Import guide
Import a horse from New Zealand to the USA
Quarantine length, CEM testing and permits for horses coming from New Zealand, in plain English. We handle customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Quick answer
Horses from New Zealand at a glance.
- USDA quarantine
- 3 days
- CEM testing
- Not required
- Import permit
- 7+ business days
- Health certificate
- Original on paper
Quarantine from New Zealand
USDA lists no special disease status for New Zealand, so horses are typically quarantined for 3 days, with at least 42 hours of observation and blood tests for dourine, glanders, piroplasmosis and EIA.
CEM testing
New Zealand is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
How it works
From New Zealand to your barn.
Your exporter in New Zealand handles the flight. We handle the landing.
- 1
Papers abroad
Your exporter gets the original paper health certificate from New Zealand's government vet, in the USDA format required since Oct 1, 2026.
- 2
We file the permit
We file the APHIS import permit at least 7 business days before shipping and book quarantine and port inspection at least 3 business days before arrival.
- 3
We meet the plane
We clear customs and USDA port inspection, then take your horse straight to the quarantine facility we booked.
- 4
Home
Once USDA releases your horse, we truck it from quarantine to your barn.
See the full guide, including where horses can land and the quarantine finder for every country.
FAQ
Importing from New Zealand
How long is quarantine for a horse imported from New Zealand?
USDA lists no special disease status for New Zealand, so horses are typically quarantined for 3 days, with at least 42 hours of observation and blood tests for dourine, glanders, piroplasmosis and EIA. The length is set by USDA from where the horse has lived in the last 60 days, plus any country it passed through.
Does my mare or stallion need CEM testing coming from New Zealand?
New Zealand is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
Do I need an import permit for a horse from New Zealand?
Yes. The APHIS import permit has to be filed at least 7 business days before shipping, and it is valid for 14 days. We file it for you. The horse also needs the original paper health certificate from the government vet in New Zealand.
Who arranges the flight from New Zealand?
An exporter in New Zealand handles the health certificate, tests and flight. We can introduce a trusted exporter and send you their quote together with ours. We take over when the plane lands: customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Sources and last review
Last reviewed November 7, 2026. Rules change, and USDA's own page for New Zealand is the final word.