significantly more value to agriculture.
Protecting Native Flora and Fauna: Biosecurity measures are crucial for protecting Australia's unique and often fragile native ecosystems. Unwanted pests and diseases introduced through imported goods can outcompete native species, disrupt ecological balances, and lead to irreversible damage. This extends beyond agriculture to the health of national parks and natural habitats.
Maintaining Trade Integrity: The strict import regulations not only protect Australia but also uphold the integrity of international trade. By having robust biosecurity in place, Australia can confidently export its own agricultural products, knowing that its own biosecurity standards are high and that it is not a source of exotic threats to other nations. This builds trust and facilitates continued global trade.

In conclusion, while the allure of New Zealand honey, particularly Manuka, is undeniable, travellers must approach bringing it into Australia with diligence and a thorough understanding of the regulations. Always check the latest requirements with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) before travelling, as rules and specific certifications can change. Proper declaration and adherence to the guidelines are paramount to ensuring a smooth journey and, more importantly, safeguarding Australia's precious biosecurity.