Risk Management Proposal :  
Personal  Consignment s of Products for Human 
Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS 
 
 
P-EFFECTS.ALL  
 
 
 
 
FOR PUBLIC CONSULATION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepared for  public consultation   
By Invasive Species Team  
Animal and Plant Health Directorate  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19 July  2021 
 
 
Disclaimer  
 
While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries 
does not accept any responsibility or l iability for error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor for 
the consequences of any decisions based on this information.  
 
This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries  website at  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/publications/   
 
 
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries   
i Contents  Page 
Submissions  1 
1 General Information  3 
1.1 PURPOSE  3 
1.2 CONTEXT  3 
1.3 TIMING AND CONSULTATION  4 
1.4 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT TO CONSULTATION  4 
1.4.1  International r egulation of risk goods  4 
1.4.2  Domestic regulation for the management of biosecurity risks  4 
1.4.3  New Zealand’s biosecurity system  5 
1.5 INFORMATION ON THE STANDARD  5 
1.5.1  Linked import health standards  6 
1.5.2  Overview of proposed changes  6 
2 Biosecurity Risk  6 
2.1 EMERGING RISKS  6 
2.2 SIGNIFICANT REGULATED PESTS  7 
2.2.1  Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) ( Halyomorpha halys ) 7 
2.2.2  Ants 8 
2.2.3  Invasive moth spec ies 8 
Fall armyworm (FAW) ( Spodoptera frugiperda ) 8 
Asian gypsy mot h (AGM) ( Lymantria dispar ) 9 
2.2.4  Spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula)  9 
2.2.5  Fruit flies of economic significance  9 
2.2.6  Khapra beetle ( Trogoderma granarium ) 10 
2.3 BIOSECURITY CONTAMINATION  10 
3 Prop osed Risk Management Requirements and Rationale  11 
3.1 Clause 1.5: Weight requirements for personal consignments  11 
3.2 Clause 2.1 Gen eral 12 
3.3 Clause 2.1 (b) MPI -approved systems  12 
3.4 Clause 3.1 General requirments for STORED PLANT PRODUCTS  13 
3.5 Clause 3.2 Specific requirments for STORED PLANT PRODUCTS  14 
3.6 Clause 5.1 General requirments for P ersonal effects  15 
4 Feasibility of the Proposed Change to the Standard  15 
Appendix I  Comparison table for summary of proposed requirements and changes  17 
5 References  21 
 
 
   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 1 Submissions  
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment from interested parties on the new import health 
standard Personal Consignments of Products for Hu man Consumption  and Personal Effects  (the Standard) . The 
proposed requirements of the new standard are supported by this risk management proposal . An import health 
standard  “specifies requirements to be met for the effective management of risks associated with importing risk 
goods, including risks arising be cause importing the goods involves or might involve an incidentally imported new 
organism” (section 22  (1) Biosecurity Act 1993  (the Act) ). 
 
MPI is seeking comment on the standard Personal Consignments o f Products for Human Consumption  and 
Personal Effects , specifically  on: 
 
1. formalising on-arrival procedures and MPI-approved systems in this standard;  
2. the weight limit for what  constitutes a personal  consignment for the products covered by this  standard ;  
3. the inclusion and amendment of requirements for the importation of personal  consignments of stored 
plant products (currently included in the standard  Stored Plant Products for Human Consumptio n, 
(SPP.HUMAN )); and 
4. new risk management measures for personal effects . 
 
MPI has developed this new standard  using  existing  MPI pest risk analys es (PRA s) and import risk analys es 
(IRAs), and other information available (such as detection data)  on the risks associated with th e type of imports 
and pathways covered by this standard . If you disagree with the measures proposed to manage the risks, please 
provide either data or published references to support your suggested alternative risk measures or solut ions. This 
will enable MPI to consider additional evidence  that may change how  MPI proposes managing  risks . The 
following points may be of assistance in preparing comments:  
 
• Wherever  possible, comments should be specific to a particular amendment of requiremen ts in the 
standard or a question asked in this document (referencing part numbers or subjects as applicable) . 
• Because  the requirements for importing specific commodities are mostly requirements from existing 
standards that have been carried over,  limit you r comments and suggestions to the new proposed 
requirements of the standard.  
• Where possible, provide reasons, data and supporting published references to support comments . Use 
examples to illustrate particular points.  
• Where comments relate to sections of t he standard  that you find  unclear, please refer to the relevant 
sections in your comments . 
 
Please include the following in your submission:  
• The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email  (if submitting electronically) ;  
• Your  name and title (if applicable);  
• Your organisation’s name (if applicable); and  
• Your address.  
 
MPI encourages respondents to forward comm ents electronically.  
Email  submissions to  standards@mpi.govt.nz . 
 
If you’d like  to post your submission , please send it to the following address , to arrive by close of business on 31 
August  2021 . 
 
Invasive Species Team  
Environmental Health Group  
Animal and Plant Health  Directorate  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Ministry for Prim ary Industries  2 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
 
Submissions received by the clos ing date will be considered during the development of the final standard . 
Submissions received after the clos ing date may be held on file for consideration when the  issued standard is 
next revised/reviewed.  
 
 
Official Infor mation Act 1982  
Please note that your submission is public information , and it is MPI policy to publish submissions and the review 
of submissions on the MPI website. Submissions may also be the s ubject of requests for information under the 
Official Inform ation Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters 
unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters may wish to  indicate 
grounds for withholding specific information conta ined in their submission, such as information being  
commercially sensitive or personal. Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable 
by the Ombudsman . 
   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 3 1 General Information  
 
1.1 PURPOSE  
The purpose of this  risk management proposal (RMP)  is to:  
• provide relevant background information about the proposed  import health standard for Personal 
Consignments of Products for Human  Consumption  and Personal Effects  (the Standard);  
• clarify which  requirements  have been linked to or carried over from the existing relevant commodity  
product  standards : Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUMAN) , Personal 
Consignment s of Animal Products  (PERSONAL.ALL) , and Importation  and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and 
Vegetables into New Zea land (152.02) ; and  
• justify and seek feedback on  the proposed new and amended  requirements in  the Standard . 
1.2 CONTEXT  
The purpose  of develop ing this standar d is to provide  a single standard for all of the biosecurity import 
requirements for personal consignments of products for human consumption and personal effects , giving greater 
clarity for tourists  and New Zealand residents travelling to New Zealand , and people sending packages via air or 
sea freight. Having one standard for all common p ersonal  imports  will improve understanding of the requirements 
and biosecurity compliance for import s. The  standard also aims to better align th e existing  standards  with MPI’s 
obligations under  the WTO  Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary  Measures  (the SPS  
Agreement ).  
 
The standar d groups  all common p ersonal  imports across all pathways to ensure  that all biosecurity risks 
associated with those imports are consistently and appropriately managed. This standard  will not affect  
commercial operators  or importer s but consolidates all the requirements  of personal consignments , so they are 
accessible and easy to locate for importers that  are unfamiliar with import requirements.   
 
A personal  consignment  is defined in this standard  as “a consignment imported for personal use, not for resale, 
scientific and research purposes, commercial distribution, or any other commercial purposes. Maximum sizes of 
personal consignments are specified in the individual clau ses of this IHS .” Products for human consumption are 
also restricted to an overall weight  limit for a personal consignment . Personal use relates to “the purpose for 
which goods are imported and excludes imports intended for re -sale, scientif ic and research  purposes , 
commercial distribution, or any other commercial purpose. ” The definitions used for the purposes of this standard 
are inten ded to encapsulate multiple common commodities and their risk management requirements from the 
existing  relevant  standards , linking both plant and animal products into one category of a “ personal consignment ”. 
The parameters and requirements of a “ personal consignmen t” are outlined in the standard, and the guidance 
within the standard also explains  that where t he goods cannot  be imported as a “ personal consignment ”, they can 
be imported under the existing relevant commodity  product  standards . 
 
Most requirements in Parts 1 to 5 of the proposed standard link requirements from existing standards or have 
been  carried over directly  from the following the standards : 
a) Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUMAN ); 
b) Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand  (152.02) ; and  
c) Personal Consi gnments of Animal Products  (PERSON AL.ALL).  
 
Some requirements carried over from SPP.HUMAN  have had minor amendments to improve clarity, wording and 
formatt ing so that the standard  aligns with the updated MPI writing style. The w eight restriction requirements (not 
present in all existing  standards ) have been included in the proposed standard  to distinguish personal 
consignments of the commodities described in  the existing  relevant commodity product  standards . 
 
Where definitions used in this standard differ from  definitions in existing standard s, the  definitions in this standard 
do not alter the meaning or intent in the existing standard s. 
 4 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  Personal effects  are defined as “ Goods for personal use that are not already covered by an existing IHS, 
including but not limited to clothing, footwear, furniture , and outdoor, sports and gardening equipment.”  Part 5 of 
the standard  includes new requirements for personal eff ects that have yet to be covered  by an existing standard . 
Personal effects are mentioned as a commodity type throughout existing pest risk analys es (PRA) and import risk 
analys es (IRA) for specific pests or importation pathways that have been referenced in  this document.  
 
Pathway s that personal consignments of products for human  consumption and personal effects can be imported 
through  includ e: 
a) Accompan ied or unaccompanied by international passengers  (both air and sea) ; 
b) Goods  in sea cargo; or  
c) Mail or express  freight (both air and sea).  
The proposed standard  is a single document  outlining  all the requirements for goods commonly  imported as 
personal consignments , intended  to facilitate the consistent implementation of the import requirements for 
personal consig nment s across all pathways . The standard aims to : 
a) clearly and concisely outline the required risk management requirements  for the goods it covers ; 
b) aid importers ’ understand ing of and compl iance  with the requirements ; and  
c) support inspectors as they fulfil  Section 27(1) of the Act: “An inspector must not give clearance for goods 
unless satisfied (a) that the goods are not risk goods. ” 
1.3 TIMING AND CONSULTATION  
The proposed  standard Personal Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  was 
released for consultation on 19 July 2021  and will remain open for consultation until 31 August  2021 .  
1.4 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT TO CONSULTATION  
1.4.1 International regulation of risk goods  
The World Trade Organi zation and the Agreement  on the Application of Sanit ary and Phytosanitary Measures 
(the SPS Agreement) have  set in place rules that protect each country’s sovereign right to take the measures 
necessary to protect the life or health of its people, animals, and plants , while at the same time facilitating safe 
trade. The SPS Agreement  embodies and promotes the use  of science -based risk assessments to manage the 
risks associated with the international movement of goods. “The SPS Agreement will continue to guide how 
New Zealand sets standards and makes decisions related to biosecurity. In particular, it will be impor tant to 
maintain the standards of transparency and scientific rigour required by the SPS Agreement, and to make 
decisions as quickly as possible. This will encourage other countries to comply with the rules of the SPS 
Agreement, and also demonstrate that N ew Zealand’s strict controls are justified to countries that challenge 
them .” (MAF et al.,  2009)  
1.4.2 Domestic  regulation for the management of b iosecurity risks  
The N ew Zealand  biosecurity system is regul ated through the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act). Section 22 of the 
Act describes a n import health standard and requires all risk goods imported into New Zealand  to be managed by 
an import health standard . The Ministry for Primar y Industries  (MPI)  is the N ew Zealand  government ministry 
responsible for maintaining biosecurity  standards that effective ly manage risks associated with importing  risk 
goods into N ew Zealand  (Biosecurity Act 1993 , Part 3 ). Section 22  of the Act sets out the meaning of an import 
health standard (IHS), with section 22 (5) of the Act ensuring that  the SPS obligations are met. Section 23 of the 
Act sets out the development of a draft IHS through to recommendation for issue.  
  
MPI is committed to the principles of transparency and evidence -based technical justification for all phytosanitary 
measures, new and amended, imposed on importing pathways. MPI periodically reviews all import health  
standards , related documents , and other  standards so that the legal requirements are clear  and th e information is 
consistently presented and easy to understand.   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 5  
1.4.3 New Zealand’s biosecurity system  
New Zealand operates a three -staged biosecurity system (pre -border, border,  and post border) and 
acknowledges that no biosecurity system is capable of reducing ris k to zero. The objective of the system is to 
reduce the likelihood of entry and establishment  of regulated organisms (including pests, diseases,  and weeds) to 
an accept able level. While the system focuses on ensuring that  the most significant pests are unl ikely to ever 
establish in  New Zealand , the system also manages other risks associated with the commodities imported.   
The risk management requirements  in import healt h standards that are applied to  plants and plant products 
(phytosanitary measures) and i nanimate objects (phytosanitary and sanitary measures) are a  key part of ensuring 
that the most significant pests affecting animal and plant health are managed to an acceptable level while 
enabling trade.  
Pre-border  
It is internationally acknowledged that prevention is the most effective form of pest management . MPI operates on 
the principle that phytosanitary and sanitary measures are implemented in the country of origin unless  it is not 
possible to do so. The expectation is that personal consignments of p roducts  (plant and animal)  for human 
consumption and inanimate objects have met New Zealand’s requirements before arriving  in New Zealand . 
Border  
MPI monitors the performance of each pathway to verify that the  requirements  have  been met  in accordance with 
the relevant standard . This is achieved through auditin g approved export  systems (including MPI -approved 
systems ), or offshore  treatment systems, and by conducting  verification and inspection activities at the border . 
Post -border 
An essential part of manag ing biosecurity risk is monitoring and  surveillance for the presence of pests within New 
Zealand . As part of its surveillance program me, MPI undertakes surveillance in the areas surrounding ports of 
first arrival and some transitional facilities for specif ic pests . Additionally, some operators of ports of first arrival 
and transitional facilities also undertake surveillance on their properties.  
 
1.5 INFORMATION ON THE STANDARD  
The standard ’s form and format align with MPI’s current formatting requirements for import health standards, 
ensuring that the legal requirements are clear and are consistently presented and easy to understand.  
 
Some requirements for personal consignments of plant products for human  consumption  have been copied from 
existing standards. The location and  format of these requirements in Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit 
and Vegetables i nto New Zealand  and Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  differ from  the location and 
format  in the proposed standard . However,  these proposed  changes do not alter the meaning and intent of the 
requirements.  
 
The proposed  standard also seeks to explicitly state what is currently required ( such as not permitting the entry of 
fresh fruit and vegetables unless they comply with Importation and Cleara nce of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into 
New Zealand ) and to formalise existing on -arrival procedures  that requir e personal effects to be clean on  arrival.  
 
The proposed  standard  will not be accompanied by a specific guidance document . However, there are  guidance  
boxes throughout the standard that give examples  and explain the context for requirements . These guidance 
boxes have no legal effect . 
 
Information on existing on-arrival processes , such as passenger declarations, passenger processing information, 
and verification actions that can be expected  at the border , will still be available on the MPI website . This 
information is  not covered in a standard .  
 6 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  1.5.1 Linked  import health standards  
The proposed  standard  Personal Consignments of Products for Human Consumption a nd Personal Effects  cross -
references  the standards  Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand  (152.02 ) 
and Personal Consignments of Animal Products  (PERSONAL.ALL)  to inform readers where they can go to see 
the relevant requirements that apply to personal consignments .  
 
Homegrown f resh fruit and veg etables are not permitted , as they are unable to comply with the requirements of 
the existing relevant  commodity product  import health standard s (no change from the existing requirements) , 
unless they are part of an MPI-approved system , such as the Pacific Island Food Program me (a proposed 
requirement) .  
 
The proposed standard  incorporate s animal products covered by  the standard  Personal Consignments of Animal 
Products  (PERSONAL.ALL ) in the definition of a personal consignment  (weight restricti ons). However , this does 
not alter any existing requirements of the standard . There will be a minor amendment to the PERSONAL.ALL 
import health standard to mirror the weight requirement set in the proposed  standard . 
 
All inconsistencies between the propose d Standard and the linked  import health  standards will be addressed 
when the  proposed standard  is finalised and issued.  
 
1.5.2 Overview of proposed changes  
MPI proposes  the following  changes  to existing risk management measures and formalisation of existing on -
arrival procedures  and programmes : 
1. Introducing weight restrictions  for all personal consignments of products for human consumption ;  
2. Inclu ding MPI-approved systems  for some products ; 
3. Increasing some  risk management requirements f or stored plant products based on  ISPM 32 : 
Categori zation of Commodities According to their Pest Risk  (FAO , 2009) ; 
4. Increasi ng risk management requirements for some dried plant products (not permitting al l homemade  
unground  products ); and  
5. Formalising existing procedures to specify a requirement for goods to be free from regulated pests and 
biosecurity contamination  for personal effects . 
2 Biosecurity Risk  
It is impossible to identify all ass ociated pests and pathogens to any degree of detail for all material and pathways 
covered  under the standard due to the wide range of materials and the sheer number of unknown 
microorganisms potentially present within th ese materials . Instead, MPI gave con sideration to controlling the 
introduction of unwanted organisms, new organisms, regulated pests, and organisms listed in the Official New 
Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR) or listed as ‘entry prohibited’ in the Plants Biose curity Index (PBI). The 
introduction  of such organisms poses risk to New Zealand ’s biosecurity, animal health and plant health.  
2.1 EMERGING RISKS  
MPI constantly monitors all commodities and pathways for new or eme rging risks .  
MPI will amend the requirements of any standard where required.  MPI advises all stakeholders to notify the MPI 
Emerging Risk System  (EmergingRisks@mpi.govt.nz) , and provide any available technical information, if they 
become aware of any changes to a pest’s host or geographic range , establishment , or any other new or 
unman aged biosecurity risks on a pathway that may require a technical review and/or amendment to an existing  
standard . 
  
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 7 2.2 SIGNIFICANT REGULATED PESTS   
 
The following  species are  indicative , high -priority species that have previously been assessed by MPI to be a 
hazard on pathways and commodity types covered under the draft standard . The risks  have been categorised 
based on  their association with commodities  of either inanimate or plant origin . Specific requirements that go over 
and above the basic requirements are ones that manag e these biosecurity risks  to a higher level of protection 
based on New Zealand’s biosecurity system needs . The following  pest summaries  are not import risk analyses  or 
pest risk analyses . A specific risk  organism  may have the ability to inf est or contaminate  the commodities covere d 
by the proposed standard . 
Where there is no specific import risk analys is for the goods covered by this  standard , MPI uses all available risk 
information to assess the risks , including interception data, technical  advice and existing pest risk analyses,  and 
scientific information on known pests associated with the commodit y types  and pathway s covered by th e 
proposed standard . This information provides justification for the risk managemen t requirements  proposed in t his 
standard .  
Risk management requirements  for fresh fruit and vegetables already exist and  were developed on the basis of 
pest risk analyses prepared by MPI. This standard  does not change those  requirements . However , for 
completeness , some significant pe sts that may be associated with fresh fruit and vegetables , such as 
economically important fruit flies , are summarised  to provide context and background for the risk management 
requirements  included  in the standard . 
This document does not  readdress any ris k considerations of any documented risks . For completeness , MPI has  
summarised examples of species that demonstrate life stages and biological behaviours of a wide range of 
contaminating and host -specific pests that can be or have been associated wi th plan t products and personal 
effects.  These include pests such as fruit flies , brown marmorated stink bugs , and invasive ants , all of which are  
considered significant pests to New Zealand and are known to contaminate specific hosts or random 
commodities.  
 
The r isks summarised below are group ed by contamination type (random or host -specific) and the pathways 
personal consignments are imported into New Zealand.  
 
INANIMATE  
2.2.1 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys ) 
The b rown  marmorated stink bug is a sig nificant and well documented high -risk pest that will have significant 
adverse effects  on New Zealand’s econom y, environment,  and soci ety if it establishes in New Zealand . The 
brown marmorated stink bug  is a contaminating pest during its overwintering phas e (in the form of aggregations) 
and can be associated with random commodity types, including those covered by the proposed standard (Burne , 
2019).  
 
The MPI 2019 PRA  for Halyomorpha halys ’s conclusio ns were :  
 
− The highest risk life stage of  brown marmorated stink bugs is adults  when they form aggregations (large 
number s of individual  stink bug s) and hide in  goods  for their overwintering period. These goods can then 
arrive in New Zealand  from th e Northern Hemisphere . 
− The highest risk commodities are inanimate imports ( vehicles, personal effects, containerised goods  
regardless of commodity ) imported from the Northern Hemisphere during the overwintering period . 
− The highest risk pathway s are vehicle s and sea cargo containers  and their contents, including personal 
effects. Although this stink bug is generally associated with goods stored outdoors, it is known to e nter homes 
to overwinter and has been associated with personal effects packed into sea co ntainers  such as household 
furniture .  
− There is a very low likelihood of eggs being  deposited on personal effects or luggage if not stored outside 
near host material ( orchards etc.) . The likelihood of adult and/or second -instar  to fifth -instar nymphs  being  
associated with personal effects  and luggage during the spring and summer  months, including the Southern 8 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  Hemisphere summer from Chile , is very low . (Chile is the only known country in the Southern Hemisphere 
with brown marmorated  stink bugs. ) 
− The likeliho od of personal effects being exposed to brown marmorated stink bugs  and import ed to New 
Zealand is dependent on the how the items are used and stored. Personal  effects that are stored outside and 
that undergo minimal disturbance during packing and transpor t are considered the highest risk. Items like 
sports equipment  and clothing are disturbed more during packing and shipping and are therefore considered 
less li kely to have  adult brown marmorated  stink bugs (although contamination has been known to randomly  
occur) .  
Although brown marmorated stink bug  contamination can be completely random , based on the information in the 
pest risk analysis and MPI detection data,  brown marmorated stink bug contamination is:  
 
1. Most l ikely  on personal effects imported in sea c ontainers from the Northern Hemisphere and, to a 
lesser extent, air passenger personal effects from the Northern Hemisphere (and potentially the 
Southern  Hemisphere ); and  
2. Not likely on processed plant products for human consumption  (as they are not known  food sources  or 
aggregation sites  for brown marmorated stink bugs ).  
MPI monitors all import pathways for brown marmorated stink bugs , and constantly checks emerging risks for any 
changes in pest behaviour. MPI intervene s where and whenever brown marmorate d stink bugs are  detected  and 
will adapt any border procedures and import requirements to account for any changes in risk from these stink 
bugs .  
 
2.2.2 Ants  
Some invasive  ant species are regulated pests  in New Zealand (ONZPR , 2021 ) and have been associated wit h 
several inanimate importatio n pathways, such as used vehicles and sea containers (MAF, 2007) . The likelihood  
of invasive ants, such as red imported fire ants  (Solenopsis invicta ) being introduced to New Zealand is high for 
untreated soil -contaminated  commodities . This could include soil on  containerised  household personal effects  for 
people relocating to New Zealand  (MPI, 2002) . Goods imported on t his pathway have the potential to be exposed 
to environments that support ant populations , such as grassed ar eas and disturbed lan d (soil) , because  the 
containers  in which goods are exported  may be placed  in residential or rural areas  as they are packed . Because  
soil contamination has been associated with the presence of ants, particularly on the exterior surface  of sea 
containers, t he presence of soil in inanimate pathways is an indicator of the potential presence of invasive ants.  
  
Containerised personal effects , particularly outdoor furniture and equipment  have a higher risk of soil 
contamination than the same  goods imported through the air (accompanied or unaccompanied) or mail pathway s 
(MPI, 2020) . Although s ome raw p lant products may also have soil contamination , processed  plant products for 
human consum ption have  a reduced risk of soil contamination  (MPI, 2 020). Personal effects such as outdoor 
recreational gear (hiking boots, tent pegs, walking poles) are known to  potentially  be contaminated with  soil (MPI, 
2020) . However , the likelihood of ants being present in soil on these items is reduced as a result of  the regular 
disturbance these items undergo when packed and imported , and the risk  is considered  negligible . The low risk of 
soil c ontamination for the mail pathway  is considered the same as  the risk  for personal effects  imported with 
passengers . 
2.2.3 Invasive  moth species  
For this risk man agement proposal , MPI is using the fall armyworm and  the Asian gypsy moth as examples of 
moths that  can be randomly associated with consignments  of personal effects . 
Fall armyworm  (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda ) 
A wide range of  fresh produce is known to be host material for fall armyworm from countries where the species is 
present . The likelihood of egg masses  and larvae ent ering N ew Zealand  on fresh produce  is low to moderate  
(with low to moderate uncertainty ), as fall armyworm  is a comparatively large superficial feeder  (therefore easily 
disturbed)  compared  to other larvae (e.g. citrus fruit borer) that are internal feeders and may be less likely to be 
disturbed . Fall armyworm egg masses and larvae on fresh produce have a high likelihood of being removed  
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 9 during the processes used to make store d plant products.  The r isks of adult fall armyworm  and other unwanted 
moth species  entering New Zealand  on stored plant products are considered low and negligible  (Benjamin , 2021). 
 
Persona l effects and inanimate objects  such as containers have a very low to negligible risk of association with  
fall armyworm . Eggs are generally laid on  vegetation  but may be deposited on inanimate items such as sea 
containers or personal effects stored outside  prior to packing and shipping when moth population numbers are 
high.  However, based on average vessel hold temperatures , eggs are expected to hatch in transit. Fall armyworm  
larvae do not aggregat e on inanimate items or other non -feeding substrates , such as containers  and their 
contents . The larvae are expected to disperse to find food. If food is absent , cannibalism is common . Given  that 
fall armyworm moths do not commonly lay eggs on inanimate objects and that larvae and adults are mobile and 
will be see king host plants and mate s when active , the likelihood of fall armyworm eggs, larvae or adults entering 
New Zealand  on personal effects or inanimate commodities is considered very low (with low uncertainty ). 
Asian gypsy moth (AGM) (Lymantria dispar )  
The Asian gypsy moth is an example of a contaminating moth  that is considered a high -risk pest to New Zealand . 
This moth  has a known association with inanimate importation pathways (M AF, 2008 ). Asian gypsy moth  larvae 
are voracious feeders on a wide range of ho st plants including forestry and horticultural species . This moth  could 
significantly impact N ew Zealand ’s primary industries.  
 
The risk of  Asian gypsy moth  being  associat ed with personal  consignments of stored products  (plant and animal) 
for human consump tion is considered low and negligible. However, there is  the potential risk of Asian gypsy 
moths contaminating and arriving with personal effects , particularly items that are stored outdoors under lights  
(which attract moths) and then transported in sea co ntainers .  
 
The likelihood  of items being contaminat ed with regulated moths is dependent on how the items are used and the 
storage conditions prior to transport  rather than the nature of the commodity , and the likelihood of the moths 
entering  New Zealand i s dependent on the nature and scale of the  transport of the goods (type of conveyance 
and duration length of transport).   
2.2.4 Spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula)  
The s potted lantern fly is a regulated pest for New Zealand (ONZPR , 2021 ) and is a known contam inating pest for 
personal effects  from countr ies with well -established  and high -density  population s (USDA , 2021 ), with egg 
masses as the highest  likely risk . High-density populations may affect the behaviour of  egg-laying females, as 
preferred laying sites  on host plants are reduced , leading to eggs being laid on inanimate commoditie s (Burne , 
2020 ). The l ikelihood of exposure to personal effects becomes  moderate to high  if the contaminated goods are 
exposed to suitable conditions and host material for the pest’s  survival  before  being transported  to New Zealand.  
However, the risk of entry  is low on inanimate commodities . The eggs are likely to hatch during the normal 
shipping periods to New Zealand  particularly  for sea containers and their contents , such as c ontainerised 
personal effects  and mail  (Burne , 2020 ), however emerging nymphs are not expected to survive the remainder of 
the voyage without access to food.  Given t he type of commodities and their use and storage imported as  
personal consignments  imported  in the passe nger pathway, the se commodities are also  unlikely to  be exposed to 
contamination (egg laying).  
 
 
PLANT ORIGIN  
2.2.5 Fruit flies of economic significance  
Fruit flies are international ly recognised  as an invasive pest that have significant economic im pacts and require 
stringent measures to manage risk , with most regions having import conditions to prevent the establishment of 
invasive species ( DAWE , 2020).  
 
The Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni ), along with other fruit fly species , is considered a significant economic 
quarantine pest , both in New Zealand and elsewhere . MPI  has not conducted a formal p est risk analysis on fruit 
fly species  specifically . However, MPI has  extensive ly assess ed the risk of association for different fruit fly 
species with various fresh fruit and vegetable products as part of the import risk analysis that is conducted before 
these products can be imported to New Zealand. T hese analyses include  pest risk information and can be used 10 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  as technical advice.  Due to the wide rang e of fresh produce that can be hosts for fruit fl ies, there is a high 
likelihood of association with those commodities. Fruit flies can become  establish ed in warmer temperate areas of 
New Zealand (Northland) . However, the ir survival range will increase wit h global warming. Stored plant products 
that are  made from  fruit fly host material such as jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ) must  undergo  processing 
(i.e. cook ing or deep f rying) to reduce the viability of any fruit fly  that may be present . Stored produ cts like this  are 
considered low risk. The processing required to create stored plant products  reduce s the likelihood of fruit fl ies 
surviv ing on the host material to such an extent that there is a  reduce d the likelihood of entry and establishment 
in New Z ealand.  
 
2.2.6 Khapra beetle  (Trogoderma granarium ) 
The khapra beetle  is a regulated  stored plant product  pest known to feed on over 100 different commodities 
including dried plant products  (PHA , 2005 ). There is a potential risk of khapra beetle arriving  in sea containers 
that have  previously  carried grain or dried plant products that have been  exported from countries with established 
khapra beetle populations . The k hapra beetle  is being monitored as an emerging risk as the species spreads 
globally . Additional requirements may be added to target commodities o f cargo being exported from countries 
with known khapra beetle populations  if there are any changes to the risk profile . 
 
2.3 BIOSECURITY CONTAMINATION  
Biosecurity contamination is the presence of any item, substa nce or substrate that can harbour or provide a 
habitat for regulated  pests. The most c ommon examples of biosecurity contamination are seeds, plant and animal 
material, other waste (excrement), soil, rubbish (uncleaned recycling or food packaging) , and standing water . The 
biosecurity risks associated with these contaminants are generally not visible to the human eye, and so  the 
“thing”  or subst rate that can harbour organisms is considered the biosecurity risk that requires management.  
 
− Seeds and plant materi al (fresh and desiccated) are either a biosecurity risk themselves (reproductive or 
propagatable plant material  of regulated plant species)  or are capable of harbouring plant pests and 
diseases  (ONZPR , 2021 ). Seed and plant material  biosecurity contaminati on can be eithe r 
contamination of commodities or conveyance  (in the tread of a shoe or cargo spill contamination of air or 
sea containers of personal effects ) or be a contaminant of  packaging  (food packaging , etc.) (MP I, 2020 ).  
− Similar to plant material, animal mat erial (generally dead animals or parts thereof) can either be 
biosecurity risk s themselves ( regulated pests’  eggs, larvae,  or pupae)  or be capable of harbouring 
animal pests and disease s (carrying pathogens) . Animal contamination can be  contamina tion of 
commodities  (tramping or outdoor sport equipment) or a conveyance (air or sea containers of personal 
effects) , or it can be food remaining in packaging ( for example left over food with meat consumed on 
route to  New Zealand ) (MPI , 2020 ).   
− Excrement  is another form of biosecurity contamination that can harbour weed seeds, animal pests 
(larvae etc .) and both animal and plant pathogens. Excrement has been associated with personal effects 
imported by passengers (in treads of shoes and other outdoor gear ) and as containerised personal 
effect s (pest excrement left behind in the container itself during packing or on outdoor equipment within 
the container) (MPI , 2020 ). 
− Soil is known to harbour plant and animal pathogens as well as nematodes (worms) and regul ated weed 
seeds ( McNeil l et al. , 2011 ). Soil is known to contaminate a wide range of personal effects used 
outdoors, that are imported as containerised personal effects, with passengers , as well as with air freight 
(MPI, 2020 ). Examples of personal effects  that could contain soil are outdoor furniture, poles, children’s 
toys, tramping gear, camping gear and bicycles.  
− Rubbish and other waste are known to be habitats for regulated invasive ant species, controlled species 
(vermin  and invertebrates) as well as pathogens. Rubbish is  also known to have residual food or 
whatever the packaging was containing (plant and animal products) . Rubbish and other waste can be 
imported by passengers , within containerised personal effects , or sent in the mail (MP I, 2020 ). 
− Wate r that has been standing in a vessel (bucket or something similar) or structure (used t yre or other 
outdoor equipment) outside for sufficient time may become a  breeding habitat for regulated pests such 
as regulated mosquito species  (Ammar  et al. , 2019 ). Th is type of water is commonly referred to as  
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 11 standing water. Standing water has been associated with containerised personal effects but is unlikely to 
be imported through the passenger or mail pathway (MPI , 2020).  
Biosecurity contamination is unlikely to be  directly associated with stored plan t and animal products for human 
consumption  because  the importer or passenger is likely to notice the presence of contaminated product and 
unlikely to export it food for their  personal  consumption . The likelihood of bio security contamination arriving in 
New Zealand and being released to the environment from contaminated food products is considered low beca use 
food products are imported to be eaten and these products are generally u npacked into a kitchen or household 
rather than outside. Soil is more likely to be present as a biosecurity contaminant associated with the food 
product ’s transport mechanisms (air can or sea container) rather than the product itself . These transport 
mechanisms are already managed under existing  standards . 
3 Proposed Risk Management Requirements  and Rationale  
The biosecurity risks associated with importing  plant product s for human consumption and personal effects can 
be managed  with requirements  that either : 
• reduce the likelihood of the plant mater ial or personal effect s from being infested with regulated pests ; 
• render the pests unviable ;  
• kill the pests; or  
• render the plant material itself unviable.  
 
This section sets out the proposed risk management requirements in the standard and outlines how they will 
manage the risks outlined in Part 2. The section is set out in the same order as requirements appear within the 
standard.  
 
General Biosecurity Requirements:  
3.1 CLAUSE 1.5: WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL CONSIGNMENTS  
Because  the proposed standard o nly appl ies to personal consignments of food products, we need to define what 
constitutes a personal consignment.  The definition of a personal consignment includes the product’ s intended end 
use, but we also need another characteristic  so that importers as  well as MPI in its capacity as verifier can  readily 
establish whether  a consignmen t is personal or commercial.  
 
MPI is  propos ing weight limits . These weight limits are  what MPI consider a fair and reasonable weight for a 
personal consignment of food produ cts. They  are not based on any biosecurity risk considerations.  
 
Weight d elineation was considered the most appropriate tool to establish the difference between a personal and 
commercial consignment for food products. This is easy to set out in the require ments and provides quick and 
clear understanding for importers  and verifi ers. While the definition of a personal consignment in the definition s 
section  of the standard , the weight delineation is also explicitly mentioned in the requirements,  so the 
require ments are easy  to understand and more accessible for the importer.    
 
The weight delineation for food products includes  an overall weight limit and a weight limit per plant product 
type. This approach is considered a fair and reasonable way of ensur ing a consignment of food products 
accurately represents what the proposed standard applies to: an individual i mporting items for their personal 
consumption.  
 
The standard proposes a total combined weight limited of 40 kg of products for human consumption per per son 
per import (clause 1.5 (1)). Given that the proposed  standard covers all possible pathways private importers can 
import items for their personal use, due  consideration was given to what was a fair and reasonable 
weight.  Because  food products are import ed within containerised personal effects (essentially entire households 
moving to New Zealand) and because  people also import s helf-stable food products via sea freight, MPI has set 
the limit at 40 kg to enable food products that are for personal use to be  imported via sea freight.  12 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua   
By including an individual plant product weight limit  (discussed further in section 3.4 below) , the proposed 
standard ensures tha t no personal consignments comprise of solely one food product . For example , 40 kg of tea 
is not  considered  a fair and reasonable amount of tea for personal use.  
 
 
PART 2 FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES  
 
Part 2 sets out the requirements for personal consignments of fresh fruit and vegetables.  
 
All but one of the requirement s (MPI -approved system ) in this pa rt are carried over or directly reference the 
existing standard Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand  (152.02 ) and do not 
change the requirements already in place.  
3.2 CLAUSE 2.1 GENERAL  
This clause states that consignment s of fresh fruit or vegetable s are not permitted unless they meet the 
requirements of the existing commodity standard or are imported under an MPI -approved system . 
 
Under the Act, a good imported  into New Zealand either must not be a risk good or , if a risk  good, must c omply 
with a standard  or Chief Technical Officer Direction  and be issued with a biosecurity clearance by an inspector.  
What this mean s for risk goods covered under a standard is th at they are not permitted to be imported into 
New Zealand unless they comply with the  existing  relevant  commodity product  standard. In this case, clause 2.1 
is simply explicitly stating this requirement of the Act and is  not a change to the  existing requir ements.  
 
3.3 CLAUSE 2.1 (B) MPI-APPROVED SYSTEMS  
This is a new requirement , in that  there are no MPI -approved systems for personal consignments within the pre-
existing commodity  product import health  standard s. However, there is an existing on -arrival procedu re for 
systems of processed plant products no longer considered fresh fruit and produce (the Pacific Island Food 
Program me).  
Under clause 2.1(b) , systems such as the Pacific Island Food Programme and other M PI initiatives that reduce 
risk by managing and mitigating it offshore  will now be assessed and approved by the Chief Technical Officer . 
This is considered to be explicitly enabling these existing operational programs within the relevant standard . 
The Pacific Island Food Program me has been operati ng for several years . Under this programme,  seafood  
(frozen or cooked) , prepared produce (no t fruit fly host  material ) and cooked food  products  are inspected by the 
exporting country’s national plant protection organisation (NPPO ) (the exporting country’s equiva lent of MPI). O n-
arrival actions  vary under a  performance -based verification model  (higher ongoing compliance  results in  less 
verification) . For a country to participate in this program me, MPI must first assess and approve  the procedures 
(inspection and do cumentation processes) from the country’s NPPO . The program mes are audit ed, and auditors 
look at  both commodities on arrival and offshore  procedures.  
The commodities exported via MPI-approved systems are considered low risk because  they are all  processed t o 
some degree (peeled, dehusked , made  non-viable), they have low level s of associated pest and disease risk to 
New Zealand once processed  (MPI data) , and the ir end use is consumption  or further processing . 
Historically , the MPI-approved systems pathway has been highly compliant with low biosecurity risk  for a pathway 
that has been  previously been  resource intensive  (inspection of the high volume of passengers carrying large 
quantities of processed plant and animal products ). To provide continued assurance while allowing  MPI to 
prioritise resources according to risk,  the Pacific Island Food Program me was established with Tonga. The 
program me has prove n to reduce biosecurity risk (regulated pest and biosecurity contamination presence) along 
the pathway and pro vide assuranc e that the products imported under the program me are processed  sufficiently . 
The processing applied to plant products  imported  through an MPI-approved system reduce s the likelihood of the 
regulated pests and biosecurity contamination risk asso ciated with the plant material to an acceptable level.  
Washing and peeling  removes external regulated insects and other biosecurity contaminants that may be   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 13 associated with the plant product ’s surface . Cooking destroys the viability  of the plant material  (its ability to grow 
or reproduce)  and any potentially destroys any pathogens that are present . 
Where required by the proposed standard, commodities that are imported under an MPI-approved system will 
have to meet a ll relevant requirements of the stored pl ant products  section (Part 3) . For example, breadfruit 
(Artocarpus altilis)  and jackfruit ( Artocarpus hetrophyllus) from Samoa need to be  deep -fried chips  that have been  
certified by the NPPO  to manage the Pacific fruit fly ( Bactrocera xanthodes)  and other  fruit fly species, the main 
risk associated with the commodity.  
 
 
PART 3 STORED PLANT PRODUCTS   
Part 3 of the proposed Standard sets out the requirements for stored plant products in 2 parts; general and 
specific requirements.  
The standard defines stored plant products  as “a product derived from plants, fungi, microalgae or lichen 
products intended for human consumption or processing, held in a state that prevent or minimises decay, 
degradation and/or decomposition. Includes pro ducts held in a cooked, drie d, frozen, freeze -dried, or preserved 
form. Stored plant products cover both commercial and home processing (homemade).”   
 
General requirements (3.1) apply to all plant products . Specific requirements  (3.2) apply to specific plant products 
and apply in add ition to the general requirement s. 
 
Most of the requirements in the proposed standard for stored plant products have been  carried over from Stored 
Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUM AN).   
 
3.4 CLAUSE 3.1 GENERAL REQUIRMENTS FOR STORED PLANT PRODUCTS  
 
To be a stored plant product (Clause 3.1.(1))  
 
These requirements set out what state stored plant products are required to be in to be imported under this 
Standard, however products can be p rocessed in multiple ways before their final state . For example , pre-
prepared meals in cans (soups , etc.) that may unde rgo cooking before they are canned.  
The International Plant Protection Convention’s (IPPC) International Standards for Phytosanitary Meas ures ISPM 
32: Categorisation of commodities according to their pest risk  (ISPM 3 2) provides criteria on how to categorise 
commodities according to the pest ri sk when considering import requirements. The c riteria include if and how the 
commodity is processed and the intended en d use(although contaminating pests that may become associated 
with the commodity after processing are not in scope of the ISPM).  
ISPM 32 enables an importing country to identify a group of commodities (Category 1) that are considered not to 
have the potent ial to introduce and spread regulated pests. Category 1 commodities are those commodities that 
have been processed to such an extent that  they are not capable of being infested with regulated pests ordinarily 
associated with that plant material and are not  considered to require further risk management measures by the 
importing country .  
Category 2 commodities in ISPM 32 are those commoditie s that have the potential to be infested with regulated 
pests after processing and where  the intended end use becomes a  consideration when developing risk 
management measures. Where the end use of a Category 2 commodity is consumption, ISPM 32 enables allows 
some of these commodities to be reclassified as Category 1 , and no further risk management measures are 
required.  
MPI considers most stored plant products to meet criteria for Category 1 commodities  because  they have been 
processed to such an extent th at the pests associated with the plant material will not be present and because the 
products are for consumption. Where a stored plant product is considered to require s specific processing or 
additional risk ma nagement requirements, th e specific processing  or other requirements  are set out in clause 3.2 
of the proposed standard.  14 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  In addition to the processing of these products, th e packaging and storage of these products reduces the 
likelihood of these products b eing infested or contaminated after they are processed . Generally, cooked , 
preserved , and frozen  plant products need to be stored in airtight containers or packaging to ensure the products 
are shel f-stable and transportable.  Although the products  that are  commercially manufactured have an added 
level of assurance as a result of food safety regulations, some homemade products are also considered may also  
have had sufficient processing to reduce the likelihood of being infested or contaminated with regulated pests .  
 
Freedom of regulated pests and biosec urity contamination (Clause 3.1.(2)  a) 
 
The i ntent of the Biosecurity  Act, as stated in the Act itself,  and the clauses of the A ct itself  is to ensure  that all 
good s that enter N ew Zealand are  free from regulated pests . With this clause, the proposed standard is 
considered to be explicitly stat es the fundamental intent of the Act as well  and formalise s long standing on-arrival 
procedures . This  and will aide an imported goods’ compliance with th e Biosecurity  Act. 
While the requirement for stored plant  produc ts for human consumption to arrive free of regulated pests and 
biosecurity contamination already exists on-arrival and is the intent of the relevant commodity  product  standard , 
the proposed requirement for personal consignments of these products has been worded  explicitly in the 
proposed standard for clarity and to align with MPI standardised formatting. The different new wording is not 
considered to change the meaning or intent of t he existing requirements  for goods  to arrive clean and free of 
regulated pe sts. 
Be for human consumption, identifiable, comply with PBI and not be a weed species ( Clause 3.1.(2)  b) 
through e) ) 
 
In order for the proposed standard to apply, the stored plant  is required to be for human consumption and be 
clearly identif iable as such  to enable verification that the products meet the proposed requirements . 
 
The New Zealand  Plants Biosecurity Index  (PBI) and seeds from regulated weed species are not eligibl e for 
importation, as such clauses 3.1.(2) d) and e) and are considered existing requirements that are mentioned within 
the proposed standard.  
 
 
Weight limits for individual prod ucts (Clause 3.1 (3))  
 
Given that stored plant products comprise of a wide range of weight s (from the very light to heavy) , MPI 
considered  whether each product  should have a weight limit based on its volume to weight ratio. MPI concluded 
that a  single weight limit for all stored plant product types w ould be  considered to be the m ost effective way to 
ensure that the proposed standard will be  easily understood by both the private importers and the verifier s, which, 
in turn,  to increase s compliance.  
 
The standard proposes an individual weight limit of 2  kg per plant product type per consignment. Using 
information  on the most common stored plant products imported by passenger s, in containerised personal 
effects , and by sea and air freight, MPI concluded that 2 kg is considered a fair and reasonable weight for a 
personal consignment of each plant product type.  
 
3.5 CLAUSE 3.2 SPECIFIC REQUIRMENTS FOR STORED PLANT PRODUCTS  
For stored plant products where the general requirements of clause 3.1 are not considered sufficient, specific risk 
requirements are proposed in addition to the general requirement s to be a stored plant product.  
 
The standard proposes setting out specific requirements for certain  types of stored plant products . For exampl e: 
• All cooked corn on the cob (clause 3.2.1( 5)), and all unground dried beverages (including tea) , herbs  
(rubbed and unrubbed) , roots , and sp ices ( clause 3.2.2.(1))  must be commercial ly produced and 
packaged . 
• Fruit and vegetables  must undergo a commercial level of freezing (Clause 3.2.3 (3) .  
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 15 • All breadfruit and jackfruit must be  deep -fried chips (Clauses 3.2.1(1) and 3.2.1(2) ), and Samoan 
cooked breadfruit must  be accompanied by a phytosanita ry certificate and numbered seal from the  
Samoan Quarantine Service (Clause 3.2.1( 3)). 
MPI has reduced confidence that the risks associated with the products covered by clause 3.2.2. are sufficiently 
mitigated  to an appropriate level  by the non-commercial processing (homemade) or without specific processing 
type. Even though the ir end use is for consumption, MPI considers the risk s associated with the se raw product s 
through processing to the end use is sufficient to justify the proposed additional requireme nts. Therefore, MPI 
does not cons ider these products to be Category 1 or 2 under ISPM 32 , unless they me et the proposed additional 
requirements. That is,  MPI does not consider  that the homemade processing removes or kills the pest s or 
diseases  associated w ith the plant products  effectivel y. Further requirements that are an extra risk management 
measure above the ISPM 32 standard ensures effective management of the biosecurity risk of the commodity 
type. 
 
PART 5 Personal Effects  
 
Part 5 of the proposed standard sets out the requirements for commodities imported as person al effects that are 
generally considered inanimate (such as clothing, bags, tents, shoes etc) . 
 
3.6 CLAUSE 5.1 GENERAL REQUIRMENTS FOR PERSONAL EFFECTS  
 
Although t he requirement for all personal e ffects to arrive clean and free from regulated pests and biosecurity 
contamination (clause 5.1) has not previously been documented , this requirement merely  explicitly stat es the 
existing operational procedures. Longstanding on -arrival procedures for all pe rsonal effects (based on the generic 
requirements of the Biosecurity Act) have required these items to be clean and free of regulated pest in order to 
be imported into New Zealan d. MPI also has information on its website  that informs  passengers that outdoor 
equipment (like tents, hiking boots, mountai n bikes) should be cleaned prior to departure for New Zealand. 
Therefore , although  the proposed requirements are not documented  in a current standard, they are considered 
existing  requirements . 
 
Personal effects, such as outdoor furniture, sporting equipme nt, etc., that may be stored outside for prolonged 
periods can be come  contamin ated with pest species that use the items for certain activities  (nesting, egg-laying , 
shelter ing). Commodities  that are  stored inside but remain undisturbed for prolong ed periods can also be 
contaminated with pests , such as brown marmorated stink bugs,  that seek shelter in dark places , such  as 
wardrobes and draw ers. If commodities sheltering pests of this kind  are packed w ith minimal  disturbance or in 
such a manner that the pests cannot  leave the items, the  pests  can be imported (MPI , 2020 ) 
 
The intended u se and the type of personal effects ha ve been considered when setting import requirements 
because this  changes the  likelihood that particular biosecurity  risks will  be imported . The proposed standard 
requires a ll personal consignment goods including perso nal effects to be cleaned and free from biosecurity 
contamination. For example, used hiking boots and camping equipment are more likely to have  been  expos ed to 
soil, seeds, and plant material than clothing and footwear for city use. Cleaning or removal  is sufficient to manage 
the risk of contaminating pests on personal effects along the all pathways.  
 
Please note,  the products covered by the import health standards  Used Equipment Associated with  Animals or 
Water , Ornamental Products of Animal Origin , Woodware from All Countries , Seeds for Sowing , and Cut Flowers 
and Foliage  are not covered by the proposed standard . These  existing standards will all work together  with the 
proposed  standard to effectively manage  all the commodities imported as personal consignments . 
4 Feasibility of the Proposed Change to the Standard  
The proposed standard does not significantly change the existing risk management for personal consignments of 
goods. Instead, the proposed  standard consolidates and formalises existing on -arrival procedures , and amends 
and incorporat es existing risk management measure s (requirements) . The standard  also clarif ies existing on -
arrival procedures and processes for personal consignments  of goods across  all pathways (air, mail, sea cargo) . 16 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  It incorporates  elements from  multiple  standards into one for ease of use and understanding by the importer.  
Given the rapid and continuously evolving  changes in international trade and operational logistic s, the proposed 
risk management measure s of the standard do not  adversely impact the Cro wn, personal importers,  or industr ies. 
Implementing the standard will positively affect the Crown and have a minor impact and will not  adversely affect 
the importation of consignments  by personal importers . The proposed requirements will not add any  onerou s 
operation al tasks or costs to the Crown . Instead , the standard may, in time,  reduce some costs to the Crown as 
the processing of per sonal consignments becomes more streamlined .  
 
 
 
 
   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 17 Appendix  I  Comparison table for summary of proposed 
requirements and changes  
The following table compares  formatting and  requirements found in the new standard  Personal Consignments of 
Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  with those of  the existing commodity standard  Stored 
Plant Products for Human Consumption . 
 
The Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUMAN) standard still applies to stored plant products 
imported as a no n-personal consignment, i.e. personal consignments that exceed the weight restrictions of the 
propose d stan dard (both combined and individual product weight limits)  or are imported as a commercial 
consignment.   
 
Section  Topic and r equirement s—previous  
standard (SPP.HUMAN)  Proposed topic and r equirement —new 
standard  (P-EFFECTS .ALL ) 
1.1 Application  
(1) Dried and / or processed plant 
products imported for human 
consumption including frozen food of 
plant origin. (2) Peeled, shredded , and 
diced fresh commodities are subject to 
the requirements of fresh fruit and 
vegetable IHSs unless listed as a 
processed fresh commo dity as per Part 
5.5.3. Application  
1.1(1)a)  Personal consignments for human 
consumption include i) fresh fruit and veget ables, 
ii)stored plant products, iii) and animal products . 
1.1b) Personal effects   
1.1(1)b) All personal effects.  
Explanation: Applies to personal consignments of 
plant and animal products for consumption, and 
personal effects.  
 
1.1(2) This IHS must be read in conjunction with 
relevant commodity product IHS .  
Explanation: Read in conjunction with 152.02, 
PERSONAL.ALL, for plant and animal products. 
Personal effects (clothing, equipment’s etc.) must 
also follow the relevant commodity product 
standard if al ready covered by an existing IHS.  
1.2 Incorporation by reference  Incorporation by reference  
1.3 Biosecurity Clearance  
Requirements rewri tten into Information 
and requirements throughout the 
proposed standard.  Definitions   
1.4  
Informatio n 
Explanation: Updated documentation procedures, 
replaces and rewords SPP.HUMAN ’s  clause 
2.1(1). No changes to actual documentation and 
labelling require ments.   
1.5  
General requirements for personal  consignments   
Explanation: 40 kg combined total of plant and 
animal products for consumption per 
consignment. 40  kg is what MPI considers fair 
and reasonable amount for a personal 
consignment . Any weight abov e 40 kg is 
considered a non-personal  consignment and falls 
under the relevant commodity  product  IHS.  
2  Part 2  Personal  consignments of fresh fruit and 
vegetable for human consumption  
2.1 Required documentation  
1.4 in P -EFFECTS.ALL.  General  
Explanation:  Links in existing requirements from 
152.02 with addition of MPI-approved systems.  
2.2 Pre-shipment phytosanitary actions  
Referred to in 1.4 in P-EFFECTS.ALL   18 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  2.3 Packaging and Labelling  
Now referred to throughout the  P-
EEFECTS.ALL  IHS only for specific 
commodities, MPI -Approved Systems , 
or types of processing  for stored plant 
products  that have packaging 
requirements.   
2.4 Transit requirements  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL   not 
an import requirement.   
3.1 Travellers entering NZ  
Not included in P -EFFECTS .ALL, not 
an import requirement.  Information will 
still be available on the MPI website.  General biosecurity requirements  
Explanation:  Method of cooking/treatment listed . 
-Plant products and p ackaging . 
-Total weigh t per product must not exceed 2  kg. 
This i s considered a fair and reasonable amount 
for an individual product of a personal 
consignment.  
Method of cooking/treatment a ligning with ISPM  
32 where the method of processing is the risk 
management.  
-2 kg per product is the limit for personal (non-
commerc ial) use. 
-All treatments in accordance with MPI-Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments Standard -ABTRT . 
3.2 Mail entering N ew Zealand  
Proposed P-EFFECTS.ALL Standard 
does not cover  specifics for mail as 
Standard  covers all three pathways 
(mail, sea, and air).  
 Specific requirement for Stored Plant Products 
processing type  
Explanation:  3.2.1. Cooked.  Breadfruit and 
jackfruit must be deep -fried chips, unless from 
Samoa and meets those requirements of 3.2.1(3). 
Including Pacific Island Food Programme  
Samoan Quarant ine Service , formalising an 
already existing on -arrival procedure.  
3.2.2. Dried.  Homemade  unground Beverages, 
herbs,  roots,  and spices no longer permitted  
(must be commercial) .  
3.2.3. Frozen plant products. No Change.  
3.2.4. Extracts of Plant Products. Li mited to 1  kg 
or 1 litre , aligned with other IHSs limits for 
extracts  and deemed appropriate for personal 
use. 
3.3 Documentation upon arrival  
Now in Section 1.4  of P-EFFECTS.ALL .  
3.4 Inspection upon arrival  
Section not included in P -
EFFECTS.ALL , not an import 
requirement  but a verification measure.  
Changed to “Inspection  may be 
required.” Referred to throughout 
standard where applicable.  
Sampling plan removed as that is an 
operational instruction rather than an 
import requirement. Information will 
now be on MPI website.   
3.5 Interceptions of pest and contaminants  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL  
Information will be on MPI website, not 
an import requirement.    
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 19 3.6 Storage within a transitional facility  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL  Now 
referred to in Sectio n 1.5  guidance . Not 
an import requirement.  Information will 
be available on the MPI website.   
3.7 Treatments  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL  
treatment standard is referred to 
throughout the standard.   
3.8 Stored plant products imported directly 
for process ing 
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL  
Mentioned for legumes and referred to 
another standard which requirement  
must be met .  
Plant products intended use for 
immediate consumption or further 
processing i.e. products act as 
ingredients for more cooking.   
3.9 NZ product returning from overseas  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL    
4 Entry Conditions for non -commercially 
manufactured or produced plant, algal 
or fungal products  
Fungi now referred to in the section of 
processing type.  Personal  Consignments of Animal Prod ucts for 
Human Consumption  
Explanation: All animal products for consumption 
must comply with  PERSONAL.ALL . 
Guidance: All consignments of animal products 
for consumption are subject to clause 1.5(1) and 
are included in the 40  kg total weight limit of an 
overall personal  consignment under this 
standard.  
4.1 General importation requirements  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL . 
Referred to throughout proposed  IHS. 
Homemade unground beverages, 
herbs, ro ots, and spices are no longer 
permitted.    
4.2 Cooked, roasted, parboiled, baked,  or 
preserved food  of plant origin  
Now in Part 3  of P-EFFECTS.ALL . 
Amalgamated to “Cooked” and defined 
in definitions. Headings changed to 
“Cooked,” “Dried,” “Frozen” to 
incorporate specific unchanged 
requirements . 
Categories  now aligned with ISPM 32.   
5 Entry condition for commercially 
manufactured or produced stored plant, 
algal or fungal products  
Fungi , algae etc.  now fit under  each 
subheading for method of processing  
type (cooked, dried etc.) . Personal effects  
Personal effects must be cleaned and free from 
regulated pests and biosecurity contamination.  
Personal effects may be inspected on arrival, also  
noted  in section 1.5.  
Explanation: Formalising existing on -arrival 
procedures as a n ew requirement rather than a 
Verification measure as previously managed (no 
IHS).  
5.1 Cooked or preserved canned foods of 
plant, algal  or fungal  origin  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL   20 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  5.2 Cooked, roasted, parboiled, baked,  or 
preserved food o f plant, algal or fungal 
origin  
Fungi, algae etc. now fit under each 
subheading for method of processing 
(cooked, dried etc.).   
5.3 Dried cereals, cereal products,  and 
seeds  
As above, now in 3.2.2.   
5.4 Dried herbs, spices, roots,  and 
beverages   
Now in 3 .2.2. Requirement table has 
been removed. If dried products meet 
section 3.2.2 clauses (1) and (2), no 
verification is required.   
5.5 Fruit and Vegetables  
5.5.1 -5.5.3 now in Part 2. Rewritten for 
simplification, no change to 
requirements.  
5.5.4 -5.5.8 remo ved. Commercially 
processed fruit and vegetables are 
permitted entry (no requirement 
change ). 
5.5.9 -5.5.10 now 3.2.3.   
5.6 Fungi  
Covered in various processing types in 
Part 3.   
5.7 Legumes  
Covered in various processing types in 
Part 3.   
5.8 Nuts 
Covered  in various processing types in 
Part 3.   
5.9 Plant oils and processed solid oils  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL as 
already covered by processing type in 
Part 3.   
5.10 Plant, algal and fungal manufactured 
extracts  
Covered in in Part 3. 2.4.  
5.11 Honey  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL, refer 
to PERSONAL.ALL .  
5.12 Pollen  
Not included in P-EFFECTS.ALL .  
5.13 Starters  
Removed.   
5.14 Algal therapeutic or food supplement 
live preparations  
Not included in P -EFFECTS.ALL    
Appendix 1  Definitions  
Now Schedule 1  of P-EFFECTS.ALL .  
Appendix 2  Amendment record  
Not included in the first iteration of the 
new proposed Standard.   
Schedule 1   Definitions   
Manat ū Ahu Matua  RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS ● 21 Amended to include other IHS ’s definitions . Minor 
amendments to current definitions to align with 
the Biosecurity Act,  ISPM 5, or as commonly 
used.  
Schedule  2  Highly Processed Plant Produ cts  
Processed to a point where associated regulated 
pests would have been removed or killed and 
contaminating pest infestation postproduction is 
unlikely. No further risk management a ctions 
required.  
Note: There is no comparison table for Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New 
Zealand  (152.02)  or Personal Consignment of Animal Products  (PERSONAL.ALL)  because there are no major 
changes to those existing import health standard  requirements  (other than the addition of the 40 kg weight limit 
and including MPI -approved systems ). Personal effects  or used  equipment covered by the proposed standard  
have no established IHS.  
 
The Amendment section on the title page  references where the proposed standard  amends existing clauses in 
152.02 and SPP.HUMAN. Those amendments such as definitions, or cl auses that contain those definitions will be 
updated for those IHS’s next iterations and are considered minor. The consultation of this standard  is in turn, 
consulting on those  minor changes to the existing IHSs on their behalf.  
 
The import health standar d Personal Consignments of Animal Products  will include a statement mirroring the 
proposed standard  to include the weight restriction of 40 kg for a total combined weight limit of plant and animal 
products (clause 1.5(2)). That amendment will be made on th e next iteration of that IHS.  
 
 
5 References  
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Mosquitoes at New Zealand’s Ports of  Entry, 2001 to 2018: Current Status and Future Concerns. Tropical 
Medicine and Infectious Diseases , 4(3): 101. https://www.mdpi.com/2414 -6366/4/3/101  
 
Benjamin, K (2021) Pest risk assessment: Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). Draft Version 1 April 2021 , yet 
to be publish ed. Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, New Zealand.  
 
Biosecurity Act 1993.  Biosecurity Act 1993 No 95 (as at 01 December 2020), Public Act – New Zealand 
Legislation  
 
Burne, A R (2019) Pest risk assessment: Halyomorpha halys  (Brown marmorated stink bug) . Biosecurity New 
Zealand Technical Paper No:  2019/43.  Version 1, June 2019. Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, 
New Zealand.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dms document/38075/direct   
 
Burne, A R  (2020 ) Pest risk assessment: Lycorma delicatula  (spotted lanternfly).  Version 1.0, March 2020 . 
Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, N ew Zealand.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/39962 -Pest-risk-
assessment -Lycorma -delicatula -Spotted -lanternfly -Technical -paper  
 
DAWE  (2020)  Exotic Fruit Flies . Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment ; Canberra, ACT, 
Australia.  https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests -diseases -weeds /plant/fruit -flies Accessed July 2021.  
 
FAO  (2009) International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 32. Categorization of commodities 
according to their pest risk . Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, Food and Agricul tural 
Organization of the United Nations ; Rome , Italy . ISPM_32_2009_En_2015 -12-
22_PostCPM10_InkAmReformatted. pdf (ipp c.int)   
 
MAF (2002) Hazard identification and import release: The introduction of red imported fire ants into New Zealand 
via the importation of goods and arrival of craft from Australia, the Caribbean, South America, and the USA. 22 • RMP: Personal  Consignments of Products for Human Consumption and Personal Effects  IHS Manatū Ahu Matua  Ministry of Agric ulture and Forestry; Wellington, New Zealand. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2908 -Red-
Imported -Fire-Ant-Release -Assessment -August -2002  
 
MAF (2007 ) Import Risk Analysis: Vehicle and Machiner y. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ; Wellington, 
New Zealand.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2893 -Vehicles -and-Machinery -Risk-Analysis -2007  
 
MAF (2008) Pest risk analysis for six moth species: lessons for the biosecurity system on managing hitchhiker 
organisms.  Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ; Wellington, New Zealand.  
https:// www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2905/direct   
 
MAF; MFAT; NZFSA (2009) Balance in Trade . Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 
Trade ; New Zealand Food Safety Authority . Wellington, New Zealand. 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/12576/direct  
 
McNeill , M; Phillips, C; Young, S; Shah, F; Aalders, L; Bell, N; Gerard, E; Littlejohn, R  (2011 ) Transportation of 
nonindigenous species via s oil on international aircraft passengers’ footwear.  Biological Invasions , 13(12): 2799 –
2815.  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530 -011-9964 -3 
 
MPI (2018 ) Import Health S tandard:  Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption  (SPP.HUMAN). Ministry for 
Primary Industries; Wellington, New Zealand.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1663/direct  
 
MPI (2019) Import H ealth Standard:  Personal Consignment of Animal Products  (PERSONAL.ALL). Ministry for 
Primary Industries; Wellington, New Zealand.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/39272/direct  
 
MPI (2020 ) Internal d etection interception data for air, sea, and mail pathways . Ministry for Primary Industries; 
Wellington, New Zealand.  
 
MPI (2021 ) Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand . Ministry for Primary 
Industries Standard 152.02.  Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, New Zealand.  
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1147/direct  
 
ONZPR (2021)  Official New Zealand Pest Register  (ONZPR).  https://pierpestregister.mpi.govt.nz/  
 
PHA (2005) Threat -Specific Contingency Plan – Trogoderma granarium Everts (Dermestidae) . Grains Industry 
Biosecurity Plan . Plant Health Australia; Canberra, ACT, Australia . https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/wp -
content/uploads/2013/03/Khapra -Beetle -CP-2005.pdf  
 
USDA  (2021) Spotted lanternfly. Animal and Plant Health Inspecti on Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
https://www.aphis .usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests -diseases/hungry -pests/the -threat/spotted -lanternfly/spotted -
lanternfly  Accessed July 2021.