Market
Yellow dried peas (dry field peas; Pisum sativum) are produced in New Zealand’s arable regions, with Canterbury repeatedly identified as a key pea-growing area. Commercial yellow field pea varieties marketed for New Zealand production include PRL Pizzaz and PRL Yellowstone, positioned for food uses such as splitting and plant-protein fractionation. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows New Zealand exported dried peas (HS 071310) in 2023, indicating an established export channel alongside domestic uses. For importers into New Zealand, biosecurity clearance under MPI import health standards is central, and quarantine pest detection (notably pea weevil) can trigger severe disruption including shipment rejection.
Market RoleDomestic producer and exporter (dried peas / yellow field peas)
Domestic RoleArable rotation crop supplying domestic food and feed uses; part of supply for splitting and plant-protein ingredient applications
Risks
Biosecurity HighPea weevil is a quarantine threat for pea consignments (fresh or dried); MPI notes that a single pea weevil detected in a shipment to an export country could lead to rejection of the entire lot, and historical response controls in New Zealand included movement restrictions and bans in affected areas.Implement strict pest monitoring and post-harvest cleaning controls; require documented pest-management steps and (where required by pathway/market) approved treatments and inspection prior to shipment.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFailure to comply with the applicable MPI Import Health Standard (IHS) can result in delayed clearance, requests for additional documentation or treatment, or non-clearance outcomes handled case-by-case.Use MPI PIER Search to confirm the correct pathway and conditions; align supplier documentation and treatments to the IHS before shipment and ensure all paperwork matches the consignment.
Food Safety MediumWhere MPI requires food safety clearance for imported foods of regulatory interest, clearance may depend on official certificates/manufacturer declarations or sampling/testing, which can delay release to market.Pre-check whether the product triggers food safety clearance; prepare translated/English documentation for Trade Single Window and plan for hold-time contingencies if sampling/testing is required.
Logistics MediumAs a medium freight-intensity bulk commodity typically moved by sea, freight-rate volatility and port congestion can affect delivered cost and timing for both imports and exports.Lock freight earlier when feasible, diversify carriers/routes, and contract with realistic delivery windows and demurrage/DET terms.
Sustainability- Peas are referenced in New Zealand arable rotations as a break crop that supports disease management and contributes nitrogen fixation and soil-structure benefits.
FAQ
What is New Zealand’s import tariff rate for dried peas (including split peas) under HS 0713.10?New Zealand’s Working Tariff Document (effective 1 January 2026) lists the normal tariff rate for dried peas under HS 0713.10 as Free, including 0713.10.01 (Split) and 0713.10.08 (Other).
What are the core compliance steps to import yellow dried peas into New Zealand?You must meet MPI biosecurity requirements under the relevant Import Health Standard (IHS) and obtain biosecurity clearance on arrival. If food safety clearance is required for the product, submit the application and documents through Trade Single Window (TSW) and be prepared for possible inspection, sampling, or testing before the product can be released to the New Zealand market.
What is the most critical biosecurity risk associated with pea trade relevant to New Zealand?Pea weevil is a key risk: MPI notes that even a single detection in a shipment can lead to rejection of the entire lot, and New Zealand previously implemented strict controls during its pea weevil response. Practical mitigation is strong pest prevention, cleaning, and (when required) approved treatment and inspection aligned to pathway and market requirements.