Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993  Semen from Zoo Asian 
Elephants
ELESEMEN.SPE  
22 March 2017  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  2 of 12 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes  into force on  22 March 2017   
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this  22nd day of March 2017.  
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager , Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  4 
Part 1:  Requirements  7 
1.1 Application  7 
1.2 Definitions  7 
1.3 The documentation that must accompany goods  7 
1.4 Semen collection at zoo facility  8 
1.5 Collection and transport  8 
Part 2 – Model Veterinary Certificates  9 
Schedule 1 – Document History  11 
Schedule 2 – Defin itions  12 
 
 
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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  
This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing  semen from zoo Asian 
elephants (Elephas maxim us) into New Zealand  from Australia . 
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating a nd effectively managing 
pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the exp orting country, 
during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance accompanies this IHS as guidance boxes throughout the IHS itself. Guidance provides information 
on how the requirements may be met . 
Who should r ead this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS applies to importers of semen from zoo Asian elephants (Elephas maxim us) from Australia.  
Why is this important?  
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or further 
information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not comply with the requirements of this IHS 
may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or tested/treated in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of commodity will be re covered in 
accordance with the Act and any regulations made under the Act. All costs involved with documentation, 
transport, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearance must be covered by the importer or agent.  
Consignments that do not comply with the re quirements of the IHS may be re -shipped, rendered or destroyed 
using an MPI -approved destruction method.  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1 )(d) of the Act, different from 
those set out in this IHS, tha t may be applied to effectively manage risks associated with the importation of  
these goods.  If an equivalent measure is approved an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of 
the Act, if the Director -General considers it appropriate to do so.  
a) MPI may accept an alternative method, system or process that can be shown to achieve the 
biosecurity requirements of the IHS (i.e. equivalence).  
b) MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence 
requests. Equivalence req uests can be lodged with animalimports@mpi.govt.nz.  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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c) A permit may be required where specific equivalence m easures are appro ved by MPI. A n import 
permit serves as evidence of equivalence decisions and will be written as specific notes in the 
special conditions section of the permit.  
d) Import permit application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Semen Permit Application . 
e) Completed applications are lodged with animalimports@mpi.govt.nz . 
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Biosecurity clearance  
a) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act, may be issued when the commodity meets 
all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applica ble requirements of section 27 in the Act are 
met. 
b) Restricted organisms will not be given biosecurity clearance. On authorisation from the 
biosecurity inspector, they may be moved from quarantine but must remain in the containment 
facility.  
Other information  
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be familiar 
with and comply with all New Zealand laws . 
New Organisms  
Importers of new organisms must meet the Hazardous Substances and New Orga nisms (HSNO) Act 1996 
requirements.  
See guidance document for inspection and verification requirements and for more information about HSNO 
Act requirements.  
CITES   
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the consignment is accompanied by an y permit(s) required 
to meet the legislation of the country of origin and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES) http://www.cites.org . See the Department of Conservation for further deta ils 
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about -doc/role/international/endangered -species/ .  
The importer is advised to clarify the status of the species of animal in relation to inte rnational agreements on 
their trade, prior to export. Material arriving in New Zealand without the relevant CITES permits may be 
subject to seizure by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  
Any requirement for CITES or other conservation -related docu mentation must b e met by the 
exporter/importer.  
 
 
 
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Harmonised System (HS) Codes  
The harmonised system is an international product numbering classification developed by the World Customs 
Organisation (WCO). The New Zealand harmonised system is found here: 
http://www.stats.govt.nz/methods/classifications -and-standards/classification -related -stats -
standards/harmonis ed-system -2012.aspx . 
Animal products imported using this IHS will be under one of the following HS Codes : 
 HS Code  Commodity Description  
0511.99.00.08  Animal products; semen, other than bovine, other than sheep semen  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all importers of  fresh, chilled or frozen  semen from zoo Asian elephants (Elephas 
maxim us) for import from  Australia  into New Zealand.  
1.2 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the associated guidance , terms used that are def ined in the Act have 
the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply . 
1.3 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the following documentation:   
1.3.1 Import permit  
(1) A copy of t he import permit issued by the Director -General for a single consignment only.  The importer 
must  apply to the Director -General for an import permit and include  the following information to obtain 
a permit:  
a) Name and address of exporter.  
b) Date of proposed importation.  
c) Name and address of the containment  facility in New Zealand to which the consignment is to 
proceed following importati on. 
d) Port of arrival.  
 
Guidance  
• Import permit application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Semen Permit Application . 
• Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animalimports@mpi.govt.nz .   
1.3.2 Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate, that must include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier.  
b) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
c) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian.  
d) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the requirements outlined in Part 1 
of this IHS have been met.  
 
Guidance  
• A model veterinary cert ificate is located in Part 2  of this document.  
1.3.3 Documents  
(1) All documents must :  
a) Be original , unless otherwise stated  in this IHS.  
b) Accompany the imported goods.  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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c) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
d) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features.  
1.4 Semen collection at zoo facility   
(1) Semen must be from donors that are resident in an Australian zoo or wildlif e park that is registered by 
the Competent Authority.  
(2) Semen must be collected at an Australian zoo or wildlife park under permanent veterinary supervision, 
and where a health monitoring programme is followed including necropsies, and microbiological and 
parasitological testing.  
1.5 Collection and transport  
(1) The semen must be in straws, ampoules or a sealed container .  
(2) Personnel collecting and processing semen must be trained in, and practice, proper disinfection 
procedures and hygiene techniques.  
(3) The registe red veterinarian supervising the collection must  ensure  that all equipment and working 
surfaces likely to come into contact with semen for export ha ve been appropriately cleaned and 
disinfected.  
(4) All straws ampoules or containers must be marked with identi fication of the donor animal/s and the 
date of collection.  
(5) All products of animal origin  used in the collection, processing and  storage of the semen must be 
sterile preparations or be  screened for adventitious viruses  with negative results.  
(6) Any cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport must not have 
been used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(7) The collection and t ransport containers must be new or disinfected , and free of cont amination.  
(8) The transport container in which semen is transported to New Zealand must be sealed, by either the 
registered veterinarian supervising the collection or an Official Veterinarian, using tamper -evident 
seals. The seal number must be recorded on t he veterinary certificate.  
(9) Semen must be stored in a secure area  prior to export .  
 
Guidance  
• Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act, the semen from zoo 
Asian elephants (Elephas maxim us) must proceed directly to the cont ainment facility named on 
the import permit.  
• The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all r equirements noted under Part 1.  
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Part 2  – Model Veterinary Certificates  
 
Guidance: Model veterinary certificate for semen  from zoo Asian elephants  
• Below is a  model veterinary certificate  for trade in  semen from zoo Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ). The 
model meets the requirements of the IHS.  
  Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1.   Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2.  Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3.  Competent Authority:  
 
1.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5. Country of origin:                                    ISO Code*  
  1.6.   Zone or compartment of origin:**  
 
1.7. Country of destination:                           ISO Code*  1.8.   Zone or compartment of destination:**   
1.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
    Aeroplane           Ship           
      
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14.  CITES permit No(s):**    
1.15. Description of commodity:  
 1.16. Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.17. Total number of:  
1.18.  Temperature of commodities for transport:  1.19.  Total number of packages:  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial number:  
 
 1.21. Type of packaging:  
1.22.  Identification of commodity:  Semen from  Asian Elephants  (Elephas maxim us) 
Donor identification  Date of collection  Semen identification  
   
   
    
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Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country:   Certificate reference number:  
I,………………………………………………..  an Official Veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of Australia, certify after 
due enquiry, with respect to the elephant  semen identified in this veterinary certificate, that:  
(1) The donor elephants are resident in a Competent Authority register ed or licensed zoo or wildlife park.   
(2) The registered or licensed zoo or wildlife park in which the donor  animals have been resident is under permanent 
veterinary supervision, and a health monitoring programme is followed including necropsies, and microbiol ogical and 
parasitological testing.  
I,……………………………….., the Australian registered veter inarian, certify after due enquiry , with respect to  the semen identified 
in this veterinary certificate that:  
Semen collection, processing, storage and transport  
(3) Personnel who collected and processed the semen have been trained in, and practis ed, proper disinfection procedures 
and hygiene techniques.  
(4) All equipment and working surfaces involved in the semen collection were appropriately cleaned and disinfected.  
(5) All semen straws, ampoules or containers were identified with the donor animal/s and the date of collection.  
(6) All products of animal origin used in collection, processing and storage of the semen were sterile preparations or were 
screened for adventitious vir uses with negative results.  
(7) Any cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport have not been used previously in 
association with any other product of animal origin.  
(8) The collection and transport containers are new or disin fected and free of contamination.  
(9) Semen was stored in a secure area prior to export.  
(10) The transport container in which the semen is transported to New Zealand was sealed by the collection veterinarian or an 
Official Veterinarian, using tamper -evident seal s.   
Seal number __________________________________________  
 
 
 
Semen  Collection  Veterinarian:  
Name  
Address:                                                            
Date:                    
Signature:  Official Veterinarian:  
Name  
Address:                                                            
Date:                    
Signature:  
 
 
Official Vet erinarian signature  
Official stamp  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Schedule  1 – Document History  
This document history is provided for information only and is not part of the legal requirements.  
 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
22 March 2017  Import Health Standard: Semen from Zoo Asian 
Elephants  ELESEMEN.SPE  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
   
   
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Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Approved Country  
Countries from which New Zealand enables imports of a particular commodity. The countries must be 
included in the scope of an import risk analysis/assessment for the commodity and specifically approved by 
MPI. 
Biosecurity Autho rity 
Written authority from an inspector, given under Section 29 of the Act, to move restricted organisms from a 
transitional facility, biosecurity control area or containment facility to another transitional facility, biosecurity 
control area or containme nt facility or to export those goods from New Zealand.  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welf are measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
CTO Direction  
Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Direction - equivalent measures recorded by number under section 27(1)d(iii) of 
the Act, to enable border staff to clear the goods and record the number in the MPI database.  
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Donor(s)  
Male animal(s) from which semen was collected.  
Germplasm  
Ova, semen or embryos collected from animals that are eligible for importation under this import health 
standard.  
Import permit  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursuant to section 24D(2) of the Act.   
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in confo rmity with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website.  Import Health Standard : Semen from Zoo Asian Elephants   
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The Manual  
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals.  
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requir ements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.  
Zoo  
A containment facility approved to the containment standard where live zoo animals are kept for the purposes 
of public exhibition, conservation, research or education. Note: A zoo includes for ex ample, a circus, butterfly 
house, aquarium or an oceanarium. A zoo may also hold indigenous animals that are not new organisms but 
these animals are not covered by this IHS.