Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sea Containers - Draft for 
Consultation  
SEACO  
3 April 2019  
 Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
 Final 3 April 2019  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 10 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Sea Containers  - Draft for Consultation  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  1 September 2019   
REVOCATION  
This import health standard revokes and replaces  Import Heath Standard for Sea Containers that was issued 
17 Octo ber 2018.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under S ection 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington, 3 April 2019  
 
 
Peter Thomson  
Director, Plants and Pathways  
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  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: standards@mpi.govt.nz  
 Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  2 of 10 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
Part 2:  Biosecurity requirements for sea containers  6 
2.1 Information that must be provided for the importation of sea containers  6 
2.2 Requirement for freedom from biosecurity c ontaminants and regulated pests  6 
2.3 Sea Containers from Italy  6 
Part 3:  Inspection and logistical requirements for sea containers  8 
3.1 Port management and trans -shipped containers  8 
3.2 Transportation  8 
3.3 Transitional Facilities  8 
3.4 Detection and management of biosecurity pests  and contamination  8 
Schedule 1 – Definitions  9 
 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health S tandard (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 sea containers are imported into 
New Zealand (NZ) to manage the biosecu rity risks associated with them . 
Background  
Imported risk goods have the potential to introduce pests and unwanted organisms into NZ. Sea containers 
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 pests and unwanted organisms in NZ. These organisms have the potential to cause harm to 
natural and physical resources and human health i n NZ. MPI is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the 
Biosecurity Act 1993.  
Under the Act, an IHS may be issued that sets out the requirements that must be met when importing risk 
goods in order to manage the risks associated with their importation including the risk from incidentally 
imported organisms. This IHS outlines the mini mum requirements that must be met when importing sea 
containers  into NZ to obtain biosecurity clearance.  
Who should read this?  
All importers of sea containers entering NZ (from any country) should be familiar with this IHS  
Why is this important?  
(1) Importers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that imported  sea containers  comply with this IHS 
(Section 16B of the Act).  
(2) Sea containers  that do not comply with this IHS may be  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 sea containers  meet the requirements of this IHS, MPI will consider 
equivalence requests. A Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue guidelines or give directions on measures 
different to those in the standard to effectively manage biosecurity risks under S ection 27(1)(d)(iii) of the Act. 
Goods that comply with those guidelines or directions may be provided with biosecurity clearance.  
Document History  
Version Date  Section Changed  Change(s) Description  
28/08/2018  Section 2.2 and addition of 
Section 2.3  Removal of CTOD from S 2.2 and the addition o f the 
urgent amendment for Italian sea containers in S  2.3. 
17/10/2018  Throughout  Revision of grammatical errors and c larification of 
ambiguities.  
30/06/ 2019  Revised Section 2.3  
 Modification of S 2.3 to specify that all containers from 
Italy must be treated before arrival in New Zealand, and Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
 Final 3 April 2019  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  4 of 10 
also specifies that some sensitive commodities may be  
inspected  instead of being treated.   S 2.3 also has a 
modified Guidance Box.  
 
Other information  
Guidance  
Guidance for this IHS is provided in the Guidance Document in support of the IHS for Sea Containers, 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border -clearance/containers -and-cargo/requirements/ . It provides more 
information about importing sea containers . 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 sea containers . 
The information contained within “guidance boxes” throughout this document is for guidance only and is no t 
part of the statutory requirements.  These boxes are la belled as “Guidance” . 
Cargo  
Cargo within sea containers must be managed as per the relevant IHSs . See MPI’s website for the relevant 
IHS–https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/  
Wood Packaging  
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 contami nated packaging must be 
secured, segregated and managed as per this IHS. Contact MPI if you are unclear about the management of 
such material.  
Non-Compliance  
A sea container that does not meet the requirements of this standard will not be given biosecurity  clearance 
under the Act and will be directed by a n MPI Inspector as per S ection 122 of the Act for further action as 
considered appropriate to manage the biosecurity risks.  MPI may also deny the unloading of sea containers 
from arriving vessels where the risk is considered too great to allow discharge.  Deliberate non -compliance 
with the requirements of this standard or negligence leading to non -compliance will lead to increased 
intervention (e.g. inspection or audit) regimes or prosecution of liable parti es under the Act.  
Costs  
Inspections and other functions undertaken by MPI pertaining to importing sea containers  will be charged for 
as per the current Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations.  Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  5 of 10 
Part 1:  General Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all  sea containers that are imported into NZ from any country.  
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under S ection 142M of the Biosecurity Act 
1993: 
a) MPI standard  MPI Approved Biosecurity Treatments http://mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/1555 ; and 
b) International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 23: Guidelines for Inspection  (ISPM 23) , 
International Plant Protection Convention .  
(2) Under S ection 142O(3) of the Biosecurity Act, it is declared that Section 142O(1) does not apply, that 
is, a notice under S ection 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  Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
 Final 3 April 2019  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  6 of 10 
Part 2:  Biosecurity requirements for sea containers  
2.1 Information that must be pro vided for the importation of sea 
containers  
(1) The following documented information for all sea containers must be sent by importers and received by  
MPI at least 12 hours prior to the arrival of the sea container in NZ:  
a) Sea c ontainer Number  
b) Sea c ontainer type 
c) Country of origin  
d) Port of loading  
e) Port of discharge  
f) Importer details  
g) Exporter details  
h) NZ specified transitional facility (TF) destination  
i) Quarantine declaration  
j) Complete and accurate description of the cargo or tariff code, including all packaging  
k) Any treatment certification if required  
 
Guidance  
This information will be evaluate d by MPI to determine the regulatory interest of a sea container and its 
contents and subsequent actions that may be required . Sea containers with absent or incomplete 
information are likely to  be considered to be of high regulatory interest and are likely to receive more MPI 
intervention.  
2.2 Requirement for freedom from biosecurity contaminants and 
regulated pests  
(1) All sea containers imported into NZ must be clean and free of p ests and biosecurity contamination. 
Inspections or checks to verify this must be carried out by  legally approved persons under the Act  (for 
example, MPI Inspectors or Accredited P ersons).  
2.3 Sea Containers from Italy  
(1) The requirements of Section 2.3  applies un til the 30th of April 202 0. After that time, requirements will be 
re-evaluated.  
(2) For all sea containers that are exported  from Italy on or after the 1st of September and arrive on or 
before the 30th of April of any year:  
a) Sea container must be treated for BMSB in accordance with Approved Biosecurity Treatments  by 
an MPI-Approved Offshore T reatment Provider  before arrival in New Zealand.  
or 
 
b) Sea containers  may be inspected by an MPI Inspector instead of treatment where : 
i) The importer has notified MPI that the sea container contains cargo that the importer 
considers is sensitive and would be damaged by the treatments for Brown Marmorated 
Stink Bug (BMSB)  specified in the Approved Biosecurity Treatments ; and  
 
ii) A CTO has deter mined that treatment may damage the cargo.   Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  7 of 10 
Guidance  
Note 1. Examples of sensitive commodities include:  
 Agricultural Compounds/Veterinary Medicines;  
 Food for human consumption (including beverages);  
 Fresh produce;  
 Live animals;  
 Leather goods (apparel and furniture)  
 Pet food;  
 Pharmaceutical products;  
 Polyurethane foam products;  
 Refrigerated goods;  
 Seed for sowing; and  
 Textiles (including yarn).  
It is recommended to c ontact MPI in advance of shipping if an importer is unsu re if cargo in a sea container 
is considered to be sensitive to treatment.   
Note 2: After authorised MPI inspection for sensitive cargo has been conducted, MPI may require additional 
risk mitigation actions where non -compliance is found such as the consignment being treated, re -shipped or 
destroyed.  Where treatment is agreed, it is at the importer’s risk  and expense .  
Note 3: MPI is likely to deny all other untreated sea containers and cargo from Italy  from being unloaded  
from arriving vessels  (when the cargo i s not considered by a CTO to be sensitive to treatment) . 
 
Note 4: Clause 2.3.2 as above, does not apply to sea containers and cargo from Italy when:  
a). Sea containers hold vehicles, machinery and equipment only ( and no other types of cargo).  This 
is beca use requirements for vehicles, machinery and equipment (as specified in the Import Health 
Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment)  have requirements that are additional or different 
to those for other sea containers and cargo (that is und er this Import Health Standard).   These 
requirements negate the need for additional treatment of the container.  
or 
b). Sea containers originating from a country other than Italy are trans -shipped through an Italian 
port before arriving in New Zealand provided that : 
(i). the fully sealed sea container remain s closed during trans -shipping ;  
or  
(ii). upon arrival at an Italian port, non-fully sealed sea containers such as flat racks, open -side, 
open -top and soft -top sea containers must be segregated  from other untrea ted cargo; and remain at 
that port for a maximum duration of 120 hours only . 
(3) After treatment of sea containers, all reasonable and practicable steps must be taken to prevent the 
contamination of treated sea containers with BMSB.  
 
Guidance  
See Approved biosecurity treatments  page 41 for BMSB treatments.  
 
Offshore treatment providers are listed at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border -clearance/transitional -
and-containment -facilities/find -treatment -options -and-suppliers/  Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
 Final 3 April 2019  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  8 of 10 
Part 3:  Inspection and logistical requirements for sea 
containers  
3.1 Port management  and trans -shipped containers  
(1) A sea container must not be removed from the place of first arrival (entry port ), including movement to 
transitional facilities, inland depots or for transhipment by road or rail, until all sea container information 
is received , has been  assessed by MPI and directions actioned by MPI or relevant parties.  Sea 
containers for trans -shipment by sea through New Zealand ports must be externally  inspected or 
checked at the place of first arrival  if they will remain on that port for longer than 12 hours.    
3.2 Transportation  
(1) For all uncleared sea containers being transported from a port to a transitional facility or between 
transitional facilities for  devanning , treatment  or other action , the importer or importer’s agent must 
provide all relevant information  and MPI directions about the sea container to the transport operator  
and the transitional facility  operator . 
3.3 Transitional Facilities  
(1) No person is permitted to open (or unload ) a sea container until notification of MPI requirements has 
been received at the transitional facility.  Sea c ontainers must be opened and unl oaded at the 
transitional facility in the presence of a n MPI Inspector or an Accredite d Person (as directed by MPI). 
3.4 Detection and management of biosecurity pests  and 
contamination  
(1) Biosecurity contamination, (for example, plant products, restricted packaging material, soil etc.) found 
on or in a sea container during routine checks must be secured in a quarantine bin or other approved 
receptacle  and MPI notified (as per the Accredited P erson ’s training). When life stages or live 
organisms , (for example,  egg masses, insects, mobile animals, snails etc.) are found they must be 
secured and MPI notified immediately on 0800 809 966.  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  9 of 10 
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 : 
BACC : Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate issued by MPI that provides either biosecurity clearance or 
direction for further MPI action s. 
Biosecurity contaminant(s):  Any organic material, thing or substance that ( because  of its nature, origin or 
other relevant factor) may contain a regulated pest (or parts thereof) . Therefore that  organic 
material/thing/substance is not intended for biosecurity clearance under the Act.   
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) : Halyomorpha halys . 
Check: A visual examination by an Accredited P erson to detect the presence of biosecurity pests and 
contamination. Such a check is to be carried out during the routine handling and movement of sea containers 
and a s per the Accredited P ersons training.  
Customs delivery order (CDO): Direction issued by the New Zealand Customs Service that allows for a sea 
container to be transported to another location.  
High regulatory interest: Sea c ontainers that are considered by MPI profiling to have a higher t han avera ge 
chance  of being contaminated  with biosecurity pests or material; OR  with absent or incomplete information;  
OR are sourced from countries with ‘high risk status’.  Sea c ontainers of high regulatory interest  require further 
MPI intervention  before a biosec urity clearance is issued . 
Inspection: An inspection  by an MPI Inspector to detect the presence of biosecurity pests and contamination , 
in accordance with the Act and ISPM 23 .  
Packaging material : Material used to brace  or hold  cargo within a sea container  such as  pallets,  cases, 
crates, boxes, drums, and cartons, dunnage and wedges.  
Regulated pest(s) :  
a) any regulated pest, quarantine pest, regulated non -quarantine pest as those terms are defined in 
the International Plant Protection Convention ; and  
b) exotic  diseases, infections , and infestations as listed by the World Organisation for Animal 
Health , and  
c) any organism that may cause unwanted harm to natural and physical resources or human health 
in New Zealand; or may interfere with the diagnosis, management, or treatment, in New Zealand, 
of pests or unwanted organisms.  
Restricted packaging material: Packaging that includes soil, peat, moss, used sacking material, hay, straw, 
chaff and any material contaminated with the above.  Wood packaging is also included - materials such as 
cases, crates and pallets and wood used to separate, brace, protect or secure cargo in transit.  
Treatment certificate : must confirm  that the cargo was treated  with an MPI -Approved treatment and 
includes:  
a) Treatment  Provider’s letterhead i ncluding name and physical address.  
b) Certificate number.  
c) Description of the consignment – including quantity of items.  
d) Name and address of exporter.  
e) Name and address of importer.  
f) Date upon which treatment was completed with signature of the Treatment Provider.  
g) Address where the treatment occurred.  Import Health Standard : Sea Containers - Draft for Consultation   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  10 of 10 
h) Treatment details including the type of treatment used and products (where applicable), applied 
treatment rate, exposure time period, minimum enclosure temperature details, etc.  
i) A declaration that the Treatme nt Provider has met all of the requirements specified by MPI.