Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Aquatic Animal Products  
AQUAPROD.GEN  
11 May 2022  
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 36 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  11 May 2022 .  
REVOCATION  
Six months after it comes into force, this Import Health Standard will replace and revoke the Import Health 
Standards listed in section 1.11(1)  of this document . 
Six months after this Import Health Standard comes into force, the Import Health Standards listed in section 
1.11(2) of this document  will be amended to delete the clauses applicable  to products that can be imported 
under this Import Health  Standard.   
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington , 11 May 2022  
 
 
 
Vicki Melville  
Manager , Animal Health  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Animal Imports  Team  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  2 of 36 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  9 
1.1 Application  9 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  9 
1.3 Definitions  9 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  9 
1.5 Exporting country s ystems and certification  10 
1.6 Processing  10 
1.7 Packaging  10 
1.8 Third country processed products  11 
1.9 Import permit  information  11 
1.10  Documentation that must accompany goods  11 
1.11  Transition period  12 
Part 2:  General Processing R equirements  14 
2.1 Salmonid fish products  15 
2.2 Non-salmonid fish products  16 
2.3 Crustacean products  18 
2.4 Mollusc products  20 
2.5 Echinoderm products  20 
2.6 Tunicate products  20 
2.7 Cnidarian (jellyfish) products  20 
2.8 Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil  21 
Schedule 1 – Document History  22 
Schedule 2 – Definition s 23 
Schedule 3 – Fish Families and their Disease Susceptibilities  26 
Schedule 4 – Fish Families Relevant to Clause 2.2.3(1)(a)  31 
Schedule 5 – Fish Species Relevant to Clause 2.2.3(1)(b)  32 
Schedule 6 – Fish Species Relevant to Clause 2.2.3(1)(c)  33 
Schedule 7 – Fish Families Relevant to Clause 2.2.5(1)(b)  34 
Schedule 8 – Crustacean Species Relevant to Clauses 2.3.1(1)(b)(i) and 2.3.3(1)(a)  35 
Schedule 9 – Processing Requirements at the Transitional Facility  36 
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  3 of 36 
Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the minimum biosecurity requirements that must be met when importing  into New Zealand  
aquatic animal products  for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals . 
Aquatic animal product s are commodit ies derived from fish, molluscs, crustacea, echinoderms, cnidaria, and 
tunicates.  Schedule 2  of this document provides precise definitions for aquatic animals and aquatic animal 
products.  
The identified risk organisms associated with aquatic animal products that are managed by this IHS are:  
Risk organisms in fish  
Viruses  
a) Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus  (EHNV)  / European catfish virus  (ECV)  / European 
sheatfish virus (ESV)  
b) European eel virus  (EVE)  
c) European eel herpesvirus  (EEHV)  
d) Grass carp haemorrhagic virus  (GCHV)  
e) Grouper iridovirus  (GIV)  
f) Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV)  
g) Infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus  (IHNV)  
h) Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus  (IPNV)  / Halibut birnavirus  / viral deformity of yellowtail virus  
i) Infectious salmon anaemia virus  (ISAV)  
j) Koi herpesvirus  (KHV)  
k) New Japan virus (NJV)  
l) Nodaviruses, including viral ner vous necrosis virus  (NNV)  
m) Oncorhynchus masou  virus  (OMV)  
n) Piscine aquareovirus  (PRV)  / Salmon aquareovirus  / Tasmanian salmon reovirus  / grass carp 
reovirus  / Turbout reovirus  (TRV)  / Heart and skeletal muscle inflammation syndrome virus  
o) Red sea bream irido virus  (RSIV)  / Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus  (ISKNV)  / Gourami 
iridovirus  
p) Salmon alphavirus  (SAV)  / Salmon pancreatic disease virus  
q) Salmon gill poxvirus  (SGPV)  / Carp oedema virus  / koi sleepy disease virus  
r) Spring viraemia of carp virus  (SVCV)  / Pike fry rhabdovirus  
s) Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus  (VHSV)  
Bacteria  
a) Aeromonas  hydrophila  (exotic strains)   
b) Aeromonas  salmonicida  var. salmonicida  (atypical strains)   
c) Aeromonas  salmonicida  var. salmonicida  (typical strains)   
d) Edwardsiella  spp.  
e) Flavobacterium  columnare  (exotic strains)   
f) Francisella  spp.  
g) Moritella  viscosa  
h) Piscirickettsia  salmonis  and related Rickettsia -like organisms   
i) Pseudomonas  anguilliseptica   
j) Renibacterium  salmoninarum  
k) Streptococcus  agalactiae  (serotype III: 283)   
l) Streptococcus  iniae   
m) Yersinia  ruckeri  (Hagerman and other exotic strains)   Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  4 of 36 
Fungi and Microsporidia  
a) Aphanomyces invadans   
b) Ichthyophonus hoferi   
c) Microsporidian pathogens   
d) Sphaerothecum destruens   
Metazoa  
a) Anguillicola crassus   
b) Myxozoa (including Enteromyxum, Henneguya, Kudoa, Myxobolus, Sphaerospora , and 
Unicapsula )  
c) Cestode larvae  
d) Digenean larvae  
e) Monogenean parasites, including Gyrodactylus salaris  
Risk organisms in crustaceans  
Fung us 
a) Aphanomyces astaci  
Protozoa  
a) Hematodinium  and Hematodinium -like spp.  
Metazoa  
a) Angiostrongylus cantonensis  
b) Paragonimus  spp. 
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating,  and effectively 
managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the e xporting country, 
during transit, and before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance boxes are included within this IHS for explanatory purposes. The guidance included in these boxes 
is for information only and has no legal effect.  
A separate  Guidance  Document  accompanies this IHS providing information on how requirements may be 
met. The Guidance Document  also includes model health certificates that can be used by overseas 
Competent Authorities for exporting aquatic animal products to New Zealand.  
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS should be read by importers of aquatic animal products  for all uses other than as bait or feed for 
aquatic animals , imported from all countries . For the purposes of this IHS, aquatic animal product s mean s 
non-viable commodit ies derived from fish, aquatic crustacea ns, aquatic molluscs, echinoderms , tunicates, and 
cnidarians . 
 
Guidance  
• Aquatic animal products brought in as private consignment may qualify for clearance under the Import 
Health Standard: Personal  Consignments Animal Products , PERSONAL.ALL . See section  5.3 of the 
Guidance Document  for further  information  regarding this IHS . Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  5 of 36 
• Collagen and gelatine products derived from aquatic animals may qualify for clearance under the 
Import Health Standard: Specified Animal Products , SPECPROD.ALL.  
 
Why is this important ? 
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or further 
information may be sought from importers. C onsignments that do not comply with the requirements of this IHS 
may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or treated in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of aquatic animal products  will be 
recovered in accordance with the Act and any regulations made under the Act. All costs involved with 
documentation, transport, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearance must be covered by the importer or 
agent.  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that measures 
different from those set out in this IHS may be applied to effectively manage risks associated  with the 
importation of these goods.  
If an equivalent measure is approved, an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act if the 
Director -General considers it appropriate to do so. The details of the CTO direction on equiva lence will be 
included as notes in the special conditions section of the permit to inform the inspector’s assessment of the 
commodity.  
MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests.  
Equivalence requests ca n be lodged with  the Animal Imports Team:  animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
An import permit application form can be found on the MPI website at:  Permit to Import Animal Products , or a 
permit application can be lodged online at the following weblink (when active): 
https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/   
Transi tional facility  
Following biosecurity authorisation being given  under section 25 of the Act , aquatic animal products (where 
applicable) must proceed directly to the transitional facility named on the import permit.  
The documentation will be checked to ensure the aquatic animal product s meet the relevant requirements 
specified  in Part 1: Requirements  and Part 2: General Processing Requirements .   
Additional information regarding transitional facilit ies is given in Schedule 9 (Processing requirements at the 
transitional facility)  of this document.  
Inspection  
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector.  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  6 of 36 
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other informa tion 
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements . It is the importer’s responsibility to be familiar with 
and comply with all New Zealand laws.  
Import health standards  
a) Certain salmonid and non -salmonid fish products for human consumption (such as those in retort 
packaging, or those that are composite products containing dairy and egg ingredients in addition 
to aquatic animal ingredients) may be imported under the relevant clause in this IHS or under the 
relevant clause in the Import Health Standard: Specified Animal Products , SPECPROD.ALL.  
b) Aquatic animal products that contain other risk ingredients ( such as egg, dairy,  and honey) must 
meet the requirements in the relevant IHSs for these additional risk ingredients before biosecurity 
clearance will be issued.  You can view all the IHSs at this link: 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/legal/compliance -requirements/ihs -import -health -standards/   
c) Aquatic animal product s that are of New Zealand origin but are returned to New Zealand must 
meet the requirements under the Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal 
Products , RETURNAP.ALL , before biosecurity clearance will be issued.  
d) Other relevant IHSs must also be complied with before biosecurity clearance will be issued. 
These include , but are not limited to , the following : 
i) Aquatic animal products imported in sea containers must comply w ith the Import Health 
Standard: Sea Containers . 
ii) Containers made of timber must meet the requirements in the Import Health Standard: 
Wood Packaging Material from All Countries . 
Trout import prohibitions  
Imported trout products must comply with the Customs Import Prohibition (Trout) Order . 
Products derived from the following trout species are  prohibited from being imported in quantities of  
10 kilograms or more (or less than 10 kilograms if the goods are intended for sale), unless prior consent is 
obtained from the New Zealand Minister for Conservation . The order does not prohibit the import of a 
consignment that is  less than 10 kilograms and is not intended for sale . The Department of Conservation's 
Permissions Team  at permissionshamilton@doc.govt.nz  processes consent applications.  
a) Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) 
b) Rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss , formerly known as Salmo gairdneri ) 
c) American brook trout or char ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) 
d) Lake trout or char ( Salvelinus namaycush ) 
e) Cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki , formerly known as Salmo clarki ) 
f) Golden trout ( Oncorhynchus aguabonita , formerly known as Salmo aguabonita ) 
g) Gila trout ( Oncorhynchus gilae , formerly known as Salmo gilae ) 
h) Apache trout ( Oncorhynchus apache ) 
i) Mexican trout ( Oncorhynchus chrysogaster ). 
The order is managed  at the border by  the New Zealand Customs  Service . 
The requirements under the above order are in addition to the biosecurity import requirements as set out in 
clause 2.1 (Salmonid fish products) of this IHS.  
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  7 of 36 
Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii ) import prohibitions  
Requirements under the Fisheries (Import Prohibitions —Southern Bluefin Tuna) Regulations  apply for 
importing southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii ) products.  
Import of southern bluefin tuna products are prohibited unless one of the following exceptions applies:  
a) The consignment is accompanied by relevant cat ch documents set out in the Commission for the 
Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna  (CCSBT) Resolution on the Implementation of a CCSBT 
Catch Documentation Scheme . All imports of southern bluefin tuna  products must be acc ompanied 
by an appropriately completed and validated catch monitoring form or re -export/export after landing 
of domestic product form.  
b) The consignment contains less than 10 kilograms of southern bluefin tuna and is not intended for 
sale.  
c) The consignment do es not include meat, i.e., flesh. The definition of meat does not include the non -
meat/ non-flesh parts of the southern bluefin tuna : its head, eyes, roe, fins, gills, gill covers, guts, and 
tail. 
These re gulations are managed  at the border by  the New Zealand Customs Service . 
The requirements under the se regulations are in addition to the biosecurity import requirements as set out in 
clause 2.2 (Non -salmonid fish products) of this IHS.  
Toothfish (Dissostich us mawsoni  and Dissostichus eleginoides ) import prohibitions  
Requirements under the Fisheries (Import and Export Prohibitions —Toothfish) Regulations  apply for importing 
products derived from Antarctic toothfish ( Dissostichus mawsoni ) and  Patagonian toothfish ( Dissostichus 
eleginoides ). 
Import of toothfish products are prohibited unless a Dissostichus  Catch Document has been issued by the 
exporting country using the Commissio n for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ’ 
(CCAMLR) e lectronic Catch Documentation Scheme (e -CDS). The catch document verifies that the toothfish 
was either caught in a manner consistent with CCAMLR’s conservation measures, or that it was  caught 
outside the waters covered by the Convention. All imports and exports of toothfish must be accompanied by a 
Dissostichus  Export Document (DED) or , for toothfish that has been previously exported , a Dissostichus  
Re-export Document (DRED).  
These regulations are managed  at the border by  the New Zealand Customs Service . 
The requirements under the se regulations are in addition to the biosecurity import  requirement s as set out in 
clause 2.2 (Non -salmonid  fish products) of this IHS.  
Food Act 2014  and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code  
Consignments of food imported for sale into New Zealand for human consumption must comply with relevant 
requirements of the Food Act 2014  and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.  
The Food Act 2014 requires that importers of food intended for sale for human consumption are registered 
with MPI prior to the importation of any food into New Zealand. This requirement is independent of the IHS 
requirements. Importers are advised to consult MPI’s website ( www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/food/ ) for 
information on the Food Act requirements that importers must meet to import food for sale in New Zealan d. 
Some imported seafood products are considered High Regulatory Interest (HRI) food or Increased Regulatory 
Interest (IRI) food and will require food safety clearance on arrival at the New Zealand border. A full list of Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  8 of 36 
these foods can be found in the Food Notice: Importing Food . Food safety clearance will include a 
documentation check and may include inspection, sampling and testing at the importer’s cost.  
Food sold in Ne w Zealand must comply with the labelling, composition, and contaminant requirements as set 
out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Importers are advised to consult MPI’s website for 
more information on this code: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/law -and-policy/legal -overviews/food -safety/australia -
new-zealand -co-operation/food -standards -austra lia-new-zealand -fsanz/ . 
Animal Products Act 1999  
The importation of the following animal material or product must comply with the requirements issued in 
Overseas Market Access Requirements (O MAR) 01/172  under the Animal Products Act 1999:  
a) Imported animal materials or products, or products containing animal materials or products, that 
is of New  Zealand origin and has been returned to New Zealand for re -export where official 
assurance is require d, and  
b) Imported animal material or product of foreign origin intended for export or further processing for 
export where official assurance is required.  
To arrange for inspection of any animal materials or animal products, contact your primary verifier or local MPI 
Verification Services office.  
CITES  
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the consignment is accompanied by any permit(s) required 
to meet the legislation of the country of origin and the Convention on the International Trade in  Endangered 
Species (CITES) http://www.cites.org . See the New Zealand Department of Conservation for further details : 
http://www.do c.govt.nz/about -doc/role/international/endangered -species/ .  
The importer is advised to clarify the status of the species of animal in relation to international agreements on 
their trade, prior to export. Material arriving in New Zealand without the releva nt CITES permits may be 
subject to seizure by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  
Any requirement for CITES or other conservation -related documentation must be met by the 
exporter/importer.  
Trade Single Window (TSW)  and Customs clearance  
All goods imported into New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service and MPI. To 
gain customs clearance, the required documentation must be lodged through the Trade Single Window (TSW) 
portal.  
For more information about the TSW portal,  please visit www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade -single -window/ .  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  9 of 36 
Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to  aquatic animal products  imported from any country for all uses other than as bait or 
feed for aquatic animals . 
(2) Aquatic animal products sourced from within New Zealand’s Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic 
Zone are deemed to be of New Zealand origin. The requirements of this IHS do not apply to these 
product s (see definitions for Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone in Schedule 2  of this IHS) . 
(3) Aquatic animal products sourced from areas of the ocean outside New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic 
Zone are deemed to be of New Zealand origin provided the y are covered by a valid high seas fishing 
permit  issued by the Director -General of MPI (detailed infor mation is available at this Apply for High 
Seas Fishing Permit ). 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following international standard  and database are incorporated by reference in this IHS under 
section 142M of the Act:   
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health ( OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Code  (the Aquatic Code ), 
available a t the OIE website:  https://www.oie.int/en/what -we-do/standards/codes -and-
manuals/aquatic -code -online -access/   
b) FishBase ( www.fishbase.org ). 
(2) Under section 142O(3) of the Act , it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply . That is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the standards, guideline or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) above has legal effect as 
part of this IHS . 
 
Guidance  for clause 1 .2 
• Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the 
IHS, and they form part of the requirements . 
 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the associated guidance , terms used that are defined in the Ac t have 
the meanings set out there. The Act is available at www.legislation.govt.nz . 
(2) See Schedule 2  of this IHS for additional definitions that apply . 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  
(1) To obtain biosecurity clearance, aquatic animal products  for all uses other than  as bait or feed for 
aquatic animals  must:  
a) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.6 and 1.7  of Part 1 : Requirements , and applicable clauses in 
Part 2 : General processing require ments ; and 
b) For products described in clauses 2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.3.1, be imported from a country that the CTO 
is satisfied meets the export ing country systems and certification requirements of clause 1.5; and  
c) Be accompanied by an import permit for products described in  clause s 1.9(1)(b); 2.1(1)(c)(ii), 
2.2.4, 2.2.8(1)(b), 2.3.4(1)(b), and 2.4.2(1)(b) , as applicable; and  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  10 of 36 
d) Where required  by this IH S, be accompanied by  a health certificate meeting the requirements of 
clause 1.10.2.  
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Importers may import aquatic animal products described in clause s 2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.3.1 only if a CTO 
is satisfied, on the basis of evidence, that the Competent Authority of the exporting country is capable 
of ensuring that aquatic animal products imported from that country can meet the requirements of this 
IHS. 
(2) The evidence must include details about all of the following  matters , that the CTO considers applicable 
to aquatic animal products from that exporting country:  
a) The ability of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to verify the health status of aquatic 
animals in the exporting country, zone , or compartment, with respect to the risk organisms 
identified in Schedule 3  (for risk organisms in fish) and clause 2.3.1 (for risk organisms in 
crustaceans) of this IHS.  
b) The adequacy of the national systems and/or programmes and standards in the exportin g 
country for regulatory oversight of the aquatic animal products industry . 
c) The capability of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to support the issue of health 
certificates as required by this IHS.  
(3) Importers may not import from a country where the CTO has determined that the Competent Authority 
of the exporting country is no longer capable of ensuring that aquatic animal products from that country 
can meet the requirements of this IHS.  
 
Guidance  for clause 1.5  
• The evidence will be obtained during evaluation of the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country in accordance with section 3  of the  Aquatic Code  titled  Quality of Aquatic Animal Health 
Services . 
• Once the  CTO is satisfied with the exporting country’s evidence for exporting systems a nd 
certification, MPI and the Competent Authority of the exporting country may commence 
negotiation of the country -specific health certificate.  
• To be satisfied with the evidence provided , an in -country or desk -top audit may be carried out at 
any time, incl uding prior to the first shipment of the commodity.  
• See the Guidance Document  accompanying this IHS for more information about exporting 
country systems and certification, and for a list of recognised  countries and country -specific 
health  certificates.  
1.6 Processing  
(1) The aq uatic animal products  must be processed at premises that implement  Good Manufacturing 
Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HAACP) programmes to the 
satisfaction of the Competent Authority of the exporting country.  
(2) The aquatic animal products must be processed at premises that are approved for their export by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country.  
1.7 Packaging  
(1) Packaging containing aquatic animal products  must be clean, secure, and fr ee of any organic 
contaminants . Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  11 of 36 
1.8 Third country processed product s 
(1) Where aquatic animal products described in  clauses 2.1, 2.2.2, and 2. 3.1 for export to New Zealand 
originate from a country other than the exporting country, the country of origin (source country) of the 
aquatic animal products must be New Zealand or a country recognised under clause 1. 5 to export the 
aquatic animal products to  New Zealand.  
 
Guidance  for clause 1.8  
• The ability to export aquatic animal products from source countries other than the exporting 
country will be considered during the assessment of an exporting country ’s export  and 
certification systems . 
• See the Guidanc e Document  for more information on third -country processing.  
1.9 Import permit information  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act issued by the Director -General is required if : 
a) It is required in this IHS ; or 
b) A CTO has approved an equivalent measure prior to import, different from that set in this IHS that 
may be applied to effectively manage risks.  
(2) An import permit is not required where a CTO has issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) for a 
measure that is different from that set in this I HS during negotiation of a country -specific veterinary 
certificate and the equivalent measure is incorporated into that certificate.  
 
Guidance  for clause 1.9  
• An import permit application form can be found on the MPI website at this Permit to Import 
Animal Products , or apply for the permit online at the following weblink (when active): 
https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
• In the application, specify the name and address of the transitional facility in New Zealand 
approved to the Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities for Animal Products , MPI-STD-
ANIPRODS  to which the consignment is to proceed following importation.  
• Completed application forms can be submitted to the Animal Imports Team: 
animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
1.10 Documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the documentation that is specified in, and meets 
the requirements of, clauses 1.1 0(2) to 1.1 0(4) below.  
(2) All documentation that is required by clause 1.1 0 to accompany the aquatic animal product  must, 
unless otherwise stated:  
a) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
b) Be original.  
(3) Health certification that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page 
by the Certifying Official with their original stamp, signature , and date or be endorsed in the space 
allocated , and all pages have paper -based alternative security features.  
(4) Health certification that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly 
from the Competent Authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by 
the Directo r-General of MPI for that purpose.  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  12 of 36 
1.10.1  Import permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable) , where required by this IHS, must meet the requirements of  clause 
1.9(1). 
1.10.2  Health certificate  
(1) A health certificate from the exporting country’s Certifying Official , where re quired by this IHS, must 
include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier.  
b) The description, aquatic animal species  and/or family  (where applicable), and amount of product.  
c) The n ame and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
d) The n ame, signature , and contact details of the Certifying Official.  
e) Certification and endorsement by the Certifying Official that the  general requirements outlined in 
Part 1 : Requirements  of this I HS have been met.  
f) Certification and endorseme nt by the Certifying Official that the relevant requirements outlined in 
Part 2 : General Processing Requirements  of this IHS have been met  (except for those 
requirements that a CTO has agreed during negotiation under clause 1.5 as not being required 
for a country -specific health certificate ). 
 
Guidance  for clause 1.10.2  
• Where equivalent measures have been negotiated and agreed between  MPI and the exporting 
country , and a CTO has, prior to import, issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that 
is different from those in this standard in the form of a negotiated health certificate, a country -
specific health certificate must accompany the consignment.  
• See the Guidance  Document  for more information about equivalence and country -specific 
health certificates.  
1.11 Transition  period  
(1) From the date of issue of this IHS to six months after this date , the requirements of th is Import Health 
Standard: Aquatic Animal Products  may be met by co mplying with the requirements of the  applicable 
IHS set out below that is in force immediately before the issue of this IHS:  
a) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Caviar for Human Consumption 
from All Countries , FISCAVIC.ALL ; 19 Ma y 2008.  
b) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Commercial Consignments of 
Fresh/Frozen/Processed Salmonids for Human Consumption from the European Community  
FISSALIC.EEC ; 24 September 2004.  
c) Import Health Standard for the Importation  into New Zealand of Cooked Fish from All Countries  
FISCOOIC.ALL ; 11 May 2004.  
d) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Fish Eggs/Roe for Human 
Consumption from the European Community , FISROEIC.EEC ; 24 September 2004.  
e) Import Health St andard for the Importation into New Zealand of Frozen Nile Perch (Lates 
niloticus) Skinless, Boneless Fillets for Human Consumption from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda 
(Lake Victoria) , FISNPEIC.ALL ; 28 June 2000.  
f) Import Health Standard for the Importation of Ma rine Fisheries Products for Human Consumption 
from All Countries , FISMARIC.ALL ; 6 October 2008.  
g) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Marine Fisheries Products for 
Human Consumption from the European Community , FISMARIC.EEC ; 24 September 2004.  
h) Import Health Standard for Processed Tilapia and Catfish for Human Consumption , 
FISFILIC.SPE ; 4 February 2011.  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 36 
i) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Processed (Rendered) Animal 
Protein Derived from Fish Material for Animal Feed from the European Community  
FODPPFIC.EEC ; 6 October 2004.  
j) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Salmonids for Human 
Consumption from Australia , FISSALIC.AUS ; 16 August 2000.  
k) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Salmonids for Human 
Consumption from Specified Countries , FISSALIC.SPE ; 28 June 2004.  
l) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Marine Fish for Petfood from All 
Countries , PETFISIC.ALL ; 12 November 1999.  
(2) From the date of issue of this IHS to six months after this date , the requirements of this Import Health 
Standard: Aquatic Animal Products  may be met by complying with the requirements of the  applicable 
clause in the import health standa rd set out below that is in force immediately before the issue of this 
IHS: 
a) Clause 7.2.3 (Fishmeal and fish oil) of the Import Health Standard for Fish Food and Fish Bait 
from all Countries , FISFOOIC.ALL ; 2 December 2011.  
b) Clauses relating to fish oil in th e Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of 
Lard, Rendered Fats and Oils and Fish Oil not for Human Consumption from the European 
Community , INETALIC.EEC ; 11 October 2004 . Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 36 
Part 2:  General Processing Requirements  
Guidance for Part 2  
• The below chart provides a visual representation of the a quatic animal products that can be imported into New 
Zealand  under this IHS.  
• The number s within the brackets refer to the clause s in the IHS  for the product . 
 
  Non -salmonid 
fish products
Retail packaged fish 
from all countries
[2.2.8]
Heat -treated fish 
from all countries
[2.2.6]
Dried fish from all 
countries
[2.2.7]
Skin-off fillets from 
all countries
[2.2.5]
Fishmeal from all 
countries
[2.8]
Fish oil from all 
countries
[2.8]
Low-risk fish from 
all countries
[2.2.3]
Fish from Australia
[2.2.1]
Fish from 
recognised 
countries
[2.2.2]Salmonid fish 
products
Only from 
recognised 
countries
[2.1]Crustacean 
products
Retail packaged 
crustaceans from 
all countries
[2.3.4]
Heat -treated 
crustaceans from 
all countries
[2.3.2]
Frozen crustaceans 
from all countries
[2.3.3]
Crustacean meal 
from all countries
[2.8]
Crustacean oil from 
all countries
[2.8]
Crustaceans from 
recognised 
countries
[2.3.1]Mollusc products
Abalone from all 
countries
[2.4.1]
Molluscs (other 
than abalone) from 
all countries
[2.4.2]
Mollusc meal from 
all countries
[2.8]
Mollusc oil from all 
countries
[2.8]Other aquatic 
animal products
Echinoderms from 
all countries
[2.5]
Tunicates from all 
countries
[2.6]
Jellyfish 
(cnidarians) from 
all countries 
[2.7]Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 36 
2.1 Salmon id fish  products  
(1) Salmon id fish  products  may be imported for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  
when all of the following requirements are met : 
a) The exporting country is recognised under clause 1.5 of this IHS . 
i) If the exporting country is not the source country,  then the source country must be 
recognised under clause 1.5 of this IHS.  
b) The product is:  
i) Headed, gilled, and gutted salmon id fish ; or 
ii) Salmon id fish  fillets or salmonid fish steak s; or 
iii) Salmonid fish produc ts commercially packaged for direct retail sale  (see definition in 
Schedule 2  of this IHS)  that has a net content of not more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre . 
c) The consignment is a ccompanied by : 
i) The negotiated health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country attesting all of the following : 
1) The product is derived from fish within the family Salmonidae . 
2) The product is derived from salmonid fish that were harvested from a population for 
which a documented health surveillance programme exists which is administered by 
a competent government -authorised agency.  
3) The product is derived from salmonid fish that were not slaughtered as an official 
disease control measure as a result of an outbreak of disease.  
4) The product is derived from salmonid fish that were processed in premise s under 
the supervision of a competent government -authorised regulatory agency with 
responsibility for food safety standards  during processing of fish for export.  
ii) For salmonid fish in headed, gilled, and gutted for m, an import permit.  
 
Guidance for claus e 2.1 
• Australia, Canada, European Union countries, Norway, the U nited Kingdom , and the U nited 
States of America  are the count ries recognised under clause 1.5 of this IHS for export of 
salmonid fish products. See Section 5.5 of the Guidance Document for additional details.  
• For importing trout products, see details under the heading Trout import prohibitions  in the 
Introduction section of this IHS.  
 
Guidance  for clause 2.1(1)(b)(iii)  
• Salmonid fish products  include, but are not limited to, products such as salmon balls, salmon 
cakes, salmon  chowders, salmon  collars, salmon  cracker/crisps , salmon  flavourings (including 
extracts , seasonings,  and stocks), salmon heads, salmon  mince, salmon  caviar/ roe, salmon  
sauces, salmon  soups, kippered salmon , marinated salmon , ready -to-eat salmon  meals, salmon 
sashimi, smoked salmon , salmon whole , and salmon win gs. 
 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 36 
2.2 Non-salmon id fish  products  
2.2.1 Non-salmonid fish products from Australia  
(1) Whole  non-salmonid fish and products derived from non -salmonid fish may be imported from Australia 
for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  when  the consignment is accompanied by a 
health certificate attesting that the fish was caught in the following deep -water fisheries : 
a) The Commonwealth East Coast Deepwater Fishery ; or 
b) The Commonwealth Scalefish Hook Sector . 
2.2.2 Non-salmon id fish products from recognised  countries  
(1) Eviscerated non-salmonid fish and products derived from non -salmonid fish species belonging to 
families listed in Schedule 3  may be imported for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  
when  all of the following req uirements are met : 
a) The exporting country is recognised  under clause 1.5.  
b) The exporting country is free from the risk organisms of concern to New Zealand as listed in 
Schedule 3 of the IHS for the family the fish species belongs , or the product has been treated by 
an MPI -approved process  to mitigat e the risk organisms of concern to New Zealand  for the family 
the fish species  belongs  to. 
c) The product is accompanied by the negotiated health certificate naming the fish species  that is 
from a family listed in Schedule 3  of the IHS.  
 
Guidance  for clause 2.2.2  
• For non-salmonid fish species belonging to families not listed in Schedule 3 of the IHS, an 
application can be made  to MPI to request  an additional risk assessment for these species to 
be added to the IHS . 
• FishBase ( www.fishbase.org ), the online global biodiversity information system on fish,  has the 
Information by Family  section that provides the list of fish species within a family.  
2.2.3 Low-risk non-salmon id fish products from any country  
(1) Whole non -salmonid fish and any product derived from non-salmonid fish may be imported from any 
country for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  when  accompanied by a health 
certific ate with the following attestation s: 
a) For fish families listed in Schedule 4: 
i) The fish is from a family listed in Schedule 4  of the IHS.  
b) For fish species listed in Schedule 5: 
i) The fish is a species listed in Schedule 5  of the IHS . 
ii) The fish has been frozen to a minimum core temperature of -18°C for a period of no t less 
than 168 hours : 
1) Prior to transport ; and/or 
2) During transport  (printouts or data logs of temperature records of the refrigerated 
container must be  submitted to MPI for biosecurit y clearance ). 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 36 
c) For fish species listed in Schedule 6 : 
i) The fish is a species listed in Schedule 6  of the IHS . 
ii) The fish has been frozen to a minimum core temperature of -18°C for a period of no t less 
than four months : 
1) Prior to transport ; and/or 
2) During transport  (printouts or data logs of temperature records of the refrigerated 
container must be submitted to MPI for biosecurity clearanc e). 
 
Guidance  to clauses 2.2.3(b)(ii) and 2.2.3(c)(ii)  
• For meeting the freezing duration requirement, the freezin g period can be met by a combination of 
time prior to transport and during transport.  
2.2.4 Non-salmon id fish for further processing  in New Zealand  
(1) Whole n on-salmon id fish may be imported from any country for further processing in New Zealand 
when accompanied by the following document s: 
a) A health certificate identifying the species of fish and attesting that the species does not belong 
to the family Salmonidae.  
b) An import  permit . 
2.2.5 Non-salmon id fish skin-off fillets 
(1) Non-salmonid fish s kin-off fillets may be imported from all countr ies for all uses other than as bait or 
feed for aquatic animals when  accompanied by a health certificate with one of the following 
attestations : 
a) The skin-off fillets are from a non-salmonid fish species  and frozen to a minimum core 
temperature of  -20°C for a period of no t less than  168 hours : 
i) Prior to transport;  and/or 
ii) During transport ( printouts or data logs of temperature records of the refrigerated container 
must b e submitted to MPI for biosecurity clearance ); 
or 
b) The skin-off fillets are  from a fish species belonging to a family listed in Schedule 7 of the IHS.  
 
Guidance  to clauses 2.2. 5 
• For meeting the freezing duration requirement, the freezing period can be met by a combination of 
time prior to transport and during transport.  
2.2.6 Heat -treated  non-salmonid fish products  
(1) Heat -treated non-salmonid fish products may be imported from any country for all uses other than as 
bait or feed for aquatic animals  when accompanied by a health certificate with all of the following 
attestations:  
a) The product is derived from a fish species that does not belong to the family Salmonidae . 
b) The product has been heat treated to one of the following time/temperature parameters:  
i) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 85°C for a period of not less tha n 
15 minutes;  or 
ii) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 90°C for a period of not less than  
10 minutes.  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 36 
2.2.7 Dried non-salmon id fish products  
(1) Dried non -salmonid fish products may be imported from any country for all uses other than as bait or 
feed for aqu atic animals when  accompanied by a health certificate with all of the following attestations : 
a) The product is derived from a fish species that does not belong to the family Salmonidae . 
b) The fish is eviscerated . 
c) The product h as been m echanically dried (see definition in Schedule 2  of the IHS ) at a minimum  
core temperature of 100°C for a period of no t less than 30 minutes . 
2.2.8 Non-salmon id fish product s commercially packaged for direct retail sale  
(1) Non-salmonid fish products commercially pac kaged for direct retail sale can be imported from any 
country for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals when  accompanied by : 
a) A health certificate with all of the following  attestations:  
i) The product is derived from a fish species that does  not belong to the family Salmonidae.  
ii) The product is commercially packaged for direct retail sale  (see defin ition for commercially 
packaged for direct retail in Schedule 2  of the IHS ). 
iii) Each package  has a net content of not more than 1 .0 kg or 1 .0 litre. 
b) For p ackages  with a net content of more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre, an import permit.  
(2) The product must not be opened or repackaged prior to sale to household consumers or businesses in 
the food service sector , unless the seller operates in the food service sector (see definition for food 
service sector in Schedule 2  of this IHS) . 
 
Guidance  for clause  2.2.8  
• Non-salmonid fish products commercially packaged for direct retail sale include, but are not 
limited to, fish balls, fish cakes, fish chowders, fish collars, fish crackers, fish flavourings 
(including extracts and stocks), fish mince, fish roe, fish sauces, fish soups, kippered fish, 
marinated fish, ready -to-eat fish meals, sashimi, smoked fish,  surimi, whitebait, and whole fish . 
• For packages over 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre , a permit may be issued  after assessment by MPI on a 
case -by-case basis.  An import permit application form can be found on the MPI website at this 
Permit to Import Animal Products , or apply for the permit online at the following weblink (when 
active): https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
 
2.3 Crustacean products  
2.3.1 Crustacean product s from recognised  countries  
(1) Crustacean products may be imported for all uses other than as bait or feed for aqua tic animals when  
the following requirements are met:  
a) The exporting country is recognised  under clause 1.5.  
b) The consignment is accompanied by the negotiated health certificate identifying the exporting 
country as being free from the identified risk organisms for the product as specified below:  
i) For products derived from crustacean species listed in Schedule 8  of the IHS, t he 
exporting country must be free from Aphanomyces  astaci . 
ii) For products derived from crab and lobster  species , the exporting country must be free 
from Hematodinium spp. 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 36 
2.3.2 Heat -treated  crustacean product s 
(1) Heat -treated crustacean products may be imported from any country for all uses other than as bait or 
feed for aquatic animals when  accompanied by a health certificate with all of the following attestations:  
a) For crustacean  species  listed in Schedule 8  of the IHS, the product has been heat  treated to one 
of the following time/ temperature parameters : 
i) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 100°C for a period of no t less than  
one minute ; or 
ii) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 90°C for a period of no t less than  
10 minutes.  
b) For all other crustacean species, the product is heat  treated until all protein in the crustacean 
meat is coagulated.  
 
Guidance for clause 2.3.2  
• Dried crustacean products  for uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  may be 
eligible for import under clause 2.3.2 . 
• Crustacean meals for uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals may be eligible for 
import either under clause 2.3.2 or clause 2. 8 of this IHS.  
2.3.3 Frozen crustacean product s 
(1) Frozen  crustacean products may be imported from any country for all uses other than as bait or feed 
for aquatic animals  when accompanied by a health certificate that has one of the following attestations : 
a) For crustacean species listed in Schedule 8  of the IHS, the product has been froz en to a 
minimum core temperature of -20°C for a period of no t less than 72 hours.  
b) For all other crustacean species, the product has been frozen to a minimum core temperature of  
-18°C.  
2.3.4 Crustacean product s commercially packaged for direct retail sale  
(1) Crustac ean products commercially packaged for direct retail sale may be imported from any country 
for all uses other than as bait or feed for aquatic animals  when accompanied by : 
a) A health certificate with all of the following attestations : 
i) The product is commerci ally packaged for direct retail sale  (see definition for commercially 
packaged for direct retail in Schedule 2  of the IHS ). 
ii) Each package has a net content of not more than 1 .0 kg or 1 .0 litre. 
b) For packages with a net content of more than 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre, an import permit.  
(2) The packaging must be  labelled with the words “ Not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals ”. 
(3) The product must not be opened or repackaged prior to sale  to household consumers or busi nesses in 
the food service sector , unless the seller operates in the food service sector (see definition for food 
service sector in Schedule 2  of this IHS) . 
 
Guidance  for clause  2.3.4  
• Crustacean products  commercially packaged for direct retail sale include , but are not limited to, 
products such as butterflied prawns, dried shrimps, peeled prawn, prawn cakes, prawn chips, 
prawn chowders, prawn crackers, prawn cutlets, prawn sauces, prawn soups, ready -to-eat 
crustacean meals, shrimp balls, shrimp roe, tempura prawns, and whole prawns.  
• For packages over 1.0 kg or 1.0 litre , a permit will be issued after assessment by MPI on a 
case -by-case basis. An import permit application form can be found on the MPI website  at this Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 36 
Permit to Import Animal Products , or apply for the permit online at the following weblink (when 
active): https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
 
2.4 Mollusc products  
2.4.1 Haliotis  spp. (abalone) products  
(1) Haliotis  spp. (abalone) products may be imported from any country when  accompanied by a health 
certificate attesting all of the following:  
a) The product is derived from Haliotis  spp. (abalone).  
b) The product  does not contain any shell.  
c) The meat of the Haliotis (abalone) has been heated to a minimum core temperature of 55°C for a 
period of no t less than 10 minutes.  
2.4.2 Mollusc products other than Haliotis  spp. (abalone)  
(1) Mollusc products  other than Haliotis  spp. (abalone) may be imported from any country when  
accompanied by : 
a) A health certificate attesting all of the following : 
i) The product is derived from a mollusc species other than Haliotis  spp. (abalone).  
ii) The product  does not contain any shell.  
iii) The meat of the mollusc is cooked , dried , or frozen.  
b) For products where the meat of the mollusc has been put on to a cleaned and sanitised shell, an 
import permit.  
 
Guidance  for clause 2.4.2  
• An import permit for mollusc meat  put on to a cleaned and sanitised shell will only be issued if 
the manufacturing process  to clean the shell is provided to MPI an d found to be satisfactory.  
2.5 Echinoderm products  
(1) Echinoderm products may be imported from any country  provided they are commercially packaged  for 
direct retail sale . 
2.6 Tunicate products  
(1) Tunicate products may be imported from any country  provided they are commercially packaged  for 
direct retail sale . 
2.7 Cnidarian (jellyfish) products  
(1) Cnidarian (jellyfish) products may be imported from any country  provided they are commercially 
packaged  for direct retail sale . 
 
Guidance  for clauses 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7  
• For the products described in clauses 2.5., 2.6, and 2.7, biosecurity clearance at the border will 
be facilitated if  the exporter includes a document identifying th at the product is an  echinoderm, Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 36 
or tunicate or cnida ria (jellyfish) , and that they have been commercially packaged  for direct 
retail sale . 
2.8 Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil  
(1) Aquatic animal meal and aquatic animal oil may be imported from any country  for all uses other than 
as bait or feed for aquatic animals , provided it is accompanied by a health certificate attesting that a 
minimum core temperature of 80°C for a period of no less than 20 minutes was used for manufacturing 
the product.  
 
Guidance for clause 2.8  
• Meal and oil derived from fish be longing to the family Salmonidae may be eligible for import 
under clause 2.8  of the IHS . 
• Meal and oil derived from any crustacean species may be eligible for import under clause 2.3.2, 
or 2.3. 4, or 2.8 of the IHS. Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  22 of 36 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Short  code  
11 May 2022  Import Health Standard: Aquatic Animal 
Products  IHS AQUAPROD.GEN  
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  23 of 36 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Aquatic animal  
An animal belonging to : 
a) Superclass Osteichthyes , including , but not limited to, bony fish like salmon, perches, cods, 
herrings, and eels . 
b) Class Chondrichthyes , including, but not limited to,  cartilaginous fish like sharks and stingrays . 
c) Phylum  Mollusca , including, but not limited to,  clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, octopus, 
squids, and aquatic snails . Excludes terrestrial mollusc species . 
d) Subphylum  Crustacea , including, but not limited to, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, prawns , and 
crawfish . Excludes terrestrial crustacean species.  
e) Phylum  Echinodermata , including, but not limited to,  sea cucumbers , sea  stars,  and sea urchins . 
f) Phylum  Cnidaria , such as  jellyfish . 
g) Subphylum  Tunicata , including, but not limited to, sea squirt s, sea tulips, sea peach es 
(Halocynthia aurantium ) sea pineapple s/hoya s (Halocynthia roretzi ), Pyura spp., and 
Microcosmus  spp. 
Aquatic animal product  
A non -viable  (non-living) product derived from an aquatic animal. For the purpose s of this IHS, roe (fish eggs) 
and milt (fish seminal fluid) are aquatic animal products.  
Bait 
Any substance derived from aquatic animals used to attract  and catch aquatic animals.  
Certifying Official  
The person authorised by the Competent Authority of the exporting country to sign health certificates for 
aquatic animal  product s. 
Commercially packaged for direct retail sale  
Product manufactured and packaged in a commercial environment and not undergoing further packaging 
and/or processing prior to retail sale or use in the food service sector in New Zealand.  
Competent Au thorit y 
The Governmental Authority of an OIE Member that has the responsibility and competence for ensuring or 
supervising the implementation of aquatic animal health and welfare measures, international health  
certification and other standards and recommen dations in the Aquatic C ode in the whole territory.  
Crustacean product  
An aquatic animal product derived from subphylum Crustacea , includ ing, but not limited to, crabs, crawfish, 
crayfish, krill, lobsters, scampi, shrimp, and prawns. Excludes terrestrial crustacean species.  
Echinoderm  
A member of the phylum Echinodermata. Examples include sea cucumbers , sea stars,  and sea urchins . 
Exclusive Economic Zone  
The area of the sea stretching from a country’s baseline out to 200 nautical miles offshore . 
 
For New Zealand , the Exclusive Economic Zone is as described in Section 9 of the Territorial Sea, 
Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977 . Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  24 of 36 
Fillet  
A slice of fish flesh that is removed by a cut made parallel to the backbone.  
Fish 
A member of the superclass Osteichthyes (bony fish , including, but not limited to,  salmon , perches, cods, 
herrings, and eels ) or class Chondrichthyes  (cartilaginous fish like sharks and stingrays).  
Food service sector  
Businesses that prepare and serv e food that is ready to eat on site  or to be taken away to be eaten in the 
vicinity without necessarily requiring any further preparation by consumers.  
 
Food service sector has the same meaning as given in Schedule 1, Part 3 of the Food Act 2014 . 
Good Manufacturing Practice  (GMP)  
A Competent Authority approved food control operation aimed at ensuring that products are consistently 
manufactured to a specified qu ality appropriate to their intended use. It thus has two complementary and 
interacting components; the manufacturing operation itself and the control system and procedures.  
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point  (HAACP)  
A system that identifies, evaluates and controls hazards that are significant for biosecurity and food safety.  
Headed, gilled, and gutted  fish 
A fish that has its head, gills, and gut removed.  
Mechanically dried  
Removing moisture from the aquatic animal by  blowing heated air through it. The following processes do not 
meet the definition for mechanical drying:  
a) Drying under the sun  
b) Freeze -drying  
c) Drying by infrared radiation  
d) Salting  
e) Smoking  
Mollusc  
An animal belonging to the p hylum Mollusca. Examples include c lams, cuttlefish, mussels, octopus, oysters, 
snail, and squids . For the purpose s of this IHS, terrestrial mollusc s, such as land snails (escargots), are 
excluded from the definition of mollusc.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health  (www.oie.int ). 
Salmon id 
Fish belonging to the family Salmonidae . 
Steak  
A cross -section cut of a fish that may include a piece of the backbone.  
 
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  25 of 36 
Territorial sea 
Means New Zealand’s area of sea as described in Section 3 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and 
Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977 . In simple terms, New Zealand’s Territorial Sea is the area of water not 
exceeding 12 nautical miles measured  from the shores . 
Tunicate  
A member  of the subphylum Tunicata . Sea squirt s and sea pineapple s are members of this subphylum.  
 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  26 of 36 
Schedule 3 – Fish Families  and their Disease Susceptibilit ies 
See clause 2.2.2  for information relevant to this s chedule . 
RISK ORGANISM KEY  
Key Risk organisms of concern to New Zealand  
1 Aeromonas hydrophila  (exotic strains)  
2 Aeromonas salmonicida  var. salmonicida  (atypical strains)  
3 Aeromonas salmonicida  var. salmonicida  (typical strains)  
4 Anguillicola crassus  
5 Aphanomyces invadans  
6 Cestode larvae  
7 Digenean larvae  
8 Edwardsiella  spp. 
9 Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV)  / European catfish virus (ECV)  / European 
sheatfish virus (ESV)  
10 European eel herpesvirus (EEHV)  
11 European eel virus (EVE)  
12 Flavobacterium columnare  (exotic strains)  
13 Francisella  spp. 
14 Grass carp haemorrhagic virus (GCHV)  
15 Grouper iridovirus (GIV)  
16 Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV)  
17 Ichthyophonus hoferi  
18 Infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV)  
19 Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) /  Halibut birnavirus  / Viral deformity of yellowtail virus  
20 Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV)  
21 Koi herpesvirus (KHV)  
22 Microsporidian pathogens  
23 Monogenean parasites, including Gyrodactylus salaris  
24 Moritella viscosa  
25 Myxozoa (including Enteromyxum , Henneguya , Kudoa , Myxobolus , Sphaerospora , and 
Unicapsula ) 
26 New Japan virus (NJV)  
27 Nodaviruses, including nervous necrosis virus (NNV)  
28 Oncorhynchus  masou  virus (OMV)  
29 Piscine aquareovirus (PRV)  / Salmon aquareovirus  / Tasmanian salmon reovirus  / Grass carp 
reovirus  / Turbout reovirus (TRV)  / Heart and skeletal muscle inflammation syndrome virus  
30 Piscirickettsia salmonis  and related Rickettsia -like organisms  
31 Pseudomonas anguilliseptica  
32 Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV)  / Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV)  / Gourami 
iridovirus  
33 Renibacterium salmoninarum  
34 Salmon alphavirus (SAV)  / Salmon pancreatic disease virus  
35 Salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV)  / Carp oedema virus  / Koi sleepy disease virus  
36 Sphaerothecum destruens  
37 Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV)  / Pike fry rhabdovirus  
38 Streptococcus agalactiae  (serotype III: 283); Streptococcus  iniae  
39 Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV)  
40 Yersinia ruckeri  (Hagerman and other exotic strains)  
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  27 of 36 
SCHEDULE 3: FISH FAMILIES AND THEIR DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITIES  
Fish Family  Risk Organisms  
(For risk organism names see the Risk Organism Key table at the beginning of Schedule 3)  
1. Acanthuridae  23; 27  
2. Achiridae  5 
3. Acipenseridae   1; 18; 19; 21; 27; 35; 40  
4. Acropomatidae  27 
5. Alestidae  5 
6. Ambassidae  5 
7. Amiidae  19 
8. Ammodytidae  2; 19; 39  
9. Anabantidae  5; 8 
10. Anarhichadidae  2; 19; 27; 35  
11. Anguillidae  2; 4; 5; 6; 8; 10; 11; 18; 19; 22; 23; 25; 27; 31; 35; 38; 39; 40  
12. Anoplopomatidae  2; 5; 33; 39  
13. Argentinidae  29; 35; 39  
14. Ariidae  5; 35; 38  
15. Atherinidae  19; 35  
16. Aulorhynchidae  19; 39  
17. Bagridae  5 
18. Batrachoididae  8; 27  
19. Belonidae  5; 39  
20. Berycidae  25 
21. Bothidae  19; 27; 35  
22. Carangidae  5; 8; 17; 19; 22; 23; 25; 27; 29; 31; 32; 35; 38; 39  
23. Carcharhinidae  25 
24. Catostomidae  2; 19; 23; 35; 39  
25. Centrarchidae  2; 4; 5; 8; 12; 19; 27; 29; 31; 32; 35; 37; 39  
26. Chaetodontidae  23 
27. Chanidae  27 
28. Channidae  5; 7; 8; 19; 23; 29; 38  
29. Chirocentridae  25 
30. Cichlidae  2; 4; 5; 7; 8; 11; 12; 13; 19; 23; 25; 27; 30; 31; 37; 38; 40  
31. Clariidae  5; 8; 12; 25  
32. Clupeidae  2; 5; 6; 7; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 25; 27; 29; 31; 33; 38; 39  
33. Cobitidae  31 
34. Congridae  23 
35. Coryphaenidae  25 
36. Cyclopteridae  2; 24  
37. Cynoglossidae  27 
38. Cyprinidae  1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 12; 14; 17; 19; 21; 23; 25; 27; 29; 31; 32; 33; 35; 36; 37; 
38; 39; 40  
39. Cyprinodontidae  19 
40. Dasyatidae  8; 25; 38  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  28 of 36 
SCHEDULE 3: FISH FAMILIES AND THEIR DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITIES  
Fish Family  Risk Organisms  
(For risk organism names see the Risk Organism Key table at the beginning of Schedule 3)  
41. Distichodontidae  25 
42. Eleotridae  5; 7; 8; 27  
43. Embiot ocidae  18; 19; 23; 33; 39  
44. Engraulidae  25; 39  
45. Esocidae  2; 3; 4; 7; 9; 18; 19; 25; 37; 39  
46. Exocoetidae  5 
47. Fundulidae  39 
48. Gadidae  2; 3; 13; 17; 18; 19; 20; 24; 25; 27; 31; 34; 39; 40  
49. Galaxiidae  9 
50. Gempylidae  25 
51. Gerreidae  2 
52. Glaucostegidae  25 
53. Gobiidae  4; 5; 8; 27; 39  
54. Haemulidae  8; 27; 32; 38  
55. Hapalogenyidae  27 
56. Hexagrammidae  2; 23; 33  
57. Ictaluridae  1; 5; 7; 8; 9; 12; 19; 23; 25; 29; 38; 39; 40  
58. Kurtidae  5 
59. Kyphosidae  23; 32  
60. Labridae  2; 3; 19; 23; 34  
61. Lateolabracidae  7; 16; 23; 27; 32  
62. Latidae  5; 8; 12; 23; 25; 27; 31; 32; 35; 38  
63. Latridae  2; 27  
64. Leiognathidae  27 
65. Lepisosteidae  19 
66. Lethrinidae  27; 32  
67. Lophiidae  27 
68. Lotidae  1; 2; 39; 40  
69. Lutjanidae  5; 17; 25; 27; 38  
70. Macrouridae  19; 25; 27  
71. Malacanthidae  27 
72. Mastacembelidae  5 
73. Merlucci idae 19; 25; 33; 39  
74. Monacanthidae  27 
75. Moronidae  2; 3; 5; 8; 13; 17; 18; 19; 27; 30; 31; 32; 38; 39  
76. Mugilidae  5; 7; 8; 17; 24; 27; 32; 38; 39  
77. Mullidae  19; 25; 27; 39  
78. Muraenesocidae  27 
79. Nemipteridae  25 
80. Notopt eridae  5 
81. Ophidiidae  39 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  29 of 36 
SCHEDULE 3: FISH FAMILIES AND THEIR DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITIES  
Fish Family  Risk Organisms  
(For risk organism names see the Risk Organism Key table at the beginning of Schedule 3)  
82. Oplegnathidae  27; 32  
83. Orectolobidae  25 
84. Osmeridae  4; 17; 29; 39  
85. Osphronemidae  5; 8 
86. Pangasiidae  12; 23  
87. Paralichthyidae  8; 16; 17; 19; 25; 27; 32; 38; 39  
88. Percicithyidae  5; 9; 12; 15; 19; 27; 32  
89. Percidae  2; 4; 6; 7; 9; 12; 19; 21; 25; 27; 37; 39; 40  
90. Percithyidae  19 
91. Percopsidae  39 
92. Pimelodidae  25 
93. Platycephalidae  5; 27; 33  
94. Plecoglossidae  5; 16; 19; 22; 26; 31; 33; 35  
95. Pleuronectidae  2; 3; 8; 13; 16; 17; 19; 22; 24; 25; 27; 32; 34; 39  
96. Plotosidae  9; 27; 31  
97. Polynemidae  25; 29  
98. Polyodontidae  19 
99. Polyprionidae  23 
100. Pomatomidae  5 
101. Priacanthidae  27 
102. Psettodidae  5 
103. Rachycentridae  27; 32  
104. Rhinobatidae  25 
105. Scaridae  23; 38  
106. Scatop hagidae  5 
107. Schilbeidae  5 
108. Sciaenidae  5; 13; 19; 25; 27; 30; 32; 38; 39  
109. Scombridae  13; 17; 25; 32; 39  
110. Scophthalmidae  2; 3; 8; 13; 18; 19; 24; 25; 27; 29; 31; 34; 39; 40  
111. Scorpaenidae  39 
112. Sebastidae  16; 17; 23; 27; 32; 39  
113. Serranidae  7; 8; 15; 23; 25; 27; 30; 31; 32; 38; 39  
114. Serrasalmidae  7; 12  
115. Siganidae  27; 38  
116. Sillaginidae  5; 25; 27; 39  
117. Siluridae  4; 5; 7; 8; 9; 21; 25; 27; 37  
118. Soleidae  5; 7; 19; 22; 27; 39; 40  
119. Sparidae  2; 3; 5; 6; 7; 8; 16; 17; 18; 19; 23; 25; 27; 31; 32; 38; 39  
120. Sphyraenidae  19; 25  
121. Sphyrnidae  25 
122. Stichaeidae  16 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  30 of 36 
SCHEDULE 3: FISH FAMILIES AND THEIR DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITIES  
Fish Family  Risk Organisms  
(For risk organism names see the Risk Organism Key table at the beginning of Schedule 3)  
123. Stromateidae  39 
124. Synbranchidae  5 
125. Syno dontidae  38 
126. Terapontidae  2; 5; 9; 27  
127. Tetraodontidae  25; 27; 30; 32  
128. Trichiuridae  17; 39  
129. Triglidae  19; 27  
130. Uranoscopidae  39 
131. Zeidae  27 
132. Zoarcidae  2; 27  
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  31 of 36 
Schedule 4 – Fish Families Relevant to Clause 2. 2.3(1)(a)  
Fish belonging to the families listed in this schedule can be imported in whole form, provided they meet the 
requirements in clause 2.2.3(1)(a)  of this IHS . 
Fish Famil ies 
a) Apogonidae  
b) Centropomidae  
c) Characidae  
d) Cottidae  
e) Gasterosteidae  
f) Helostomatidae  
g) Liparidae  
h) Poeciliidae  
i) Umbridae  
 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  32 of 36 
Schedule 5 – Fish Species Relevant to Clause 2. 2.3(1)(b)  
Fish species listed in this schedule can be imported in whole form , provided they m eet the requirements in 
clause 2. 2.3(1)(b)  of this IHS . This clause requires t he fish to be frozen to a minimum core temperature of  
- 18°C for a period of no t less than 168 hours . 
Fish species  
a) Cololabias saira  
b) Engraulis ringens  
c) Hemiramphus balao  
d) Hemiramphus brasiliensis  
e) Hemiramphus dussumieri  
f) Hemiramphus lutkei  
 
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  33 of 36 
Schedule 6 – Fish Species Relevant to Clause 2. 2.3(1)(c)  
Fish species listed in this schedule can be imported in whole form , provided they meet requirements in clause 
2.2.3(1)(c) of this IHS.  This clause requires t he fish to be frozen to a minimum core temperature of -18°C for a 
period of no t less than four months . 
Fish specie s 
a) Auxis rochei  
b) Auxis thazard  
c) Euthynnus alletteratus  
d) Katsuwonas pelamis  
e) Sarda chilensis  
f) Sarda lineolata  
g) Sarda sarda  
h) Thunnus obesus  
 
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  34 of 36 
Schedule 7 – Fish Families Relevant to Clause 2. 2.5(1)(b)  
Skin-off fillets derived from fish belonging to the families listed in this schedule can be imported as per clause 
2.2.5 (1)(b)  of this IHS.  
 
Fish families  
1. Acanthuridae  40. Engraulidae  79. Percopsidae  
2. Achiridae  41. Exocoetidae  80. Pimelodidae  
3. Acipenseridae  42. Fundulidae  81. Platycephalidae  
4. Acropomatidae  43. Gadidae  82. Plecoglossidae  
5. Alestidae  44. Galaxiidae  83. Pleuronectidae  
6. Ambassidae  45. Gasterosteidae  84. Plotosidae  
7. Amiidae  46. Gempylidae  85. Poeciliidae  
8. Ammodytidae  47. Gerreidae  86. Polynemidae  
9. Anabantidae  48. Glaucostegidae  87. Polyodontidae  
10. Anarhichadidae  49. Haemulidae  88. Polyprionidae  
11. Anoplopomatidae  50. Hapalogenyidae  89. Pomatomidae  
12. Apogonidae  51. Helostomatidae  90. Priacanthidae  
13. Argentinidae  52. Hexagrammidae  91. Psettodidae  
14. Ariidae  53. Kurtidae  92. Rachycentridae  
15. Atherinidae  54. Kyphosidae  93. Rhinobatidae  
16. Aulorhynchidae  55. Labridae  94. Scaridae  
17. Bagridae  56. Latidae  95. Scatop hagidae  
18. Batrachoididae  57. Latridae  96. Schilbeidae  
19. Belonidae  58. Leiognathidae  97. Scophthalmidae  
20. Berycidae  59. Lepisosteidae  98. Scorpaenidae  
21. Bothidae  60. Lethrinidae  99. Sebastidae  
22. Carangidae  61. Liparidae  100. Siganidae  
23. Carcharhinidae  62. Lophiidae  101. Sillaginidae  
24. Catostomidae  63. Lutjanidae  102. Sphyraenidae  
25. Centropomidae  64. Macrouridae  103. Sphyrnidae  
26. Chaetodontidae  65. Malacanthidae  104. Stichaeidae  
27. Characidae  66. Mastacembelidae  105. Stromateidae  
28. Chirocentridae  67. Merlucci idae 106. Synbranchidae  
29. Clariidae  68. Monacanthidae  107. Syno dontidae  
30. Cobitidae  69. Moronidae  108. Terapontidae  
31. Congridae  70. Muraenesocidae  109. Tetraodontidae  
32. Coryphaenidae  71. Nemipteridae  110. Trichiuridae  
33. Cottidae  72. Notopt eridae  111. Triglidae  
34. Cyclopteridae  73. Ophidiidae  112. Umbridae  
35. Cynoglossidae  74. Oplegnathidae  113. Uranoscopidae  
36. Cyprinodontidae  75. Orectolobidae  114. Zeidae  
37. Dasyatidae  76. Osphronemidae  115. Zoarcidae  
38. Distichodontidae  77. Percicithyidae   
39. Embiotocidae  78. Percithyidae   
 Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  35 of 36 
Schedule 8 – Crustacean  Species  Relevant to Clauses 
2.3.1(1)(b)(i) and 2.3. 3(1)(a) 
Crustaceans listed in this schedule are susceptible to the risk organism Aphanomyces astaci . Products 
derived from these crustaceans can be imported provided they meet the requirements i n either clause 
2.3.1(1)(b)(i) or clause 2.3. 3(1)(a) of this IHS.  
Under clause 2.3.1(1)(b)(i), products derived from crustacean  species  listed in this schedule may be imported 
from countries recognised by MPI as being free from A. astaci . The exporting cou ntry must be recognised 
under clause 1.5 of this IHS. Each consignment must be accompanied by the negotiated health certificate.  
Under clause 2.3. 3(1)(a), products derived from crustacean species listed in this schedule may be imported 
from any country , provided each consignment is accompanied by a health certificate attesting  the product has 
been heat  treated to one of the following time/ temperature  parameters:  
a) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 100°C for a period of not less than one minute;  or 
b) Heat  treated to a minimum core temperature of 90°C for a period of not less than 10 minutes.  
Crayfish families (all species from within these families)  
a) Astacidae  
b) Cambaridae  
c) Parastacidae  
Other crustacean species  
a) Eriocheir  sinensis  (Chinese mitten  crab)  
b) Macrobrachium  dayanum  
c) Potamon  potamios  
  Import Health Standard : Aquatic Animal Products   
  11 May 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  36 of 36 
Schedule 9 – Processing Requirements at the Transitional 
Facility  
Guidance  
• A transitional facility  is a place approved under Section 39 of the Biosecurity Act for the purpose of 
inspection, storage, treatment, quarantine, holding, or destruction of uncleared goods.  A transitional 
facility may need to comply with the requirements set out in one or more facility standards. Detailed 
information on transitional facilities is available on MPI’s website at this link. 
(1) This schedule applies to  the following  consignments of aquatic animal products imported to New 
Zealand that have been authorised to be moved for further processing at the transitional facility (TF) 
listed on the import permit.  
a) Headed, gilled, and gutted salmonid fish imported under clause 2.1(1)(b)(i)  of this IHS.  
b) Non-salmonid fish imported under clause  2.2.4 of this IHS.  
 
(2) Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act, the  above  aquatic animal 
products  will proceed from the border to the TF named on the import permit. The TF must be approved 
to the Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities for Animal Products , MPI-STD-ANIPRODS . 
(3) Prior to processing at the TF, the imported aquatic animal products must be marked, stored, and 
handled in accordance with MPI-STD-ANIPRODS . 
(4) To be eligible for biosecurity clearance, the TF operator must ensure that the imported aquatic animal 
products are processed  as below : 
a) Headed, gilled, and gutted salmonid fish  must be processed in accordance with the requirements 
detailed in clause s 2.1(1)(b)(ii) or 2.1(1)(b)(iii)  of this IHS . 
b) Non-salmon id fish must be processed in accordance with the requirements detailed in clause s 
2.2.5, 2.2.6 , 2.2.7, or 2.2.8  of this IHS . 
(5) The TF operator must ensure that all trimmings and solid waste associated with aquatic animal 
products are treated, destroyed or disposed of by one of the following methods at the transitional 
facilit y. 
a) Heat  treating at a minimum  core temperature of 100°C for a period of not less than 30 minutes ; 
or 
b) Rendering; or  
c) Incineration ; or  
d) Deep burial; or  
e) Any other method approved by a CTO . 
(6) The facility operator must ensure that all packaging that has been in contact w ith the aquatic animal 
products is destroyed or disposed of by incineration or deep burial at a transitional facility.  
(7) The facility operator must ensure that all effluent generated during processing is:  
a) Discharged into a municipal sewage system; or  
b) Discharged into a securely fenced and isolated soak -pit.