Inbound Messaging Project - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the 'objective' of this project and what will it deliver for me?
A. Currently Biosecurity Authorisation/Clearance Certificate (BACC) Applications are sent to MAFBNZ by fax. The objective of this project is to allow for Electronic BACC Applications to be received by MAFBNZ, thus reducing the need for hard copy production/handling and the manual sending/receiving by industry and MAFBNZ.

Q. What is included in the Scope of the Inbound Messaging Project?
A. The project scope includes the following:

• Design, build and implement an electronic system that will accept Electronic BACC Applications and supporting documentation (Bills of Lading, Vet Certs., Phytosanitary Certs., and so on) that are currently sent to MAFBNZ by fax.
• Engage ECN as part of the project team, to leverage their 'link' with industry, to provide a Value Added Network and support desk aligned with NZ Customs, and to communicate progression of the software changes required by industry.
• Provide software and equipment required by the MAFBNZ Risk Screeners to process the new Electronic BACC Application without printing it, to perform risk assessment and enter the data into MAF databases.
• Leverage MAF's existing Messaging Out system to transmit BACC (incl. Quick/Stamp releases) responses to industry.

Note - This project should not be confused with the myriad of inbound receipts for other applications received by MAF, as these will be covered in other projects. This project will deliver a solution for the receipt of Electronic BACC Applications only. The risk screening processes within MAF will remain unchanged, but the receipt and queuing of Applications within the Inbound Messaging system will allow MAF to allocate resources as required on a national basis.

Q. How does industry send the Electronic BACC Application to MAFBNZ?
A. Data from the BACC Application form and electronic / scanned copies of supporting documentation will be sent electronically via ECN to MAFBNZ.

Q. Who is ECN and what do they do?
A. ECN stands for 'The Electronic Commerce Network Group', details of what they do can be found at http://www.ecngroup.co.nz For this project ECN will provide a 'link' between the various software applications used by industry and the MAF IT systems. They will ensure that the various electronic documentation 'formats' and messages being sent to MAF are able to be received and processed by MAF

Q. What do I need to do if I want to use the Inbound Messaging system?
A. Your software will need to be updated. You will need to talk with your software supplier who will discuss the requirements with ECN.

Q. Once my Electronic BACC Application has been received by MAF, what happens?
A. You will receive an electronic message to say that it has been received by MAF. Inbound Messaging has a queue system and this system lists all unprocessed Electronic BACC Applications and monitors turnaround time.

Q. How will I know that my Electronic BACC Application has been processed by the Risk Screener?
A. Once the Risk Screener takes the Electronic BACC Application from the Inbound Messaging queue and processes it (assuming they have all the required information), you will receive the issued BACC. The Application will now have a unique number within QuanCargo.

Q. How will I know if MAFBNZ have all of the information required to make a complete Risk Assessment of my imported goods?
A. Should further information be required to enable the Risk Screener to issue a BACC, an electronic response will come back to you seeking further information to enable the process to continue.

Q. Will the Fax channel for sending BACC Applications to MAFBNZ still be available?
A. It will, but will be phased out. There may be a demand (which will be re-assessed over time) from some sectors of industry that do not have the equipment to send Electronic BACC Applications to MAF via ECN.

Q. If I send a BACC Application by fax as I do now, how will it be processed if it isn't in the Inbound Messaging queue?
A. The current processes will continue to be used to process Faxed BACC applications, albeit they will be scaled down as the fax traffic decreases.

Q. What imported goods can be 'cleared' using the Inbound Messaging system?
A. Any goods where a BACC Application Coversheet (i.e. V10 Electronic) is currently faxed to MAFBNZ.

Q. Can Bulk Loaded Used Vehicles be cleared using Inbound Messaging?
A. No - These use a different coversheet and application process.

Q. Can personal effects be cleared using Inbound Messaging?
A. Yes - Where FCL or LCL containers containing personal effects use the BACC Application Coversheet method of moving the goods to a Transitional Facility.

No - For the clearance of the personal effects using the Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration, the declaration will still be the required process.

Q. Can empty containers (MT containers) be cleared using Inbound Messaging?
A. Yes - Where the current process uses the BACC Application coversheet method to allow the containers to be moved.

Q. Will I be able to have my Electronic BACC Applications risk screened by MAF Risk Screeners at my local port, using local knowledge?
A. Yes - You will be able to specify the MAFBNZ worksite that you wish the Electronic BACC Application to be addressed to. However, the Inbound Messaging queue will allow MAFBNZ users to view all Electronic BACC Applications on a national basis where required.

Note - It is anticipated that the system will provide MAF with more flexibility on resourcing and allow MAFBNZ staff to improve turn around time and consistently meet service delivery targets.

Q. Will I be able to send in an Electronic BACC Application through Inbound Messaging and then deliver the required hard copy documentation to MAF?
A. Yes - The Inbound Messaging system will identify each Electronic BACC Application with a unique number, so that any associated documentation can be identified using that same number.

Q. When will this Inbound Messaging system be ready for use?
A. The planned 'Go Live' date is 30 June 2008.

Q. I would like to be prepared for the 'Go Live' date of 30 June 2008, how do I achieve this?
A. Contact ECN at wayne.mclaughlin@ecngroup.co.nz and they will assist with the preparing of your ability to connect to the MAFBNZ Inbound Messaging system.

Q. Why do I have to connect through ECN?
A. ECN is already the providing a 'link' between industry and the New Zealand Customs Service. They have the experience, relationships and support systems to provide a centralised server and manage the required changes to industry applications. ECN is part of the Inbound Messaging Project Team and this is enabling us to provide the system in place in a much shorter time frame.

Q. Will I be able to connect to MAF directly?
A. No - It is expected that the Border Sector Single Window initiative will provide this functionality in the future.

Q. What cost will be involved in using the Inbound Messaging system?
A. There will not be a direct cost per message as MAF will recover the cost of this project through an increase to the Risk Screening Levy. In addition to this there will be ECN charges using a similar per electronic message model and rate to that used for Customs.