Proposed changes to cargo clearance fees will not increase overall cost to industry
14 December 2009
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is consulting on changes to the biosecurity clearance charges and levies for goods imported into New Zealand.
The charges are reviewed every three years and are based on the actual costs of the activities undertaken by MAFBNZ in providing biosecurity clearance services to third parties.
MAFBNZ is choosing not to increase overall fees to address its current deficit in cargo border operations caused by a decline in import volumes due to the recession. Savings have already been made within the organisation by reducing expenditure and matching staff resources to activity levels. Under the proposed changes MAFBNZ will collect the same amount of revenue from industry that it currently receives. However, some charges will go up while others will come down.
MAFBNZ Director of Cargo Clearance, Steve Stuart said the changes proposed in the discussion paper are about trying to find a more efficient and easier way of collecting the charges for MAFBNZ and industry equally.
"The proposed changes will provide a simplified fee structure that will be fair, equitable and transparent to all importers."
The average annual cost to be recovered from industry over the next three years is estimated to be $23.0 million.
The biosecurity charges and levies comprise Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2006, the Biosecurity Risk Screening Levy and the Biosecurity Shipping Container Levy Orders 2006, and the Biosecurity Gypsy Moth Levy Order 2004.
The discussion paper also invites comment on the possible implications of the proposed future 'Joint Border Management System' – a joint computer system that will replace MAF and Customs' aging border systems.
The discussion paper "Review of Biosecurity Border Clearance Charges 2009" is available at
MAFBNZ invites submissions from all interested parties. Submission can be emailed or faxed by 5pm, Thursday 4th February 2010 to:
Zoya Kaminetska
Facsimile: 04 894 0730
Email: zoya.kaminetska@maf.govt.nz
Media contact:
Helen Keyes, Communications Manager, 04 894 0161 or 029 894 0161