Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Vehicles, Machinery and 
Tyres  
VEHICLE.ALL  
19 February 2018  
 
Please Note: This document is the Import Health Standard from 25 August 2017 that 
has been re -formatted.  
It also includes requirements for used vehicles and machinery from Japan enforced from 
19 February 2018.  Risk goods shipped prior to 19  February 2018 are excluded from these 
requirements but are subject to treatment and inspection on arrival in NZ. Please refer to 
Part 3 of the document for details.  
It also includes Guidance on CTO Directions for Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres from Italy 
and the USA .  Please refer to Part 3 of the document for details.  
 Import Health Stand ard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 10 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  19 February 2018 .  
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard  revokes and replaces:  the Import Health Standard  for Vehicles, Machinery and 
Tyres issued on the  25 January  2018.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this  19th day of February 2018  
 
 
Peter Thomson  
Director, Plants, Food & Environment  (acting)  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authorit y 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  
New Zealand (NZ)  
Email: standards@mpi.govt.nz   
 Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  2 of 10 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Definitions  5 
Part 2:  Requirements for Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  6 
2.1 Information that must be provided  for the importation of vehicles, machinery and tyres  6 
2.2 Biosecurity requirements for vehicles, machinery and tyres  6 
Part 3:  Specific Biosecurity Requirements  for Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  7 
3.1 Categories of vehicles, machinery and tyres that  must be fumigated (or treated by other 
CTO -approved means) prior to receiving biosecurity clearance.  7 
3.2 Equipment that must be  heat treated (or treated by other CTO -approved means) prior to 
receiving biosecurity clearance.  7 
3.3 Used vehicles and machiner y sourced and shipped from Japan for the management of 
Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and Yellow Spotted Stink 
Bug (YSSB).  7 
3.4 Vehicles and machinery sourced and shipped from Italy or the United States of America 
(USA) for the management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).  7 
Schedule 1 – Definitions  10 
 
Import Health Stand ard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  3 of 10 
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  vehicles, machinery and tyres 
are imported into 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. Vehicles, 
machinery and tyres  are risk goods because pests and unwanted organisms may be associated with  them 
when they arrive in  NZ. The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Ac t) 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 in NZ. 
MPI is responsible for enf orcing the provisions of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  Under the Act, an IHS may be 
issued that 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 incident ally imported organisms . This IHS outlines the 
minimum requirements that must be met when vehicles, machinery and tyres into NZ to obtain biosecurity 
clearance . 
Who should read this?  
All import ers vehicles, machinery and tyres 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 vehicles, machinery and tyres comply with this 
IHS (section 16B of the Act) . 
(2) Vehicles, machinery and tyres that do not comply with t his 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 vehicles, machinery and tyres 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 section 27(1)(d)(iii) of the Act.  
Goods that comply wit h those guidelines or directions may be provided with biosecurity  clearance.  
Document History  
No. Version Date  Section Change  Change(s) Description  
1 December 2014  4.3  New measures for "new and used vehicles and machinery" 
from the United States of America have been issued.  
2 August  2017  4.4 New measures for "new and used vehicles and machinery" 
from Italy have been issued.  
3 January 2018  All sections  Re-format entire document.  Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  4 of 10 4.  February 2018  3.3  New measures for used vehicles and machinery from 
Japan have been issued.  
 
Other information  
Guidance  
Guidance for this IHS is provided in the Guidance Document in support of  the IHS for vehicles, machinery or 
tyres  at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/other/vehicles -and-machinery/ . It provides more information about 
importing vehicles, machinery or tyres . It is advisable to seek assistance from MPI if you are unclear on any 
part of the IHS prior to undertaking a ny activities relating to the importation of vehicles, machinery or tyres . 
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” . 
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 Stand ard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  5 of 10 
Part 1:  General requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to vehicles, machinery and tyres  that are imported into NZ from any country.   
1.2 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: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  6 of 10 Part 2:  Requirements for Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
2.1 Information that must be provided  for the importation of vehicles, 
machinery and tyres  
(1) All vehicles, machinery and tyres must be accompanied by CTO -approved documentation stating the 
following information:   
a) Identification (e.g., vehicle identification num ber (VIN)).  
b) Make and model (applies to whole vehicles and units of machinery only).  
c) Manifest of inner cargo, including number and type of tyres (if applicable).  
d) Name of consignor, name of consignee and consignee's full address.  
e) New vehicle, new machinery a nd new tyre information must be made available to MPI by the 
importer describing/showing that the risks of biosecurity contamination have been mitigated 
between manufacture and export.  
f) Port of origin.  
g) Shipment details, including container number (if applic able).  
 
Guidance  
This information will be assessed by MPI to determine the regulatory interest of vehicles, machinery and 
tyres  and subsequent actions that may occur . Consignments  with absent or incomplete information will be 
considered to be  of high regulatory interest  and are likely to receive more MPI intervention . 
2.2 Biosecurity requirements for vehicles, machinery and tyres   
(1) All vehicles , machiner y and tyres imported into NZ must be clean, internally and externally.  Import Health Stand ard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  7 of 10 
Part 3:  Specific Biosecurity Requirements  for Vehicles, 
Machinery and Tyres  
3.1 Categories of vehicles , machinery and tyres that must be 
fumigated (or treated by other CTO -approved means) prior to 
receiving biosecurity clearance . 
(1) Used vehicle parts (containerised), including those imported  for dismantling.  
(2) Used tyres (deflated or not on rims).   
3.2 Equipment that must be heat treated (or treated by other CTO -
approved means) prior to receiving biosecurity clearance . 
(1) Used wire ropes attached to agricultural, forestry and horticultural vehicles/machinery . 
 
Guidance  
Note: CTO - approved treatment details may be found in the MPI Technical Standard – Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments for Risk Goods (MPI-STD-ABTRT) located at: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/law -and-policy/requirements/transitional -facilities -standards/   
3.3 Used vehicles and machinery sou rced and shipped from Japan 
for the m anagement of Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), Brown  
Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and Yellow Spotted Stink Bug 
(YSSB).  
(1) All us ed cars and trucks  from Japan must be  managed through an MPI -approved system .   
(2) All used machinery and non -standard vehicles (such as buses, d ump-trucks and motor homes) must 
be cleaned and must be certified as being cleaned by an MPI -approved cleaning provider.  The 
requirement excludes motorised bicycles, motorbikes and quad bikes.  
3.4 Vehicles and machinery sourced and shipped from Italy or the 
United States of America  (USA) for the management of Brown 
Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) . 
Please Note: The following CTO Direction requirements (20160067, 20160077, 20170038, and 
20180001) apply to all vehicles, machinery and tyres from Italy and the USA ; and are additional and 
differ from the measures specified below under 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.  
 
Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  8 of 10 MPI has issued CTO directions (20160067, 20160077, 20170038, and 20180001) pursuant to section 
27(1) (d)(iii) of the Act approving a treatment and condition s for "new and  used vehicles and machinery" 
from Italy and the USA as follows:  
 
• Treatment in Italy or the USA with S ulfuryl fluoride 16g/m3@ 10OC or greater for 12 hours with a 50% 
end point reading has been approved . This treatment rate is a minimum and any Sulfuryl fluoride 
treatment that is undertaken with a higher chemical rate, temperature or hours is acceptable.  
• Fully sealed containers may be treated in Italy or the USA up to 21 days prior to shipping.  
• Consignments in sealed containers that originate in a non -BMSB country and are subsequently trans -
shipped through either Italy or the USA are not required to be treated.  
• Break -bulk cargo (includes flat racks, open sided or open top and soft top containers) of vehicles and 
machinery not from Italy or the USA  but are trans -shipped through Italy or the USA do not require 
treatment but must:  
 have remained on the port of export and any subsequent transit port for no more than 120 hours;  
and 
 be segregated from all untreated high risk BMSB cargo at all times.  
• Break-bulk cargo (includes flat racks, open sided or open top and soft top containers) of vehicles and 
machinery from Italy or the USA must be treated prior to packing or shipment and must remain 
segregated from untreated high risk BMSB cargo at all times or be actioned appropriately (ranging 
from treatment on arrival through to discharge refusal).  
• All sealed containerised vehicles and machinery from Italy and the USA must be treated within 72 
hours of discharge; either at the port of arrival or containers can  be moved to a Transitional Facility 
capable of fumigating.  
• All approved treatments specified under IHS VEHICLE.ALL for the USA have a maximum post 
treatment storage period of 96 hours before shipment to NZ except for the States of California, Oregon 
and W ashington where 144 hours is allowed.  
• For consignments shipped from the state of Alaska, USA, treatment for the BMSB is not required as it 
is known not to occur. This also applies to Alaskan cargo tran s-shipped through other USA ports, as 
long as the cargo  does not leave the port.  
• MPI will consider alternative measures for sensitive cargo depending on the particular BMSB risk 
posed but each consignment will be risk assessed and may be treated with another method or 
inspected or both.  
 A lower rate of M ethyl  bromide e.g. 16g/m3 for 12 hours at 10°C+ with an end point reading of 
50% to achieve a minimum of 140g.hr m3concentration time product.  
 Insecticide foggi ng such as  Bifenthrin or Permethrin e.g. aircraft hold sprays such as Arundee 
MAC fogging spray or Ca llington 1 -Shot into the container – not to be used for food  
 Enhanced visual inspection – consider using an agitating spray  
 
Note: These changes will be fully incorporated into this  IHS in the near future as part of the review 
currently underway.  
3.4.1 Requirements for  all vehicles and machinery sourced and shipped from Italy from the 
1st of September to the 30th of April of any year.  
(1) Sea freight - All new and used vehicles and machinery imported via sea freight must be managed a s 
follows:  
a) Break -bulk ca rgo must be managed through an MPI -approved system.  
or 
b) Break -bulk cargo must be treated at the port of export to NZ.  
or 
c) Containerised cargo (including components, equipment and parts) must be treated at the port of 
export or on arrival in NZ.  
Import Health Stand ard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres   
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  9 of 10 
(2) Treatment spe cifications are as follows, and treatment for all vehicles and machinery must be 
conducted within must be conducted within 120 hours of departure from the port of export or treatment 
for containerised items may be conducted within 24 hours of arrival at th e place of first arrival in NZ:  
a) Heat treatment at 600C for 10 minutes for items weighing less than 3,000 kg.  
or  
b) Heat treatment at 600C for 20 minutes for items weighing more than 3,000 kg.  
or  
c) Methyl bromide fumigation at 48 g/m3 for 24 hours at 10 -150C. 
or  
d) Methyl bromide fumigation at 40 g/m3 for 24 hours at 15 -210C. 
or 
e) Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation at 16g/m3 for 12 hours with a minimum dose reading of 8g/m3 at a 
temperature of 10OC or grea ter to achieve a CT of 144 g.h/ m3. 
(3) Airfreight: All new and used ve hicles and machinery imported via air freight from Italy do not require 
treatment as outlined as above, but will be risk assessed and may be treated or inspected or both.  
3.4.2 Requirements for all vehicles and machinery sourced and shipped from the USA.  
(1) Sea freight : All new and used vehicles and machinery imported via sea freight must be:  
a) Treated with:  
i) Heat treatment at 600C for 20 minutes in the coldest location in the vehicle/machine.  
or 
ii) Methyl bromide fumigation at 48 g/m3 for 24 hours at 10 -150C. 
or 
iii) Methy l bromide fumigation at 40 g/m3 for 24 hours at 16 -210C. 
and  
iv) break-bulk cargo must be treated no more than 48 hours prior to shipment.  
and 
v) Containerised cargo must be treated either prior to shipment, or within 24 hours on arrival 
at the NZ port of discha rge. 
or  
b) Managed through an MPI -approved system.  
(2) Airfreight:  All new and used vehicles and machinery imported via air from the USA do not require 
treatment as outlined above but will be risk assessed and may be inspected, treated or both.  
 
Guidance  
The accompanying guidance document provides explanatory information to assist importers in meeting the 
requirements of this import health standard.   Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres  
   19 February 2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  10 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 : 
Biosecurity risk organism:  A live organism that is a (risk good' (as that term is defined in the 
Biosecurity Act 1993).  
Clean:  Free from biosecuri ty risk organisms, and organic material and other contaminating substance 
that, if present, it would by reason of its nature, origin, or other factors, be reasonable to suspect 
constitutes, harbours or contains a biosecurity risk organism.  
Equivalent syste m: Any system of interventions approved by a CTO that is equivalent to a specific 
requirement(s) of this IHS.  
Machinery:  Mechanical devices that transmit or modify energy to perform or assist in the 
performance of human tasks, whether self -propelled, drawn , pushed or fixed in position, including:  
• forestry, agricultural and horticultural equipment, such as logging equipment, vehicles with tracks, portable 
sawmills, balers, ploughs, tedders, wood chippers and mulchers, rollers, discers, fruit -pickers, wool 
scouring plants, pesticide sprayers and cranes, drilling rigs, as well as equipment/machinery used to 
house and/or process plants and plant products or animal and animal products;  
• components of vehicles/machinery, such as engines, chassis, filters, suspensi on units and tyres, tracks, 
holding tanks and compartments;  
• construction, building, and production equipment, such as concrete mixers, elevators, escalators, 
generators and road construction equipment;  
• used research and diagnostic equipment, such as centr ifuges, biohazard cabinets, air processing and 
extraction equipment, filters, stomachers and fume hoods, water samplers, waste disposals; and 
• any item of equipment that an inspector deems is machinery as defined for the purposes of this standard, 
such as f erris wheels, wind turbines and merry go -rounds.  
Vehicle:  A conveyance that is used to transport people, objects or substances, including:  
• motorised vehicles such as buses, cars, motor cycles, trucks, trains, utility vehicles, vans, motor homes, 
motorised bicycles, segways, forklifts, forestry and agricultural vehicles (tractors, harvesters, feller 
bunchers, and skidders), golf carts and mobility scooters;  
• non-motorised and/or self -propelled vehicles imported as cargo such as cable cars, trailers, caravans,  
vessels and aircraft, land yachts; and  
• damaged vehicles imported for repair or dismantling.  
But excluding:  
• non-motorised bicycles imported as general cargo or personal effects; and  
• non-road vehicles not requiring registration from NZ Transport Authorities such as skateboards, non -
motorised scooters, and wheelchairs.