Frequently Asked Questions

Could didymo spread to lakes throughout New Zealand?

Yes. Although didymo prefers a river environment with clear water flowing over stable substrate at depths sufficient for light penetration to drive photosynthesis, blooms have been found in South Island Lakes. Lake Wakatipu, for example, contains visible didymo on some parts of the lake shore.

What are the costs to New Zealand of implementing the GM testing protocol?

The key cost is that of the test itself.  Testing costs between $340 and $560 NZD depending on which laboratory conducts the test. Importers are likely to pass any increased costs from testing on to their consumers, so lucerne hay and alfalfa sprouts may cost slightly more as a result.

What process was followed in carrying out the risk analysis?

The legal responsibility for issuing import health standards under Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 is the Director-General of MAF. This is done on the recommendation of a Chief Technical Officer, who must consider:

  • the likelihood of any organisms being brought into New Zealand
  • the possible impact on New Zealand of any imported organisms
  • New Zealand’s international obligations.

The process by which these matters are considered is Import Risk Analysis. Biosecurity New Zealand has played a leading role internationally in the development of Risk Analysis methods, and the methodology used by Biosecurity New Zealand adheres closely to the internationally agreed process. The honey bee products risk analysis was peer-reviewed by seven international experts with experience in these exotic diseases in their own countries. This has ensured transparency and lack of bias.

Biosecurity New Zealand is satisfied that the decisions reached by following the established Risk Analysis process in this case deliver a level of protection that is consistent with that achieved by standards for other animal products such as milk products from countries or zones with foot and mouth disease.

Why is it okay to bring jam, but not honey into New Zealand?

Honey is a product made by insects. It is completely natural and has not been through a sterilising process.
Honey is a potential carrier of bee diseases. New Zealand produces more than twenty million dollars worth of bee products each year - and the industry is worth a lot more to us. Fruit trees, flowers and vegetable crops rely on bees for pollination. If our bees became diseased it would have a severe impact on our agricultural and horticultural industries.

Please do not bring honey to New Zealand.

What does this Customs message "MAF INTERNAL" mean, and how do I get a BACC to move my container(s) from the wharf?

These words indicate that your container requires supervision of devanning by MAF. Contact your local MAF office with an Application for a BACC to confirm the transitional facility to which your container will go, and make an appointment for an officer to be present to supervise devanning. You should have your Customs Client Reference number or ECI number on your application so MAF can look up your container. MAF will prepare a BACC allowing your container to move to the transitional facility, where it must be held unopened until the MAF officer arrives.

Can I import my dog/cat less than 3 months after the rabies blood test?

No, the date of shipment from the country of export must be at least 3 months and no greater than 24 months after the date of sample collection for the rabies titre test.

In the case of primary vaccination the vaccine must be given not less than six months and not more than one year prior to shipment, when the animal is at least three months old.

For a booster vaccination, the vaccine was given not more than one year prior to shipment. (NOTE: The rabies vaccination must be kept up-to-date from the date of sample collection for the rabies titre test to the date of shipment).

How much does it cost to become an Accredited Person to inspect sea containers?
How often do I have to retake Operator training?

Operator training needs to be refreshed every four years.

Why are there two charging methods for vehicles?

The activity and time measured for vehicle clearances at ports were significantly different from those at transitional facilities because of differences in the inspection process. Most of the difference was in the inspection set-up time that was quicker for larger importers/companies at the port of arrival. The hourly rate charge for inspections performed at a transitional facility will encourage the facility operator to prepare better for the inspection and subsequently pay less. Over half of all New Zealand inspections at transitional facilities are those of used motor cycles. MAF considers that it is fairer and more equitable to apply different charging methods to the two different operation types.

Who do I contact for further information about importing wood packaging?

You can contact the National Programme Manager