Market
Dried ginger in New Zealand is primarily an import-dependent spice/ingredient market, with domestic supply largely reliant on overseas producers. UN Comtrade-based data published via the World Bank WITS platform shows New Zealand imported ginger worth about US$5.6 million (about 2,159 tonnes) in 2020, with Thailand and China among the leading suppliers. Importers must meet MPI biosecurity import health standard (IHS) requirements for stored plant products intended for human consumption and may also require food safety clearance under the Food Act via New Zealand’s Trade Single Window processes. Customs duty treatment differs by product form: whole/dry ginger under HS 0910.11 is duty-free under the normal tariff, while crushed/ground ginger under HS 0910.12 has a 5% normal tariff rate unless a preferential rate applies.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleCulinary spice and food-manufacturing ingredient supplied mainly by imports
Risks
Biosecurity HighFailure to meet MPI import health standard (IHS) biosecurity requirements for stored plant products can block clearance of imported dried ginger, potentially leading to on-arrival treatment requirements, delays, re-export, or destruction if the consignment is non-compliant or contaminated.Confirm the correct MPI IHS for the exact ginger form and origin before shipment; align pre-shipment cleaning/treatment and documentation (e.g., manufacturer declarations, treatment certificates) to IHS entry conditions and ensure packaging is free of soil/plant debris and live pests.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCustoms classification errors (whole/pieces vs crushed/ground) can change the applicable duty rate and clearance assumptions, creating cost disputes and border delays.Classify against the Working Tariff Document (e.g., HS 0910.11 vs 0910.12) and maintain product specifications (form, granulation) and supplier documents consistent with the declared HS code.
Food Safety MediumDried spices, including ginger powder, can be implicated in Salmonella contamination incidents, creating recall and importer liability risk even for shelf-stable products.Use validated supplier preventive controls (e.g., kill-step where applicable, hygienic dry processing), require certificates of analysis for pathogens on higher-risk lots, and maintain rapid traceability and recall procedures for packaged batches.
Contaminants MediumHeavy metal contamination (e.g., lead) in spices is a recognized international compliance issue and can trigger rejection, recall, or customer delisting if limits are exceeded.Implement supplier qualification and periodic testing plans aligned to Codex contaminants guidance for spices and culinary herbs; focus sampling on higher-risk origins and lots.
Sustainability- Contaminant risk management for spices (e.g., heavy metals such as lead) may require supplier testing aligned to Codex maximum level settings for spices and culinary herbs.
FAQ
What clearances are typically needed to import dried ginger for human consumption into New Zealand?MPI notes that stored plant products intended for human consumption (including dried herbs and spices) must meet biosecurity requirements set out in an import health standard (IHS) and receive biosecurity clearance on arrival. Depending on the product and risk settings, MPI may also require food safety clearance under the Food Act, with any directions communicated through New Zealand’s Trade Single Window processes.
Does New Zealand charge customs duty on dried ginger imports?New Zealand Customs’ Working Tariff Document shows that ginger that is neither crushed nor ground (HS 0910.11, including dry ginger) is duty-free under the normal tariff. Crushed or ground ginger (HS 0910.12) is listed at a 5% normal tariff rate, but preferential tariff rates can be free when origin requirements are met.
Which countries have been key suppliers of ginger to New Zealand in recent trade data?UN Comtrade-based data published via the World Bank WITS platform reports that in 2020 New Zealand imported ginger mainly from Thailand and China by value, with other listed suppliers including Fiji and India.