Approved Biosecurity Treatments for Risk Goods Directed for Treatment

8 April 2008

bnz-std-abtrt

You are viewing an import health standard. It outlines the requirements that must be met before risk goods can be imported into New Zealand.

This treatment schedule is an updated version following on from the 2006 edition. It contains changes as outlined in the notification document. Please ensure that the most recent version of the treatment schedule is followed.

This schedule specifies options for risk goods requiring treatment prior to obtaining biosecurity clearance. The schedule covers treatments specified in import health standards and 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 BMG-STD-TREAT - Approval of Suppliers Providing Treatment of Imported Risk Goods and Forestry/Plant Related Material for Export. Additionally, the treatment supplier may only apply treatments given in their scope of approval by Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ).

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 and treated within the time specified on the Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC).
An importer may propose an alternative treatment for approval by BNZ. Full details that prove equivalence of efficacy are to be provided to BNZ. 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 -

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

Treatment Suppliers must ensure that the latest version of this schedule is being used at all times (date at the bottom of the page). Treatment certificates will be verified by MAF Quarantine Service 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).