Pet Transport from China to New Zealand: MPI Titre Test and Levin Quarantine

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires a full set of documentation from all pet imports, regardless of origin. For a pet coming from China, the MPI import permit must be obtained before departure from China, as it specifies the exact conditions and documentation format that must be met. Non-compliance with the permit conditions can result in re-export or, in extreme cases, destruction of the animal. Apply for the permit at least 8 weeks before your planned New Zealand arrival date. Source: MPI, biosecurity.govt.nz.

The FAVN titre test must be performed at an MPI-approved laboratory. The blood draw must happen at least 30 days after the final rabies vaccination. The result must show 0.5 IU/ml or above. From the blood draw date, a mandatory 180-day wait applies before the pet can enter New Zealand. This 180-day period cannot be shortened or waived for any reason. During this period, your pet remains in China (or wherever you are living) while the wait runs. The Levin quarantine facility must be pre-booked before your flights, as space is limited and last-minute bookings are often not available.

The health certificate for New Zealand entry must use the exact MPI-specified template for China as the country of export. MPI provides separate templates for different countries of export. Using a different format (such as a general international health certificate) will result in the document being rejected. Download the China-specific template from the MPI website before the vet visit.

Leaving China with a pet requires a GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) export permit and a GACC-endorsed health certificate. The process is the same for all international pet exports from China, regardless of destination. You need to apply to your local GACC office with the health certificate in the correct format for New Zealand, your pet’s microchip record, and vaccination history. Allow 3-4 weeks for GACC processing.

The health certificate must be issued by a GACC-authorised official vet (not just any registered vet). It must be countersigned by a GACC official and must match the MPI-specified format for China as the country of export. The certificate has a short validity window: it must be issued within 14 days of the pet’s arrival in New Zealand. This means you book the vet appointment close to the travel date, after GACC export permit approval is in place.

Approved international departure airports for pet exports from China are Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN). There are no direct flights from China to New Zealand; routing is typically via Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Singapore (SIN) as a hub airport.

All dogs and cats entering New Zealand, including those from China, serve a mandatory 10-day quarantine at the MPI Levin Quarantine Facility in Levin, Manawatu. This is New Zealand’s only approved quarantine facility for live animal imports. Your pet must enter through an approved New Zealand airport (Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington are the main options) and be transported directly to Levin.

The quarantine period costs approximately NZD 2,000-4,000 for 10 days, paid by the owner. Fees are set by MPI and are subject to change, so confirm the current rate when applying for the import permit. You can visit your pet during quarantine, but access is managed by the facility. Your pet will be examined on arrival and throughout the quarantine period. Release at the end of 10 days is subject to all conditions being met and no concerns being raised during inspection.

Pre-booking the Levin facility is mandatory and should be done well before booking flights. The facility operates at capacity for much of the year. If no quarantine space is available for your preferred arrival date, you cannot proceed with that travel plan, regardless of how complete your other documentation is.