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Black Arrow Business Studio

Biosecurity for importers

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by

Black Arrow Editor
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In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) manages biosecurity to protect the health and safety of the people and the well-being of the natural environment and Māori taonga.

As an importer, it is crucial to stay informed about your legal obligations and regulations. Prior to importing any goods that may pose a biosecurity hazard, obtaining permission from MPI is essential.

In the event that an owner neglects to declare restricted goods, they may face fines of up to $100,000, while companies could incur fines of up to $200,000.

Tip: Preparing cargo to be shipped to New Zealand

When preparing cargo for shipment to New Zealand, it is essential to:

  • Handle mixed shipments with caution to minimise the potential for contamination.
  • Inspect cargo containers and packaging for the presence of insects or animal
  • Clearly label packages and provide a New Zealand contact phone number for proper handling.

Rules for all importers

Products entering New Zealand with the potential to harbour unwanted pests or organisms must adhere to import health standards. While imports posing biosecurity threats often come from animals or plants, it’s important to note that sea containers, used vehicles, machinery, and used tyres can also carry biosecurity risks.

Complying with import health standards mandates the acquisition of specific certificates before importing a product. Depending on the nature of the goods, required certificates may include a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate, zoo sanitary certificate, or a CITES certificate.

Upon arrival in New Zealand, imported goods undergo thorough inspection and clearance by MPI’s border clearance services before being released. It’s important to note that:

  • Goods failing to comply with New Zealand laws face the possibility of either destruction or return to the country of origin, with associated expenses borne by the owner.
  • In cases where certificates are absent, inaccurate, or incomplete, there is a potential outcome of goods being either destroyed or returned to their country of origin.
  • Goods found to harbour pests or diseases will undergo either treatment or face destruction measures.

Depending on the nature of your imports, New Zealand Customs clearance may be necessary, and additional agencies such as the NZ Transport Agency might play a role. It’s essential to be aware of special requirements, especially when importing food.

Animal and animal product imports

Live animals

Importing live animals, including freshwater and marine ornamental fish and marine invertebrates, requires compliance with specific conditions based on the animal’s type and country of origin. To ensure legal entry, it is imperative to consult MPI’s import health standards (IHS) for the specific animal. Only animals covered by an IHS are permitted to enter New Zealand.

Certain animals may be prohibited due to their protected status. Further details regarding restrictions on endangered species can be found on the MPI website. Stay informed to ensure compliance with regulations.

Importing live animals — Ministry for Primary Industries

Animal products

Imported animal products, encompassing various forms of meat (fresh or preserved), eggs, and dairy, must adhere to specific requirements to ensure compliance with regulations.

In certain cases, an inspection may be deemed necessary to assess the eligibility of a product for importation.

Plants and plant product imports

Imported plant material is categorised into propagable or non-propagable, distinguishing between reproductive and non-reproductive types.

  • Propagable produce typically consists of seeds for sowing, as well as plants or cuttings that have the potential to be used for further plant growth.
  • Non-propagable produce encompasses a range of materials commonly utilised in construction or packaging, such as wood or timber.

Import health standards are established for both propagable and non-propagable plant products, outlining necessary requirements to be fulfilled in the exporting country, during transit, and upon importation before biosecurity clearance is granted. These standards play a crucial role in preventing the importation of goods that may carry unwanted pests or diseases.

Import laws and regulations exhibit variations based on the type of material one intends to import.

Fact:

All imported goods with the potential to introduce pests, diseases, or unwanted organisms are required to adhere to an import health standard in order to ensure biosecurity measures are in place upon entry into New Zealand.

Shipping containers and used vehicles

Typically, goods that pose a threat to New Zealand’s biosecurity are of either animal or plant origin. Nevertheless, there are also other goods that carry implications for both plant and animal health.

Standards for containers

While shipping and sea containers remain the preferred modes of importing and exporting goods, it’s essential to note that, akin to their contents, these containers must undergo certification and clearance procedures by MPI.

Containers and cargo— Ministry for Primary Industries

Vehicles and machinery

Every used vehicle entering New Zealand undergoes a compulsory inspection and, if required, cleaning before release by MPI border clearance services. The location of the inspection is determined by the method of arrival.

A comprehensive examination is conducted on all used vehicles and equipment to detect the presence of quarantine materials. This meticulous inspection covers both internal and external surfaces, as well as spaces, to identify any potential soil, plant material, insects, or other forms of contamination.

Importing vehicles, machinery, and parts— Ministry for Primary Industries

Vehicle clearance information online

Importers can conveniently stay informed about the status, inspection, processing, and clearance details of their vehicles through the MPI vehicle tracking website, ensuring up-to-date information accessibility.

  • Importers have the ability to track and trace the biosecurity inspection status of their vehicles by inputting their vehicle identification number (VIN) or bill of lading (BOL) number into the designated website.
  • Port companies can enhance efficiency by downloading biosecurity inspection processing data through the web service, facilitating seamless management of holds within their systems.
  • Interested parties, both nationally and internationally, have the opportunity to review import vehicle data, ensuring transparency and accessibility across the board.

MPI vehicle tracking — Ministry for Primary Industries

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