Pet Transport from China to New Zealand: MPI Titre Test and Levin Quarantine
If you are relocating a pet from China to New Zealand, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Plan for approximately 32-44 weeks. This is a rigorous route with little room to compress …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from China to New Zealand
typically takes around 32-44 weeks.
Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The China to New Zealand import process
01
At least 8 weeks before intended New Zealand arrival.
Apply for MPI import permit. This must be done before booking flights.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
02
Before first rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip in China.
Responsible: Vet in China
03
After microchip confirmed. Titre test blood draw cannot happen until at least 30 days after the final dose.
Rabies vaccination primary course.
Responsible: Vet in China
04
At least 30 days after the final rabies vaccination. The 180-day wait starts from this date.
FAVN titre test blood draw at an MPI-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and MPI-approved laboratory
05
Approximately 6 calendar months. This cannot be shortened under any circumstances.
180-day mandatory wait from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner to track
06
At least 3-4 months before planned arrival. Book before flights.
Pre-book Levin quarantine facility. Book well in advance as capacity is limited.
Responsible: Owner or agent
07
4-6 weeks before departure from China.
Apply for GACC export permit.
Responsible: Owner or agent
08
Within 14 days of New Zealand arrival.
Obtain MPI-format health certificate from official vet in China, countersigned by GACC.
Responsible: Official vet in China and GACC
09
After 180-day wait has elapsed and all documentation is complete.
Travel to New Zealand via approved routing. Mandatory 10-day Levin quarantine on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, MPI Levin facility
Requirements
New Zealand entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current and valid rabies vaccination, fully completed before titre test blood draw.
Rabies titre test
Required for all countries including China. FAVN test at an MPI-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood draw at least 30 days after the final rabies vaccination. Mandatory 180-day wait from the blood draw date before New Zealand entry. Source: MPI Biosecurity New Zealand, biosecurity.govt.nz.
Quarantine
Mandatory 10-day quarantine at the MPI Levin Quarantine Facility in Levin, Manawatu. Pre-booking essential as capacity is limited. Book before booking flights. Cost typically NZD 2,000-4,000 for 10 days, paid by owner. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.
Import permit
MPI import permit required. Apply at least 8 weeks in advance. The permit specifies the exact conditions and documentation format. Non-compliance results in re-export or destruction. Source: MPI Biosecurity New Zealand, biosecurity.govt.nz.
Health certificate
MPI-specified format health certificate for China as the country of export. Issued by an official vet in China, countersigned by GACC, within 14 days of New Zealand arrival. No standard format accepted; use the exact MPI template.
Leaving China
Export requirements
Export permit
GACC export permit required. Apply to your local GACC office with health certificate, microchip record, and vaccination history. Allow 3-4 weeks. Approved departure airports: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
Health certificate
Official health certificate issued by a GACC-authorised vet, countersigned by a GACC official. Must be in MPI-specified format for China as the country of export. Issued within 14 days of departure. Source: GACC, english.customs.gov.cn.
Costs
What this route typically costs
GACC export permit and health certificate endorsement in China: approximately CNY 800-2,000
Rabies vaccination and microchip in China: approximately CNY 500-1,500
FAVN titre test at MPI-approved laboratory: approximately CNY 5,000-12,000 or USD 300-600
MPI import permit fee (New Zealand government fee)
Cargo fees China to New Zealand (via hub): approximately NZD 1,500-4,000 depending on pet size and routing
10-day Levin quarantine facility: approximately NZD 2,000-4,000 paid by owner
Pet transport agent fee: NZD 800-2,000 if used
Realistic total: NZD 7,000-15,000 or more
Critical points
The 180-day wait from the titre test blood draw date is absolute. It cannot be reduced, applied for as an exemption, or shortened under any circumstances. Source: MPI, biosecurity.govt.nz.
The Levin quarantine facility has limited capacity. Book your quarantine place before you book flights. Running out of quarantine spaces is a real logistical risk.
The MPI health certificate must use the exact template specified by MPI for China as the country of export. Download the correct template from the MPI website before visiting the vet.
GACC-endorsed health certificates from China must be issued by a GACC-authorised official vet, not just any registered vet. Check the GACC approved list.
New Zealand bans American Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Brazilian Fila, and Japanese Tosa. These breeds cannot enter under any circumstances. Source: Dog Control Act 1996.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air China
Cargo from Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG). No direct China-to-New Zealand routes; connections via Sydney or Auckland via intermediate hub. Cargo only on international routes.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Via Hong Kong (HKG) hub, connecting to Auckland (AKL). AFCD transit rules apply during HKG connection. Check with CX Cargo for specific documentation requirements during HKG transit.
Cargo Only
Air New Zealand
Operates via Australian hubs (Sydney or Melbourne) for the New Zealand leg. No direct flights from mainland China. Can handle cargo on Auckland-bound services from Australian connections.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
China to Singapore (SIN) to Auckland (AKL) connections. SQ Cargo can handle both legs. Useful if routing via Singapore hub.
Cargo Only
New Zealand import rules, explained
New Zealand runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.
Practical tips for this move
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. New Zealand requires an FAVN titre test from all pets regardless of country of origin, including China. The blood draw must be at least 30 days after the final rabies vaccination, the result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above, and a mandatory 180-day wait from the blood draw date applies before entry. Source: MPI, biosecurity.govt.nz.
The 180-day wait starts from the date the blood is drawn for the titre test, not from the date you receive the result. It is approximately 6 calendar months and cannot be shortened under any circumstances. Starting the blood draw as early as the 30-day post-vaccination window allows reduces the total timeline.
Yes, and this must be done before booking flights. The Levin facility is New Zealand’s only approved quarantine location and has limited capacity. Running out of available quarantine places is a real risk. Apply for the MPI import permit first, then book Levin, then book flights.
No. There are no direct flights from mainland China to New Zealand for live animal cargo. Routing is typically via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore as hub airports. Air China, Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), and Air New Zealand (via Australia) are the main carriers on the combined routing.
Both are very complex routes. China-to-Australia requires a stepping-stone via Singapore (direct entry not permitted by DAFF) and adds Singapore’s 30-day quarantine for Schedule III countries, typically making it a longer total journey (12-18 months versus 8-12 months for New Zealand). New Zealand does permit direct import from China, but still requires the full titre test, 180-day wait, and Levin quarantine.
Airline guides
Air China
Cathay Pacific
Air New Zealand
Singapore Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.