Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Vehicles, Machinery and 
Equipment  
VEHICLE -ALL 
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 14 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date]   
 
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard  revokes and replaces:  the Standard  for Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  issued on 
the 25th of August 2017 .  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this ... day of  .........  
 
 
Peter Thomson  
Director, Plants, Food & Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Direc tor-General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI )  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Plants, Food and Environment Directorate  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: standards@mpi.govt.nz   
 Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 Implementation arrangements for this standard  5 
Part 2:  Biosecurity requirements for all VME  6 
2.1 Information that must be provided  for the importation of a ll VME  6 
2.2 Requirement for freedom from biosecurity contaminants  and regulated pests  6 
Part 3:  Additional  requirements  for specified types of VME  and specified regulated pests  7 
3.1 Used agricultural, forestry and horticultural vehicles, machinery and used wire cables from 
all countries  7 
3.2 Used vehicle equipment from all countries  7 
3.3 Used tyres that are deflated or not on rims from all countries  8 
3.4 Requirements for management of specific regulated pests  8 
Schedule 1 – Definitions  11 
Schedule 2 – Biosecurity Contaminants and Regulated Pests  13 
Schedule 3 – Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Countries  14 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  import health standard (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
The purpose of this IHS  is to set out the requirements that must be  met when importing vehicles, machinery 
and equipment (VME ) into New Zealand (NZ) to manage the biosecurity risks a ssociated with them.  
Background  
Imported risk goods have the potential to introduce pests and  unwanted organisms into NZ. VME are risk 
goods because pests and unwanted organisms may be associated with  them when they arrive in  NZ. The 
Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) prescribes requirements for the exclusion, eradication and effective 
management of p ests and unwanted organisms in NZ. These organisms have the potential to cause harm to 
natural and physical resources and human health in NZ. MPI is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the 
Biosecurity Act 1993.  
Under the Act, an IHS may be issued t hat set s out the requirements that must be met when importing risk 
goods  in order to manage the risks associated with their import ation  including the risk from incidentally 
imported organisms . This IHS outlines the minimum requirements that must be met when importing VME  into 
NZ to obtain biosecurity clearance  
Who should read this?  
All import ers of VME  entering NZ (from any country ) must  be familiar with this IHS . 
Why is this important ? 
(1) Importers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that imported  VME  comply with this IHS (section 
16B of the Act) . 
(2) VME  that do not comply with this IHS may be  destroyed, reshipped to origin or treated  (if possible) .  
(3) The importer will be liable for all relevant associated expenses.  
Equivalence  
While  it is expected that all imported VME  meet the requirements of this IHS, MPI will consider equivalence 
requests.  A Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue guidelines or give directions on measures  differen t to 
those in the standard to effectively manage biosecurity risks under section 27(1)(d)(iii) of the Act.  Goods that 
comply with those guidelines or directions may be provided with biosecurity  clearance.  
Document History  
No. Version Date  Section Changed  Change(s) Description  
1.0 13/10/ 2009  N/A N/A 
1.1 23/12/2014  Section 4.3  Additional treatment information supplementary to Section 4.3  
2 25 August 2017  Section 4.4  Urgent addition of Section 4.4  
 
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Other information  
Guidance  
Guidance for this IHS is provided in the Guidance Document to the IHS for Vehicles, Machinery and 
Equipment http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/other/vehicles -and-machinery/ . It pr ovides more information 
about importing VME . It is advisable to seek assistance from MPI if you are unclear on any part of the IHS 
prior to undertaking any activities relating to the importation of VME . 
The infor mation contained within a “guidance box” throughout this document is for guidance only and is not 
part of the statutory requirements.  These boxes are labelled as “Guidance” . 
Containers  
Containers of cargo must be managed as per the IHS – Sea Containers from all countries.  
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/1984   
Wood Packaging and other Restricted Packaging Material  
All wood packaging must be managed as per the IHS - Wood Packaging Material from All Countries . 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/forest -products/wood -packaging/ . Other contaminated packaging must be 
secured, segregated  and managed as per this IHS. Contact MPI if you are un clear about the management of 
such material.  
Costs  
Inspections and other functions undertaken by MPI pertaining to importing VME  will be charged for as per the 
current Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations.  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  5 of 14 
Part 1:  General requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all vehicles and machinery and equipment  (VME ) as defined in Schedule 1, 
Definitions  that are imported into NZ from any country.   
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the Biosecurity Act 
1983 . International Plant Protection Convention, International Standard s for Phytosanitary Measures –  
a) ISPM 4 - Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas.  
b) ISMP 10 - Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free 
production sites.  
c) ISPM 14 - The use of integrated measures in a s ystems approach for pest risk m anagement.   
d) ISPM 41 - International movement of u sed vehicles, machinery and e quipment . 
These standards  may be found at : https://www.ip pc.int/en/core -activities/standards -setting/ispms/  
(2) The following MPI standard s are incorporated by reference under section  142M of the Biosecurity Act 
1993: MPI Approved  Biosecurity Treatments - MPI-STD-ABTRT .  This standard  may be found at : 
http://mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/1555 . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Biosecurity Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, 
a notice under section 142O(2) of the Biosecurity Act is not required to be published before material 
that amends or replaces any material incorporated by reference has legal effect as part of those 
documents . 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) Definitions of terms used in this IHS are set out in  Schedule 1 of this document . 
(2) Terms used in this IHS that are defined in the Act have the meanings set out in the Act, unless a 
different meaning is given in Schedule 1. The Act is available at :  
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/whole.html  
1.4 Implementation arrangements for this standard  
(1) This IHS will be implemented in two stages.   
 Part 3.4.2 comes into force  from the date of issue  of this IHS .   
 
 The rest of the IHS comes into force  after 6 months of the date of issue (X Month 2018).  
 Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
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Part 2:  Biosecurity requirements for all VME  
2.1 Information that must be provided  for the importation of all VME  
(1) Importers of  all VME  must provide  MPI with the following documented information  upon arrival in NZ:  
a) Consignor name and name of consignee (including the consignee’s contact details).  
b) Country/ port of origin information.  
c) Evidence describing how VME  were  managed  in the export country to meet the  requirements of 
this IHS as required under Part 3 . This must specify use of (1). A  pest-free area ; or (2). Place of 
production ; or (3). An MPI-approved system or (4). Certifying that an MPI Approved Biosecurity 
Treatment  was conducted .  
d) Evidence that used vehicles /machinery associated with agricultural, forest ry or horticultural 
activities have been  clean ed externally and internally (and involving disassembly) in the country 
of origin  before arrival in NZ by providing a cleaning certificate . 
e) Make and model information (applies to entire/whole vehicles /machinery  only).  
f) Shipment information including sea container number and date of loading.  
g) The number and type of VME , and any spare equipment  (where applicable).  
h) Uniquely  identity Information  (such as a vehicle identification number - VIN). 
i) Whether the VME  are new or used.  
 
Guidance  
1. Where there are various options for management of VME , importers are recommended to advise MPI of the option 
chosen in advance of arrival so appropriate MPI intervention or verification can be arranged  based on the 
documentation provided . Examples of a cceptable documentation include  verifiable cleaning certificate s, 
documentation from a regulatory agency, manufacturer’s export system documentation, or treatment certificate s.  
2. Failure to provide information in a timely manner may lead to delays in receiving MPI biosecurity clearance for 
imported consignments of new or used vehicles /machinery from MPI  or unloading refused or re -shipped  elsewhere .  
2.2 Requirement for freedom from  biosecurity contamina nts and 
regulated pests  
(1) All new or used  VME  must be free from biosecurity contaminants and regulated pests  
(externally and internally) as per the threshold levels listed for them in Schedule 2 (Table 1) and must 
comply  with applicable requirement s in Part 3 of this IHS  to obtain biosecurity clearance . This includes 
all packing and packaging material associated with VME . 
(2) Importers of used  VME  from all countries must make arrangements  with an MPI I nspector for an 
external  inspection which must  be conducted  within 12 hours of completion of discharge from the 
vessel , or within 12 hours of being unloaded  from a sea container . This does not apply where the 
vehicles or machinery are imported in accordance with an MPI -approved s ystem . 
 
Guidance  
1. Schedule 2 (Table 1 ) holds criteria that determines  if imported  VME  are considered free from  biosecurity 
contaminants and regulated pests . If the quantity of a biosecurity contaminant or regulated pest is at, or below the 
threshold specified  then it is unlikely to present a biosecurity risk .  
2. New VME  (including vehicle and machinery equipment ) are subject to Clause 2.2.1 and  may be inspected by an 
MPI Inspector . MPI may request extra  information for new VME  if there are concerns regarding biosecurity risk . Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  7 of 14 
Part 3:  Additional  requirements  for specified types of VME  
and specified regulated pests  
Guidance   
The information specified in Part 3 provides additional detail  to the more general requirements specified in Part 2. Part 
3 requirements manage risks associated with some, but not all of the biosecurity contaminants and regulated pests 
listed in Schedule 2 ( Table 1 ). An MPI Inspector must be satisfied that requiremen ts specified in Part 2 and 3 are met 
before granting biosecurity clearance for VME.  
3.1 Used a gricultural, forestry and horticultural vehicles , machinery  
and used wire cables from  all countries  
Used agricultural, forestry and horticultural  vehicles and machi nery  (including vehicles and 
machinery intended for use as equipment parts) : 
(1) That have be en used in connection with agricultural, forestry  or horticultural activities must be 
thoroughly clean ed (externally and internally) before arrival in  NZ. Importers  must provide a cleaning 
certificate stating that such items have been  thoroughly clean ed (externally and internally) and that 
these items have been disassembled for cleaning . 
Used wire cables attached to agricultural, forestry and horticultural vehicles an d machinery : 
(2) That are  attached to used items  that ha ve been used in connection with agricultural, forestry or 
horticultural activities must be heat treated  as per MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatments . Importers 
must provide a treatment certificate stating that used wire cables  have been  heat treated  as per MPI 
Approved Biosecurity Treatments . 
 
Guidance   
1. MPI considers  all field tested agricultural, forestry  and horticultural vehicles or machinery  to be  used.  Importers 
should advise MPI on arrival where they have been field tested.  
2. On arrival MPI must be able to verify cleanliness of these items . In preparation for verification inspection , MPI 
recommends that specialised agricultural, forestry and horticultural items  are dismantled as much as possible and 
panels and plates are left off  or attached loosely in position prior to export . This will avoid extra cost and time involved 
if MPI requires  dismantling and re -inspecti on. 
3.2 Used vehicle equipment from  all countries  
(1) Containerised  consignments of used  vehicle equipment from all countries imported by sea (including 
entire/whole used vehicles imported for disassembly and for use as equipment parts ) must be treated  
using a relevant treatment specified in MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatment s. 
(2) Non-containerised used  vehicle equipment imported by air freight or as break -bulk consignments from 
all countries (including entire/whole used vehicles imported for disassembly and for use as equipment 
parts ) must comply with Part 2.1 of this IHS and may inspect ed and treat ed where required  on arrival .   
 
Guidance   
1. If equipment parts cannot be inspected appropriately on arrival they may be directed for treatment as per MPI 
Approved Biosecurity Treatments . 
2. If the used vehicle or machinery equipment parts have been used for agricultural, forestry and horticultural use they 
must meet the requirements of Part 3.1.  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  8 of 14 
3.3 Used tyres that are deflated or not on rims  from  all countries  
(1) Used tyres  (of any type)  imported from any country that are deflated or not on rims must be treated as 
per MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatment s and in accordance with 3.3  (2), (3) or (4) as below.  
(2) Where used tyres are treated  before arrival in NZ, they must be secured immediately following  
treatment  in a way that ensures that they remain free of biosecurity contamination  (for example, in a 
clean and secure  sea container) . Importer s must also ensure that the tyres remain secure during 
transit to NZ.  
(3) Where u sed tyres remain un treated before arrival in NZ, and arrive in a sea container , they must either  
be: 
a) Treated  as per MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatment s within 12 hours of discharge  from the 
craft/vessel at the place  of first arrival  in NZ. 
or 
b) If treatment of the used tyres is not possible within 12 hours of discharge , the sea container must 
be sealed and must be immediately treated externally  (including any damaged areas , door seals 
and vents ) with a dual-action insecticide  to ensure that any live regulated pests cannot  escape . 
The used tyres must then be treated within 48 hours of arrival  as per MPI Approved Biosecurity 
Treatment s at the port of arrival  or at a suitable transitional facility.  
(4) Used tyres that remain un treated before arrival  in NZ, and do not arrive in a sea container  must  be: 
a) Secured after discharge  from the craft or vessel so that any potential biosecurity contamina nt or 
regulated pest is contained  (for example,  held inside a sealed sea container ). They must be  
externally treated immediately with a dual-action insecticide so live regulated pests cannot  
escape . 
and 
b) Treated  as per MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatment s within 48 hours of arrival  at the place of 
first arrival  or at a suitable transitional facility . 
 
Guidance   
1. Dual-action insecticides that have both knockdown and residual action  are acceptable.  A table of residual and 
knock -down active ingredients and the amount that is required of each is available on the MPI website:  
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border -clearance/transitional -and-containment -facilities/treatment -suppliers/  
3.4 Requirements for management of specific regulated pests  
3.4.1 Management of Asian Gypsy Moth – AGM (Lymantria dispar ) associated with u sed cars 
and trucks from Japan   
(1) No commercial or private consignments of used cars and trucks (either break -bulk or containerised) 
may be imported from Japan  unless the consignment has been managed  in accordance with an MPI -
approved system . 
(2) Evidence must be provided to MPI that used cars  and trucks have passed the requirements specified 
in specific MPI -approved systems.  
 
 
Guidance   
1. Risk management under Part 3.4.1 is primarily for AGM (but also includes risk from other biosecurity contaminants 
and regulated pests ).  
2. System a pproval is granted when the proposed system is seen as being effective in managing the  biosecurity risks 
associated with the  cars and trucks  and ensuring the y meet the requirements of this IHS.   A CTO may decline, Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  9 of 14 
suspend or revoke approval if they consider that a system is not, or is no longer, effective at ensuring that the vehicles 
meet the IHS requirements on arrival in NZ.  
3. The criteria and process for MPI-approved system s for cars and trucks are available on the MPI website, “MPI 
Approval and Review of Vehicle Clearance Systems”. Refer to: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/oth er/vehicles -and-
machinery/  - Go to: Quick Links - Vehicle Systems.  
4. For the purpose of this IHS, see Schedule 1 – “Definitions” for a description of car classes and trucks that must be 
managed through MPI -approved systems.   
5. Importers may also apply for an MPI -approved system in relation to buses or other passenger vehicles with greater 
than 10 seats, and other cargo vehicles with oversized or different characteristics.  (a).All non -standard vehicles such 
as buses, dump trucks , specialised trucks (such as for sewerage work or trash collection ) and oversized trucks (> 12 
metric tonnes excluding the trailer)  must be clean and meet the requirements of Part 2.2 (1) .  (b). For trucks or 
machinery used for agriculture, forestry  and horticulture  must be cleaned and certified as per Part 3.1.  (c). Non -
standard v ehicles that are not covered by MPI -approved systems will be inspected on arrival in NZ and treated where 
required before being provided with biosecurity clearance.   
6. If prospective system operators and importers believe that they cannot meet MPI’s system requirements under 3.4.1 
they should contact MPI for discussion of equivalence options (See ‘Equivalence’ in the  IHS ‘Introduction’ section . 
3.4.2 Management of Brown Marmorat ed Stinkbug  - BMSB  (Halyomorpha halys ) on imported 
items  
(1) All consignments of targeted VME  (whether break -bulk or containerised consignments  or new or used ) 
must be managed due to the risk posed by BMSB and other biosecurity contaminants and regulated 
pests; and comply with  3.4.2 (3), (4) and (5) as applicable.   
(2) Targeted VME consignments are those that originate or depart from  the countries listed in Schedule 3 
of this IHS on, or between  the dates of 1st of September and the 30th April of any year.   
(3) Targeted VME  consignments  must meet at least one of the following requirements : 
a) Sourced from a pest free area that is free from BMSB  (see Part 1.2 (1).). 
or 
b) Sourced from a pest free place of production that has been managed during pre -production, 
production and post -production phases according to appropriate procedures, and no BMSB were 
detected in the area or associated with the new or used items  (see Part 1.2 (1).  
or 
c) Managed  through a MPI-approved system . 
or  
d) Break -bulk consignments (excluding aircraft) must be t reated as per MPI Approved Biosecurity 
Treatment s in the country of origin within a period of 120 hours prior to shipment . 
or 
e) Containerised VME  (excluding aircraft)  must be  treated as per MPI Approved Biosecurity 
Treatment s prior to shipment or on arrival in NZ at the place of first arrival  or at a transitional 
facility . 
(4) Aircraft (break -bulk or containerised) must be treated (externally and intern ally) by fogging with an 
effective  insecticide  approved by an MPI CTO . All internal compartments where BMSB may hide must 
be opened before treatment.  Insecticide t reatment must first occur in the country of origin before 
shipping to NZ, and then be repeate d upon arrival in NZ.  
(5) All targeted VME  consignments  must also be:  
a) Kept effectively separated from all u ntreated materials or cargo, and protected to prevent 
possible contamination with  biosecurity contaminants  and regulated pests including BMSB prior 
to shipping.  
and Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  10 of 14 
b) Transported  in a manner that ensures that all items remain  free of BMSB and o ther biosecurity 
contamina nts and regulated pests.  
(6) Importers must provide MPI with documented evidence  that the one of the option s chosen  above have 
been conducted  
 
Guidance  
1. An MPI CTO  will grant approval when a proposed system is seen as being effective in managing vehicles and 
machinery and /or other relevant items,  ensuring that they meet the requirements of this standard.   
2. Importers may want to have vehicles  or machinery that are included in FAK or LCL sea containers treated prior to 
shipping, so as not to require treatment of the whole sea container on arrival  in NZ .  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  11 of 14 
Schedule 1 – Definitions   
Terms used in this IHS that are also defined in the Act have the  meanings set out there. The following specific 
definitions also apply  and are defined  for the purposes of this IHS as follows : 
Biosecurity contaminant(s) : Any organic material, thing or substance that (by reasons of its nature, origin or 
other relevant fa ctor) it is reasonable to suspect harbours or contains a regulated pest (or parts t hereof) and 
where such organic material/ thing /substance is not intended for biosecurity clearance under the Act.  
Break -bulk consignments:  Consignments of vehicles, machinery or equipment (including tyres) that are 
stowed on, or below deck on vessels or in holds; and are not containerised (held inside a 6 -sided sea 
container).  Consignments held in flat rack, open -sided or open -topped contain ers are considered to be break -
bulk consignments.  
Containerised consignments:  Consignments of vehicles, machinery or equipment (including tyres) that are 
held inside a 6 -sided sea container . Note: Containers must meet the requirements of MPI Import Health 
Standard for Sea Containers – SEACO . 
Equipment:  Accessories, attachments, c omponents , devices, fittings, gear or parts  such as chassis, engines, 
seating, suspension units,  tyres  and wheels  for all types of vehicles and machinery . 
Machine/ machinery : Any m echanical device that modif ies or transmit s energy to assist or improve  in the 
performance of work.  The device may be drawn, fixed in position , pushed or self -propelled, and includes 
vehicle  or machinery  equipment  (as above).  A ny packaging or packing that is associated with machinery 
(such as cardboard, foam plastic, foam rubber, paper, plastic cling -film and plastic shrink wrap)  must be clean .  
 
Guidance  
Machinery includes agricultural, forestry, horticultural, industrial and scientific equipment.  This may include but is not 
limited to: equipment  for baling, building/construction (cranes, elevators and escalators), concrete mixing, disking, fruit -
picking, hay tedding, logging, ploughing, pesticide spraying, plant growing and processing, power genera tion, 
production gear, rolling, sawmilling, used diagnostic, industrial processing, laboratory or research equipment (such as 
air processors and extractors, biohazard cabinets, centrifu ges, fume hoods, stomachers ) and wool scouring.   
MPI-approved system : A system  that a CTO  approves that ensure s that vehicles, machinery and associated 
packaging are free of biosecurity  contaminants and live regulated pests.  The system must include all of the 
following:  
 
(1) A description of the steps taken to ensure that this outcome is met.  
(2) The persons responsible for taking those steps . 
(3) The keeping of records to demonstrate tha t the process has been followed.   
(4) Sufficient opportunity for MPI to conduct initial and ongoing verification of the process . 
(5) Evidence that any correcti ve action required by MPI has been conducted .  
(6) Payment of MPI costs in assessing and verifying the process.  
Refer to: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/other/vehicles -and-machinery/  - Go to: Quick Links - Vehicle Systems.  
Regulated p est(s) : (a). any regulated pest, quarantine pest, regulated non -quarantine pest as those terms 
are defined in the International Plant Protecti on Convention ; and (b). exotic diseases, infections and 
infestations as listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health , and (c). any organism that that may cause 
unwanted harm to natural and physical resources or human health in NZ; or may interfere wi th the diagnosis, 
management, or treatment, in NZ, of pests or unwanted organisms.  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  12 of 14 
Used machinery/vehicles  are those items previously used for any purpose (commercially or non -
commercially) including use for courtesy, demonstration, field testing or other testing or training.  
Vehicle : A vehicle is a mobile conveyance or machine that transports cargo or people.   Any packaging or 
packing that is associated with vehicles  (such as cardboard, foam plastic, foam rubber, paper, plastic cling -
film and plastic shrink wrap)  must be clean . 
 
Guidance  
1. The most common type of vehicle imported into NZ are cars. Cars are motor vehicles that have at least three or four 
wheels and the gross vehicle mass usually exceeds one tonne. These are defined in the following 3 classes:  
(a). Forward Control Passenger Cars  (such as vans or 4 -wheel drive vans) that have no more than 10 s eats 
(including the driving position); and the centre of the steering wheel is in the forward quarter of the total vehicle length.  
(b). Off -Road Passenger Cars  (such as all -wheel/four -wheel drive, sports utility or utility vehicles) that have no more 
than 10 seats (including the driving position); and are designed with special features for off road operation.  
(c). Standard On -Road Passenger Cars  (such as all -wheel or two -wheel drive sedans, station wagons or utility 
vehicles) that have no more than 10 seats  (including the driving position).  
2. The next most common type of vehicle imported for carrying  goods, materials, or personnel  are trucks (primarily for 
use on roads). These can be variable in size and include light trucks larger, heavier vehicles  that ca n consist of a 
single self -propelled unit or may consist of a trailer vehicle hauled by a powerful tractor unit. Oversized trucks are 
those that exceed 12 metric tonnes (excluding the trailer ).  
Vehicle /machinery imported as equipm ent parts : Any vehicle or machinery that has been intentionally 
imported for the purpose of being used for equipment parts; and are significantly dis -assembled or 
incapacitated (so they may not be driven or work as originally intended) having equipment  removed or bei ng 
chopped in half .  
 
Guidance  
1. Vehicles may be used in connection with agricultural, horticultural, forestry or other transportation activities.  
Vehicles include the following items that are transported to NZ and do not arrive in NZ under their own power: a ircraft 
(such as aeroplanes, gliders, helicopters), motor vehicles (electric or liquid fuelled, such as buses, cars, forklifts, front -
end loaders, golf carts, motorcycles, motor scooters, quad bikes, straddle carriers, traction engines, tractors, t rucks), 
rail vehicles  (such as locomotives, railcars, rail jiggers, trains, trams), ride -on mowers, tracked vehicles (continuous 
tracks such as armoured fighting vehicles, bulldozers, excavators, snowmobiles, tractors), wagons, watercraft (such 
as boats, s hips, yachts) and spacecraft.   
2. Vehicles (or machinery ) that have simply had their wheels or other equipment removed and can be driven on re-
attaching the wheels or operated as intended on re -attachment of the equipment are regarded as viable vehicles or  
machinery and must meet the  requirements  of relevant Parts of this IHS.  
 
The following items are not considered as vehicles for the purposes of this IHS:  
 Agricultural machinery (pedestrian -controlled and are not propelled by mechanical power).  
 Bicycles (non-motorised), electric bicycles and push -scooters (excluding electric motorcycles).  
 Hand -trollies or wheelbarrows.  
 Lawnmowers (pedestrian -controlled, excluding motorised ride -on mowers).  
 Perambulators (prams) or pushchairs.  
 Shopping or sporting trundler s (excluding those propelled by mechanical power).  
 Skateboards, in -line skates, or roller skates.  
 Wheelchairs (hand powered only and excluding those propelled by electrical or other power).  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  13 of 14 
Schedule  2 – Biosecurity Contaminants and Regulated Pests   
Table 1: Biosecurity Contaminant and Regulated Pest T hresholds  
Type  Contaminant Type  Threshold Permitted  
Animals  Live a nimals such as  amphibians, 
arthropods, birds, crustaceans, 
mammals, molluscs, reptiles.  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a pest) *. Note: Dead 
arthropods including dead insects, mites and spiders are not 
seen as contaminants.  
Animal products or by -products such as  
blood, bones, carcasses, excretions, 
feathers, fibre, meat, secretions.  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant) *. 
Aquatic  Water (pooled or standing).  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant).  Note: 
Traces of water remaining after approved treatments are not 
seen as a contaminant.  
Micro -
organisms  Fungi that is embedded /systemic in the 
vehicle, machine or tyre.  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant) *. Note: 
Surface fungi (mildew) is not considered as a contaminant if it 
can be wiped off the vehicle, machine or tyre.  
Plants  
 Fresh /green plant material  and flowers . Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant) *. 
Fruit (whole) and seeds  (including 
cones with seeds, dried seeds and fruit 
with seeds).  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant) *. Note: 
Burnt, dried, scorched seeds that are present in or on exhaust 
systems and radiator s are not seen as contaminants.  
Small pieces of l oose d ead or dry plant 
material such as  bark, fruit pieces, 
leaves , sawdust  or twigs.   More than 5 pieces are seen as actionable contaminants by 
MPI*. Note: Burnt, dried, scorched pieces of materia l that are 
present in or on exhaust systems and radiators are not seen 
as contaminant s. 
Pine needles  Nil tolerance = zero (always seen as a contaminant).  
Soil Clumps or loose soil may contain micro -
organisms.   More than 20 grams is seen as a contaminant . Note: Road 
film (fine dust or soil particles ) that is free of organic material 
and found as a thin covering, is not seen as a contaminant.  
*Unless officially identified as otherwise or as a species that is not a regulated pest . 
 
Guidance  
Table 1 (as ab ove) is subject to periodic review.  Clearance of vehicles and machinery imported  into NZ will only be 
granted when MPI is satisfied that a vehicle, machine or tyre is free from biosecurity contaminants. This is usually 
assessed by one or more of the following methods:  
 Inspection by an MPI Inspector.  
 Verifiable documentation that confirms tha t cleaning or an approved treatment has been applied.  
 Verifiable documentation that confirms that the vehicle, machinery or tyre has been processed in accordance with 
an MPI -approved system.  
Note: All vehicles and machinery, including new vehicles and machinery, may be inspected by MPI on arrival to verify 
that they comply with this IHS.  Grossly contaminated vehicles, machinery or will  be stopped from being discharged 
from the craft/vessel and may be directed for reshipment.  MPI Inspectors may also requ ire importers to fully or 
partially dismantle specific vehicles o r machines to confirm that high -risk areas are free of biosecurity contaminants.   Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment  4 Dec ember  2017  - Final Draft  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  14 of 14 
Schedule 3 – Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Countries   
MPI lists the following countries for specific management  of BMSB  under Section 3.5 - Additional 
Requirements for Specific Regulated Pests . Note: This table is subject to periodic change.  
 
Country  Notes  
Austria   
Bulgaria   
France   
Georgia   
Germany   
Greece   
Hungary   
Italy  
Liechtenstein   
Romania   
Russia   
Serbia   
Spain   
Slovenia   
Switzerland   
United States of America  This excludes the States of Alaska and Hawaii.