Standard for Places of First Arrival

The Places of First Arrival (POFA) Standard was reviewed in 2010 and the updated standard (version 1, December 2010) has now been signed off by MAF. This means that all air and sea ports that decide to continue to be Places of First Arrival need to be assessed by MAF against the new standard.

The main change to the standard is that all POFAs must have an operating manual that describes the systems and processes in place at their port that allow them to meet the biosecurity standard requirements.

What we need you to do now:

  • Read through the POFA Standard Link to PDF document (79 KB) and Guidance Document Link to PDF document (586 KB),
  • Utilise the assessment checklist Assessment of Airports Link to PDF document (163 KB),
  • Complete your biosecurity management system (BMS) i.e.operating manual with sufficient detail to describe the systems and processes at your port,
  • Check your BMS covers the points listed in the self-assessment checklist specific to sea or airports. (to be sent by your MAF Liaison),
  • Speak with your local MAF liaison if you have any questions, and
  • Send in your completed BMS to your MAF liaison. They will arrange for the Biosecurity Inspector to assess the BMS and arrange a time to visit and assess your air or sea port.

The cost of PoFA assessments against biosecurity standards are recovered as part of the MAF Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations. This includes:

  • Audit preparation - including time taken to review your BMS, review of port activity and compliance history
  • On site assessment - Actual time taken to physically audit your port including talking to relevant staff, reviewing documentation, looking at relevant equipment and areas
  • A zone fee (based on the distance from the nearest MAF office) or actual and reasonable costs (if no MAF office is nearby), and
  • Post audit activities – including follow up of any non-compliances identified during the audit, post audit administration activities and sign off of audits

If you do not wish to be approved as a Place of First Arrival, please contact Jo-Anne Stokes on Jo-Anne.Stokes@maf.govt.nz or 04 894 0238.

Page last updated: 13 October 2011