Importing Frozen nile perch from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda

28 June 2000

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Issued pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993
Dated: 28 June 2000

Part A. General Information

1. Import Health Standard

1.1 Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this document is the Import Health Standard for the importation into New Zealand of frozen Nile perch (Lates niloticus) skinless, boneless fillets for human consumption from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda (Lake Victoria).

1.2 Obtaining biosecurity clearance for each consignment of Nile perch fillets for human consumption imported into New Zealand from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda is dependent upon the consignment meeting the requirements of this Import Health Standard .

1.3 This Import Health Standard may be reviewed, amended or revoked if there are changes in New Zealand's import policy or the animal health status of the originating country, or for any other lawful reason, at the discretion of the Director Animal Biosecurity.

2. Importer's Responsibilities

2.1 The costs to MAF in performing functions relating to the importation of Nile perch fillets for human consumption shall be recovered in accordance with the Biosecurity Act and any regulations made under that Act.

2.2 All costs involved with transport, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearance shall be borne by the importer or agent.

2.3 Please note that commercial consignments of products imported into New Zealand for human consumption must comply with the Food Regulations (1984) of New Zealand. Consignments may be inspected and sampled/tested under these regulations. Importers are advised to contact the New Zealand Ministry of Health for details.

3. Definition of Terms

Biosecurity clearance

as defined by the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Director Animal Biosecurity

the Director Animal Biosecurity, New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, or any person who for the time being may lawfully exercise and perform the power and functions of the Director Animal Biosecurity.

Equivalence

acceptance by MAF that the circumstances relating to the importation of a consignment are such that the health status of the consignment is equivalent to the health status of a consignment that complies with the requirements of the Import Health Standard .

Inspector

as defined by the Biosecurity Act 1993.

MAF

the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

4. Equivalence

It is expected that the Nile perch fillets will meet the conditions of this Import Health Standard in every respect. If the products do not comply with the requirements, an application for equivalence may be submitted to MAF for consideration. Detailed information supporting the application for equivalence must be forwarded to MAF for a decision.

Part B. Importation Procedure

5. Permit to Import

Consignments of Nile perch fillets for human consumption which meet the requirements of this Import Health Standard may, subject to sections 27 and 28 of the Biosecurity Act, be given biosecurity clearance on entry. They do not require a permit to import.

6. Eligibility

The products must be identifiable as frozen, skinless, boneless Nile perch fillets from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda i.e. from the package labelling or from any documentation provided by the importer.

Part C. Clearance Procedure

7. Biosecurity Clearance

7.1 Upon arrival in New Zealand, an Inspector may inspect the consignment, or a sample of the consignment.

7.2 Providing that the consignment meets the conditions of Eligibility, the consignment may, subject to sections 27 and 28 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, be given a biosecurity clearance pursuant to section 26 of the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Ref: AI00-35E

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