Import Health Standard 
for 
Animal Fibres  
 
 
ANFIBRES.ALL 
 
 
  
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 
P.O Box 2526 
Wellington 6011 
New Zealand 
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ANFIBRES.ALL  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Issuing Authority 
 
This standard is issued under section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993  (the Act).  
 
  Dated at Wellington this xx
th day of xxxxxx 2012 
   
 
Director General Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) (Issued under delegated authority)   
 
 
              
 
               
Version.1.0 
 
   
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ANFIBRES.ALL  
Contents  
Part A. In troduction .................................................................................................. 4  
Backgroun d............................................................................................................. 4  
Scope...................................................................................................................... 5  
Outcomes................................................................................................................ 5  
Part B. General Requireme nts................................................................................. 6  
Documentat ion........................................................................................................ 6  
Packagi ng ............................................................................................................... 6  
Transhipm ent.......................................................................................................... 6  
Part C. Specific Requireme nts ................................................................................ 7  
Unscoured fibre from s pecified ru minants............................................................... 7  
Scoured only fibre from specified ru minants ........................................................... 8  
Scoured and carded/dyed fibre fr om specified ruminants ....................................... 9  
New Zealand/Australian origin wool process ed offshore ........................................ 9  
Private consignments of ru minant and horse  fibre ................................................ 10  
Kangaroo, wallaby an d possum fi bre .................................................................... 10  
Rabbit fi bre............................................................................................................ 11  
Feather s................................................................................................................ 11  
Bristles an d hair .................................................................................................... 12  
New Zealand retu rning fi bre.................................................................................. 12  
Part D. Post Entr y Requireme nts .......................................................................... 13  
Part E. De finitions................................................................................................... 14  
Part F. Eq uivalence ................................................................................................ 16   
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ANFIBRES.ALL Part A. Introduction 
Background 
1. This document is the Import Health Standard (IHS) for Animal Fibres issued under 
section 22 of the Act. This standard specifies the requirements that must be met to import 
animal fibres into New Zealand from all countries. 
2. If this standard needs to be amended or revoked urgently, or the Director General 
considers that an amendment is minor, the amendment or revocation may be carried out 
without prior consultation. 
3. A Guidance Document will be issued by MAF to accompany this IHS. This will provide 
information relevant to how the requirements may be met and any model veterinary 
certificates approved for trade.   
4. Imported animal fibres are subject to measures for risk organisms that are associated 
with animal fibres. Some of the measures in this standard will apply to more than one risk organism. 
5. The risk organisms associated with animal fibres are: 
o Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) 
o Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) 
o Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD) 
o Ectoparasites  (hitchhikers) 
o Enterobacteriaceae (e.g. exotic Salmonella spp.) 
o Exotic Brucella spp. (Brucellosis)  
o Pox viruses (Lumpy skin disease and sheep and goat pox)  
o Chlamydia abortus  (Enzootic abortion of ewes)   
o Swine vesicular disease virus 
o Classical swine fever virus 
o Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (type 2) 
o Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus  
o Newcastle disease virus  
o Infectious bursal disease virus 
o Burkholderia mallei  (Glanders)  
o Burkholderia pseudomallei  (Melioidosis)  
o Porcine enteroviruses 
o Weed species  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Scope 
6. The following products are included within the scope of this standard: 
6.1. Wool  
6.2. Hair, fur, and bristles 
6.3. Mohair and cashmere 
6.4. Feathers 
7. The following products are not included within the scope of this standard: 
7.1. Hides and skins with attached fibre 7.2. Rawhide articles, handicrafts with attached fibre 
7.3. Deer/elk velvet for human consumption 
8. All commercial or private consignments of animal fibres imported into New Zealand must 
meet the requirements specified in this standard. This includes the general requirements 
contained in Part B of this standard, and any commodity-specific requirements contained in Parts C and D of this standard. 
 
Outcomes  
9. Where possible, consignments of animal fibres imported into New Zealand will be 
officially certified as originating from countries or areas that are free of risk organisms associated with the species of origin. 
10. Where official certification is not offered, consignments of animal fibres imported into New 
Zealand will be processed to effectively manage the risk of introducing viable risk 
organisms associated with the species of origin. 
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Part B. General Requirements 
Documentation  
11. All commercial consignments of animal fibres imported into New Zealand must be 
accompanied by information that: 
11.1. Identifies the country of origin of the product (or zone as defined by the OIE 
Code); AND 
11.2. Identifies the destination in New Zealand; AND  
11.3. Adequately describes the nature of the product. 
12. All documentation accompanying commercial consignments of animal fibres imported 
into New Zealand must be: 
12.1. Original, unless otherwise specified; AND  
12.2. In English that is clear and legible; AND 
12.3. Clearly linked to the consignment; AND 
12.4. Presented to the MAF office at the port of arrival. See Guidance Document for 
further details  
13. Commercial consignments of animal fibres that require further processing on arrival in 
New Zealand, in accordance with Parts C and D of this standard, must be accompanied 
by a valid permit to import.  
Packaging  
14. The packaging of all consignments of animal fibres imported into New Zealand must be 
clean, secure, and free of any organic contaminants.  
15. All consignments of used wool packs imported into New Zealand must be:  
15.1. Accompanied by a valid permit to import; AND  
15.2. Processed at a transitional facility in accordance with clause 37, and Part   D, 
of this standard.  
Transhipment  
16. In addition to the requirements under Part C of this standard consignments of animal 
fibres transhipped en route to New Zealand must be accompanied by:  
16.1. A valid permit to import as required under Part C of this standard; AND  
16.2. A veterinary certificate issued by the intermediate country certifying that the 
animal fibre has not been further processed, commingled, or cross-contaminated while in the intermediate country. 
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Part C. Specific Requirements  
 
All requirements in this section apply to commercial consignments imported into New Zealand unless stated otherwise.  
 
Unscoured fibre from specified ruminants  
17. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants (sheep, goats, yaks, camels, alpacas, and 
llamas) that has not been scoured must be accompanied by:  
17.1. A veterinary certificate certifying that the fibre meets the specific requirements 
of clause 18 of this standard; AND 
17.2. A valid permit to import. 
18. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants that has not been scoured must meet the 
following requirements for the specified risk organisms:  
Foot and mouth disease virus 
18.1. Originate from a country or zone that is officially free from FMD in accordance 
with the OIE Code; OR 
18.2. Originate from animals resident in a zone in which no case of FMD has 
occurred within a 10km radius within the last 30 days AND from holdings that 
have been FMD free for the previous 3 months; OR  
18.3. Be at least 4 weeks in transit to New Zealand OR have been stored for at least 
4 weeks;  
Pox viruses 
18.4. Originate from a country that is free from sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin 
disease in accordance with the OIE Code;  
Anthrax 
18.5. Originate from live healthy animals resident in the country of origin; OR  
18.6. Originate from animals that have been slaughtered at a facility approved by 
the Competent Authority of the exporting country to produce meat for human consumption; OR 
18.7. Originate  from animals resident in an anthrax free area(s ). 
 All other risk organisms 
18.8. Be further processed at a transitional facility in accordance with clauses 22.4 
to 22.11, and Part D, of this standard.  
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Scoured only fibre from specified ruminants  
19. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants (sheep, goats, yaks, camels, alpacas, and 
llamas) that has been scoured only must be accompanied by:  
19.1. A government endorsed manufacturer’s/fibre certifier’s declaration (for 
treatments conducted); AND  
19.2. A veterinary certificate that meets the specific requirements of clause 20 of 
this standard; AND  
19.3. A valid permit to import. 
20. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants that  has been scoured must meet the 
following requirements for the specified risk organisms:  
Foot and mouth disease virus  
20.1. Originate from a country or zone that is officially free from FMD in accordance 
with the OIE Code; OR  
20.2. Originate from animals resident in a zone in which no case of FMD has 
occurred within a 10km radius within the last 30 days AND from holdings that 
have been FMD free for the previous 3 months; OR  
20.3. Be at least 4 weeks in transit to New Zealand OR have been stored for at least 
4 weeks;  
Anthrax 
20.4. Originate from live healthy animals resident in the country of origin; OR 
20.5. Originate from animals that have been slaughtered at a facility approved by 
the Competent Authority of the exporting country to produce meat for human 
consumption; OR 
20.6. Originate  from animals resident in an anthrax free area(s);  
Weed seeds 
20.7. Be further processed at a transitional facility in accordance with clauses 22.4 
to 22.7, and Part D, of this standard.  
All other risk organisms  
20.8. Be commercially scoured; 
AND 
20.9. Be washed in water for at least 1 minute at 75°C or higher; OR 
20.10. Be dried for at least 2 minutes at 70°C or higher. 
 
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Scoured and carded/dyed fibre from specified ruminants  
21. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants (sheep, goats, yaks, camels, alpacas, and 
llamas) that has been scoured and carded/dyed must be accompanied by:  
21.1. A government endorsed manufacturer’s/fibre certifier’s declaration (for 
treatments conducted); AND  
21.2. A veterinary certificate that meets all the requirements of clause 22 of this 
standard. 
22. Animal fibre derived from specified ruminants that has been scoured and carded/dyed 
must meet the following requirements for the specified risk organisms:  
Anthrax 
22.1. Originate from live healthy animals resident in the country of origin; OR  
22.2. Originate from animals that have been slaughtered at a facility approved by 
the Competent Authority of the exporting country to produce meat for human 
consumption; OR 
22.3. Originate  from animals resident in an anthrax free area(s);  
Weed seeds  
22.4. Be hot water dyed; OR 
22.5. Be carded and combed; OR  
22.6. Be carded using a carding machine incorporating a high pressure crushing 
roller; OR  
22.7. Be acid carbonised.  
All other risk organisms  
22.8. Be commercially scoured;  
AND 
22.9. Be washed in water for at least 1 minute at 75°C or higher; OR  
22.10. Be dried for at least 2 minutes at 70°C or higher; OR 22.11. Be hot water dyed. 
 
New Zealand/Australian orig in w ool processed offshore 
23. New Zealand or Australian origin scoured wool that has been further processed in a 
country other than New Zealand must be accompanied by either a government endorsed 
manufacturer’s declaration or a veterinary certificate certifying that the fibre:  
23.1. Originates entirely from Australia or New Zealand; AND  
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ANFIBRES.ALL 23.2. Has been processed in accordance with clauses 22.4 to 22.11 (excluding 
22.8) of this standard (only for Australian origin wool); AND  
23.3. Has not been in contact with unscoured (greasy) wool in the processing facility 
offshore.  
 
Private consignments of ruminant and horse fibre 
24. Animal fibre from ruminants or horses imported into New Zealand that has been washed 
or home spun must be free of visible contamination.  
25. If the private consignment imported under clause 24 of this standard is visibly 
contaminated the fibre must be treated as per the MAF Approved Biosecurity Treatments 
Standard  or any document that replaces that document.   
26. Animal fibre from ruminants and horses imported into New Zealand that is unprocessed 
must be free of visible contamination AND treated as per the MAF Approved Biosecurity 
Treatments Standard,  or any document that replaces that document.   
 
Kangaroo, wallaby and possum fibre 
27. Kangaroo, wallaby, and possum fibre may only be imported into New Zealand from 
Australia. 
28. Kangaroo, wallaby, and possum fibre must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate 
certifying that the fibre; 
28.1. Has been treated in accordance with clause 37 of this standard; OR  
28.2. Meets the following requirements; 
28.2.1. (i) originates from animals that have been slaughtered at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country to 
produce meat for human consumption; OR  
(ii) originates from  animals resident in an anthrax free area(s);  
AND 
28.2.2. (i) has been immersed in water heated at a temperature of at least 
75°C for at least 5 minutes, in the presence of a non-ionic detergent at a concentration of at least 1g per litre; OR 
(ii) has been commercially scoured and then dried for at least 2 
minutes at 70°C or higher. 
29. Kangaroo, wallaby, and possum fibre may alternatively be treated at a transitional facility 
in accordance with clause 37 and Part D of this standard. Where this occurs 
consignments must be accompanied by a valid permit to import.   
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ANFIBRES.ALL Rabbit fibre 
30. Rabbit fibre must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate certifying that the fibre: 
30.1. Has been treated in accordance with clause 37 of this standard; OR  
30.2. Meets the following requirements; 
30.2.1. (i) originates from animals that have been slaughtered at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country to 
produce meat for human consumption; OR  
(ii) originates from  animals resident in an anthrax free area(s);  
AND 
30.2.2. (i) has been immersed in water heated at a temperature of at least 
75°C for at least 5 minutes, in the presence of a non-ionic detergent at a concentration of at least 1g per litre; OR 
(ii) has been commercially scoured and then dried for at least 2 
minutes at 70°C or higher. 
31. Rabbit fibre may alternatively be treated at a transitional facility in accordance with clause 
37 and Part D of this standard. Where this occurs consignments must be accompanied 
by a valid permit to import. 
 
Feathers  
32. All consignments of consumer-ready m anufactured articles/handicrafts containing 
feathers (e.g. dream catchers, dusters, shields) must be free of visible contamination. 
33. If a consignment imported under clause 32 of this standard is visibly contaminated then 
the feathers must be treated in accordance with the MAF Approved Biosecurity  
Treatments Standard, or any document that replaces that document, before they can be 
imported into New Zealand.  
34. Commercial consignments of loose feathers that have been commercially washed must 
be accompanied by a manufacturer’s declarati on verifying that the feathers have been 
commercially washed.  
35. Commercial consignments of feathers that have not been commercially washed must be 
accompanied by a veterinary certificate or a government endorsed manufacturer’s 
declaration certifying that the feathers have been: 
35.1. Sprayed with 10% formalin in an airtight container and left sealed for 8 hours; 
OR 
35.2. Gamma irradiated with a minimum dose of 5 Mrad (50kGy); OR 
35.3. Fumigated with 10% formalin for 8 hours.  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Bristles and hair  
36. All consignments of bristles and hair that have been commercially manufactured into 
articles that require no further processing and are ready for sale to the public must be 
free of visible contamination.  
37. All consignments of bristles or hair fr om any species may be given clearance provided 
the consignment is accompanied by a veterinary certificate or a manufacturer’s declaration confirming that the consignment has been treated to inactivate anthrax in accordance with one of the following requirements:  
37.1. Immersion in water, heated at a temperature of at least 90°C for a minimum of 
45 minutes; OR 
37.2. Immersion in water, heated at a temperature of at least 95°C for a minimum of 
25 minutes; OR 
37.3. Immersion in water, heated at a temperature of at least 100°C for a minimum 
of 15 minutes; OR 
37.4. Gamma irradiation with a minimum dose of 5 Mrad (50kGy). 
38. All consignments of bristles or hair from any species may alternatively be treated to 
inactivate anthrax spores at a transitional facility in accordance with clause 37, and Part D of this standard. Where this occurs consignments must be accompanied by a valid permit to import. 
 
New Zealand returning fibre 
39. Animal fibres of New Zealand origin (i.e. animal fibre originally exported from New 
Zealand and being returning for any reason) may be permitted entry into New Zealand 
from any country provided that the consignment is: 
39.1. Accompanied by documentation and/or packaging clearly identifying the 
animal fibre as being of New Zealand origin; AND 
39.2. Packed in the original unopened packaging; AND 
39.3. Free of visible contamination.  
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Part D. Post Entry Requirements 
40. Where required under this standard, consignments of animal fibres imported into New 
Zealand must be further processed at the transitional facility listed on their permit to 
import. 
41. While in the transitional facility, and prior to processing, consignments shall be marked, 
stored, and handled in accordance with the MAF Standard for General Transitional 
Facilities for Uncleared Goods (or any standard that replaces that standard ), and any 
associated requirements listed in Annex F of the Guidance Document to that standard.  
42. While in the transitional facility, the facility operator is responsible for: 
42.1. Processing the animal fibre in accordance with the requirements detailed 
under Part C of this standard; AND 
42.2. Ensuring the packaging of the animal fibres and effluent generated during 
processing meets the requirements of clauses 43 and 44 of this standard.  
43. All packaging associated with animal fibres imported into New Zealand must be treated, 
destroyed, or disposed of by EITHER: 
43.1. Incineration; OR  
43.2. Autoclaving; OR  
43.3. Deep burial; OR 
43.4. Immersion in water at 90°C for 45 minutes, 95°C for 25 minutes, or 100°C for 
15 minutes; OR 
43.5. Any other method provided it has first been approved by MAF in writing. A 
request must be submitted to MAF in accordance with Part F of this standard.  
44. All effluent generated during processing must be either: 
44.1. Discharged into a municipal sewage system; OR  44.2. Discharged into a securely fenced and isolated soak-pit or another method 
approved by MAF; OR 
44.3. Treated with a MAF-approved biocide; OR 
44.4. Treated by any other method provi ded it has first been approved by MAF in 
writing. A request must be submitted to MAF in accordance with Part F of this 
standard.  
  
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ANFIBRES.ALL Part E. Definitions 
The definitions below relate to terms used in this standard. Words used but not defined in 
this standard have the same meaning as words defined in the Biosecurity Act, 1993.    
Animal fibre 
“Animal fibre” or “fibre” refers to the natural external fibres or appendages that form part of the integument (organ comprising skin and appendages) of an animal. The end use of animal 
fibres can be varied but is generally for manufacturing into apparel, carpets, bedding, or fabric.   
 
Anthrax-free area(s) 
An area or areas where no cases of anthrax have occurred in the 6 months prior to the date 
of the shipment, or an area or areas where establishments  are not subject to restrictions 
imposed for the control of anthrax at the time of fibre collection. The area or areas must have procedures that ensure the detection of outbr eaks, effective quarantining of premises, and 
destruction of all parts of animals with anthrax.  
 
Commercially manufactured items containing feathers Commercially manufactured items containing f eathers including but not limited to; shuttle 
cocks, dyed boas, dusters, feathers in hats, fishing flies, quilts, duvets, pillows, handicrafts, 
and artifacts.  
 
Competent Authority The Veterinary Authority or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member that has the 
responsibility and competence for ensuring, or supervising, the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards, and recommendations in the Terrestrial OIE Code in the whole territory.  
 Establishment 
Premises where animals are kept 
 
Fibre certifier’s declaration 
A declaration signed and dated by a person with at least one year of processing experience in the wool industry and with an ability to recognise scoured and/or carded fibre.  
 
Government endorsed manufacturer’s declaration  
A manufacturer’s declaration endorsed by the Competent Authority of the exporting country. 
This endorsement must be signed and dated by an official veterinarian, include the official 
veterinarian’s name, and be sealed with the stamp/seal of the applicable Competent 
Authority. 
 
Inspector 
A person appointed under section 103 of the Biosecurity Act (1993). (Explanatory Note: An 
Inspector is appointed to undertake administering and enforcing the provisions of the 
Biosecurity Act and controls imposed under the Hazardous Substances and New Organism 
Act 1996, and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species  
Manufacturer’s declaration  A document prepared by the manufacturer of the commodity on letterhead paper and signed 
by the quality manager or equivalent of the manufacturing premises and containing the 
correct statement/s as required by the import conditions specific to the product and 
consignment. The statements contained on a manufacturer’s declaration can also be attested to on a veterinary certificate.   
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ANFIBRES.ALL MAF Approved Biosecurity Treatment Standard  
A standard issued by the Director General of MAF detailing the approved biosecurity 
treatments for risk goods - http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/stds/bnz-std-abtrt.pdf    
 
MAF Standard for General Transitional Facilities for Uncleared Goods  
A standard issued by the Director General of MAF detailing the requirements for handling 
and storing risk goods that have not obtained clearance - 
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/border/transitional-facilities/bnz-std-tfgen   
 
Official veterinarian 
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the exporting 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 conformity with the provisions of the Section 5.2 of the OIE Code pertaining to principles of certification. 
OIE Code 
The World Organisation for Animal Health’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, or any code that 
replaces that code – available online at http://www.oie.int/international-standard-
setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/ .  
Permit to Import 
A permit issued by the Director General or per son authorised by the Director General of MAF 
under section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993. See Guidance Document for how to apply for a 
permit.  
 Private consignment 
A consignment that has been imported for private use only and not intended for re-sale or commercial purposes.  
 
Scoured fibre 
Fibre that has been washed in an aqueous solution of water and detergent at 60°-70° for on 
average 3 minutes to remove unwanted dirt and grease.   Specified ruminants 
Sheep, goats, yaks, camels, alpacas, and llamas of the suborder Ruminantia, order 
Artiodactyla.  
 
Transhipment  
Movement of product from the country of origin to the country of final destination via an 
intermediate country where the container enc losing the product has been customs cleared, 
opened, the contents removed, and a portion of the original product is then shipped from the intermediate country’s warehouse to the final destination in the importing country.    Transit 
Movement of product from the country of origin to the country of final destination via an 
intermediate country where the container enclosing the product remains unopened, the seal remains intact, and the container has not left the control of customs officials of the transiting country.  
Veterinary certificate  
A certificate, signed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country’s Competent Authority, 
issued in conformity with the provisions of Chapter 5.2 of the OIE Code. See Guidance 
Document for model veterinary certificates.   
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ANFIBRES.ALL Visible contamination  
Includes but is not limited to blood, manure, soil, plant material, and pest infestation.  
 
Part F. Equivalence 
45. The requirements for animal fibres are met if, in the opinion of the Director-General or 
person authorised by the Director General of MAF, the measures taken for managing the 
risks associated with the importation of those goods are equally effective at managing those risks as the requirements specified in (1) to (44) above.  If an equivalence 
measure(s) is approved MAF will issue a permit to import.