Equivalence & Co-management

Biosecurity risk management operates in a dynamic environment. While many risk management systems operate at the border, MPI recognises new systems and different points of intervention may also be appropriate. Equivalence and co-management offer industry opportunities to implement new intervention options and systems at, or before the border. This page provides definitions, application requirements and key contacts to enable engagement with those interested in taking a greater role in biosecurity risk management.

Equivalence

An equivalent system is defined as:

‘the use of different biosecurity risk management interventions to achieve the same or better outcome as prescribed in a standard’.

In other words, substituting one standard approved practice for a system that is shown to achieve the same or better outcome. An example would be substituting heat treatment for fumigation of a container.

Co-Management

Co-management is defined as:

‘MPI sharing management of biosecurity risks and hazards through the application of non-MPI resources’.

This includes:

where external parties perform a function/task on behalf of MPI under a formal arrangement; and
where external parties‘ systems and process are managing risks to a degree where MPI can change their processes and levels of intervention (for example, verify and audit systems and processes)

Examples include accredited persons inspecting low risk containers on MPI’s behalf and where sea containers are cleaned offshore by the importer/ exporter reducing the need for full MPI inspections on arrival in NZ (sea container hygiene system).

It is important to note:

1. Neither equivalence nor co-management is a discharging of legal responsibilities from MPI. Equivalent measures may be put in place to meet legal requirements and such decisions are empowered under the Act. In some cases the management of that system may be managed under co-management.

2. These options are not regulatory requirements that all must comply with. They are not compulsory nor even an option for everybody to adopt.

3. All costs associated with development of the application and undertaking trials are incurred by the company seeking approval.

Application Process

These guidelines are designed to be followed for any application to MPI seeking approval to carry out co-management or equivalence systems. This process is not for development or research into potential intervention or management options. MPI reserves the right to decline any proposal submitted. MPI recommends discussing new co-management or equivalent system proposals with them prior to applying.