Approved Biosecurity Treatments for Risk Goods Directed for Treatment (bnz-std-abtrt)

This schedule specifies options for risk goods requiring treatment prior to obtaining biosecurity clearance for import. Offshore preshipment treatments may differ and are listed in the relevant Import Health Standard - see the search facility.

Export commodities may require different treatments and can be found at: ICPR Search

This schedule covers treatments used to eradicate pests and diseases intercepted on risk goods. The treatment must be carried out by a treatment supplier approved to the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) Standard - Requirements for the supplier of official treatments. Additionally, the treatment supplier may only apply treatments given in their scope of approval by MAF. Note: Some treatments may not be available at a particular location, importers should check prior to importing the goods.

Importers are reminded that:

  • They import contaminated goods to New Zealand at their own risk;
  • If treatment or decontamination is required this is entirely at the non-compliant importer’s risk and expense in all respects;
  • Specifically if treatment is required this is a private arrangement between the treatment supplier and importer and not carried out on behalf of MAF;
  • Whilst MAF will ensure that only suitably qualified treatment suppliers are available for use by the importer MAF accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any failure by the treatment supplier in its contract for treatment/decontamination services with the importer; and
  • Methyl bromide can only be used for official treatments, more guidance is available at: Official Use of Methyl Bromide.

The schedule is separated for convenience into commodity groups commonly imported into New Zealand and lists the approved treatment options. The rates or dosages to be used, the temperature ranges to be used at, the exposure times needed to attain pest-kill and the source from which the treatment is obtained are specified for each treatment. A short code has been allocated to simplify reference to the specified treatment and these may be revised over time. Notes and comments are included and must be read in conjunction with the dosage specified to ensure the success of the selected treatment.

The treatment options specified in this schedule are written in good faith according to published documentation or as recommended by manufacturers. MAF takes no responsibility for any incorrect treatment application, nor any damage caused to commodities following the application of a quarantine treatment mentioned in this standard. It is the importer’s choice after considering the treatment options, receiving advice from the treatment supplier and considering whether to reship or destroy, to then treat the goods. Any item awaiting treatment must be held securely to contain the pests and be treated within the time specified on the Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC). If a direction is received to move an item to another facility for treatment then this must happen in a secure manner to contain the pests.

An importer may propose an alternative treatment for approval by MAF. Full details that prove equivalence of efficacy are to be provided to MAF. Costs involved in the evaluation process may be recovered and decisions on alternative chemicals and treatments may be subject to delay.

The importer of risk goods, including baggage, mail or personal effects that are treated before clearance must –

  • Pay the actual and reasonable costs of the treatment; and
  • Bear the costs (if any) of packaging, storing, forwarding, and returning the goods before and after treatment.

It is the treatment supplier’s responsibility to ensure the goods are safe to access or handle after treatment. Treatment certificates will be verified by MAF before the goods treated will be given clearance.

This schedule may be reviewed and amended at any time at the discretion of the Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Treatment Suppliers must ensure that the latest version of this schedule is being used at all times (date at the bottom of the page).

Page last updated: 20 April 2012