Kava → New Zealand

No specific restrictions for personal kava

Details

Kava is legal and culturally central in Pacific Island nations including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Australia permits personal import of up to 2 kg of dried kava root. Most EU member states treat kava as an unauthorized novel food and restrict

Quantity limit

Personal use

Documentation required

• Retail packaging with ingredient list
• Country of origin visible on label

Leaving with this item

Kava may be exported from New Zealand for personal use; several destinations restrict or limit kava import on arrival.

Practical advice

Personal quantities of Kava in original commercial packaging are generally permitted for personal consumption in New Zealand. Declare all food items on the arrival card even if under the value threshold — most customs authorities treat undeclared food as an offence separate from the goods' underlying admissibility. Retail-packaged items with clear ingredient labelling clear inspection faster than home-prepared or loose products.

Customs authority

New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) · https://www.customs.govt.nz