Market
In New Zealand, licorice root powder is primarily an import-dependent botanical ingredient used in processed plant foods and dietary supplement formulations. Market access is strongly shaped by MPI biosecurity import health standards for stored plant products for human consumption and, where applicable, MPI food safety clearance workflows via Trade Single Window. Demand is mainly tied to nutraceutical/supplement manufacturing and specialty food and beverage flavouring applications. New Zealand has established supplement and powder-blending manufacturing capacity (notably in Auckland and Canterbury) that commonly uses ingredients sourced domestically and internationally.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient and consumer market with domestic blending/packing and supplement manufacturing
Domestic RoleBotanical sweetener/flavouring input and dietary supplement ingredient used in processed foods and nutraceutical products
Risks
Biosecurity Compliance HighNon-compliance with MPI import health standard requirements for stored/processed plant products (including contamination with soil, pests, or other unwanted organisms, or missing/incorrect certificates) can lead to clearance delays, directed treatment, re-shipment, or destruction of consignments at the importer’s cost.Pre-validate IHS eligibility and conditions for the specific product/origin; enforce pre-shipment cleanliness controls, secure packaging, and complete documentation (including any phytosanitary/manufacturer/treatment certificates) before dispatch.
Food Safety MediumIf MPI requires food safety clearance, failure to provide acceptable evidence (official certificate/manufacturer declaration, or test results when directed) can result in clearance with direction (including reprocessing, re-export, or destruction) rather than free release for sale.Confirm whether the product is of regulatory interest and whether food safety clearance is required; prepare TSW submissions with invoice and transport documents plus any required assurance documents in English (or clear English translations).
Consumer Health MediumLicorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, and Medsafe notes mineralocorticoid-like effects that can include hypokalaemia, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and myopathy; an upper limit of 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin is referenced in Medsafe guidance.For consumer products (foods or supplements) containing licorice-derived ingredients, manage glycyrrhizin exposure through formulation controls, consumer directions/warnings where appropriate, and heightened caution for at-risk groups and interacting medicines.
Regulatory Compliance MediumProcessed plant foods and ingredients imported for sale must comply with New Zealand’s Food Act framework and adopted joint food standards (Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code), including labelling requirements (English labelling and NZ distributor details for retail foods highlighted in MPI import guidance).Run a pre-market label and composition compliance check against the applicable Food Standards Code provisions and MPI guidance before shipment and before retail sale.
Standards- GMP-oriented nutraceutical manufacturing and quality systems are commonly referenced by New Zealand supplement manufacturers; supplier QA expectations often extend to incoming powdered ingredients.
FAQ
What is the main deal-breaker compliance risk when importing licorice root powder into New Zealand?The biggest blocker risk is biosecurity non-compliance under MPI import health standards for stored/processed plant products. MPI can require specific documentation and may inspect consignments for contamination (soil, pests, disease); non-compliance can result in directed treatment, delay, re-shipment, or destruction.
Which documents are commonly needed for NZ border clearance for imported plant-based powders?Commonly needed documents include an electronic import entry/lodgement for Customs clearance, an invoice, and a bill of lading or airway bill. Depending on the applicable MPI import health standard and clearance pathway, additional documents may include a phytosanitary certificate, a manufacturer’s certificate/declaration, and treatment certificate(s), plus a sea freight container declaration for sea cargo.
What health risk is associated with excessive licorice consumption that buyers in New Zealand should be aware of?Medsafe warns that liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin and can have mineralocorticoid-like effects, including hypokalaemia, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and myopathy. Medsafe notes an upper limit of 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin as a general reference point and highlights potential interactions with certain medicines (for example, fludrocortisone or potassium-depleting medicines).