Importing Air Containers from any Country

21 October 1998

152-07-01i

Table of Contents

Definitions
1. General Conditions
2. Approved Airports
3. Air Container Requirements
4. Operator Requirements
5. MAF Requirements
6. Costs
7. Enquiries
8. Appendix

Definitions

Airside
That part of an international airport designated as a security area under section 28 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990.

1. General Conditions

1.1 It is the responsibility of the air cargo companies (the operator) to ensure that air containers comply with the conditions of this standard. A container that does not comply with the conditions of this standard will be decontaminated prior to release from the airport area or may be reshipped or destroyed.

1.2 This standard refers only to the container, not to any cargo or packing within.

2. Approved Airports

2.1 Air containers (Unit Load Devices) may only be landed at airports that have been approved by the Director-General of Agriculture and Forestry to discharge cargo from aircraft at a place of first arrival (Appendix I).

3. Air Container Requirements

3.1 Standard of Cleanliness

Every container must be free of contamination by any of the following:

1. animals, insects or other invertebrates (any life cycle stage), egg casings or rafts, or any organic material of animal origin (including blood, bones, fibre, meat, secretions, excretions, etc);
2. plants or plant products (including fruit, seeds, leaves, twigs, roots, bark, saw dust, or other organic material); or
3. soil or water.

3.2 All parts of the container including the internal and external sides, must be free of contamination.

4. Operator Requirements

4.1 Air containers which have been landed in New Zealand may be removed from the aircraft and conveyed to any air side point for unpacking or storage. No action is required unless contamination is observed and reported to an MQS inspector by the operator or staff.

4.2 Air containers may be removed from air side and conveyed to another airport store or to an off airport air cargo company (approved as a Transitional facility) provided a compliance agreement is in operation between the air cargo company and MQS that ensures:

1. The air cargo company has a documented procedure, approved by MAF, to conform with the requirements of this standard.
2. One person from the air cargo company is named as the operator and is responsible for ensuring these requirements are met.
3. The shortest practical route is taken transporting air containers between the airport and the company's facility.
4. Any live animal or insect contamination of the air containers will immediately be reported to MQS and any action directed by MAF will be undertaken.
5. Any non-insect contamination will be collected (by the air cargo company) and placed in an approved receptacle. The contaminated air container identifying number shall be logged, along with the overseas airport of loading and the carrier. Where the air cargo company has difficulty in collecting the contamination due to the nature of the contaminant then MAF shall be notified. Any action directed by MAF will be undertaken.
6. Air containers containing cargo for only one consignee and intended to be delivered intact within the container to that consignee shall be inspected for contaminants by the operator prior to delivery and returned directly on completion of unloading. This need not apply when the air container is going to a transitional facility under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
7. Empty containers about to leave the air cargo company's store shall be inspected by the operator for contaminants. Any contaminants shall be actioned as in (iv) and (v) above.
8. Contaminants collected in an approved receptacle are to be destroyed/treated at a facility that complies with MAF Reg Standard 152.04.05F
9. Sufficient records shall be kept by the air cargo company to ensure that compliance with the above can be monitored.

5. MAF Requirements

5.1 Regular monitoring shall be undertaken by the MQS to ensure the above requirements are met.

5.2 The details of any contamination of air containers shall be kept by the MQS and supplied to the NA (BI) in the quarterly report.

5.3 Contingencies

5.4 Where an air cargo company fails to meet the conditions of this standard, air containers will not be directed to go to that facility until the air cargo company can satisfy MAF that they can meet the conditions.

5.5 If the company fails to meet these conditions then the Director General may cancel their approval as a transitional facility as outlined in sections 39 and 40 of the Biosecurity Act 1993.

6. Costs

6.1 The costs of activities associated with meeting the standard shall be borne by the air cargo company.

7. Enquiries

7.1 Unless indicated to the contrary all communications concerning this import health standard should be addressed to:

Chief Plants Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
P O Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Fax: 64-4-474 4240

APPENDIX I

New Zealand airports where air containers may be landed:

• Auckland International Airport
• Wellington International Airport
• Christchurch International Airport