Risk Analysis

An analysis of risk is the first stage in the development of import health standard(s) that set out the requirements to be met before risk goods may be imported and given biosecurity clearance in New Zealand.

It involves the identification of pests and diseases that might be associated with a good, the likelihood of entry and establishment in New Zealand and the potential impacts on our economy, environment and human health.

Risk analysis is still evolving, but it is now an accepted basis under the World Trade Organisation Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (WTO SPS Agreement) for establishing international trading standards and for trade negotiations involving dispute, where safety aspects of animal and plant products are concerned.

New Zealand is one of the countries leading the way in establishing risk analysis procedures internationally.

View the Biosecurity New Zealand risk analysis procedures (791 KB) for the development of import health standards for inanimate, animal and plant products.

View amendments to the risk analysis procedures - for interested stakeholders - Revisions to Risk Analysis Procedures - 10 October 2007 (25 KB)

Risk analyses which are currently out for public consultation are available on MAFBNZ's consultation web page.

• Position Statement on the Application of Precaution in Managing Biosecurity Risks
• Interdepartmental Consultation on Risk Analyses and Import Health Standards under section 22 of The Biosecurity Act 1993

Marine & Marine Pathways/Products

Vessel Biofouling Risk Analysis (February 2011) (1031 KB)

Animals & Animal Products

Aquatic animals	Freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from Hawaii Risk Analysis (March 2006): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of live freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) into New Zealand. Review of Submissions (August 2006) (525 KB)
	Ornamental Fish Risk Analysis (November 2005) (843 KB) Review of Submissions and Supplementary Risk Analysis (June 2009) (822 KB) Review of Submissions on Supplementary Risk Analysis (June 2010) (1374 KB)
	Yellowtail kingfish from South Australia Risk Analysis (February 2003) (170 KB): An analysis of the risks associated with the importation of cultured juvenile (1 - 3g) kingfish (Seriola lalandi) from Spencer Gulf Aquaculture hatchery, Port Augusta, South Australia, to a proposed aquaculture facility in Nelson, New Zealand. Review of Submissions (September 2004) (1782 KB)
Avian	Avian paramyxovirus type 1 in hens' hatching eggs Risk Analysis (March 2001): (96 KB) An analysis of the risk posed by exotic strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1 (causative agent of Newcastle disease) in imported hatching eggs of hens (Gallus gallus). Review of Submissions (December 2001) (1199 KB)
	Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) from the United Kingdom Draft Risk Analysis (December 2008) (992 KB): This analysis examines the disease risks associated with imports of live budgerigars from the United Kingdom. Review of Submissions (May 2009) (298 KB) Final Risk Analysis (May 2009) (569 KB)
	Hatching eggs from chickens from the European Union, Canada, the United States of America, and Australia Draft Risk Analysis (May 2008) (216 KB) Review of Submissions (January 2009) (728 KB) Final Risk Analysis (January 2009) (628 KB)
	Passerine hatching eggs from the European Union Risk Analysis (February 2006): (1071 KB) This risk analysis examines the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of hatching eggs of birds in the taxonomic order Passeriformes from the European Union into New Zealand. MAF received only one submission on this risk analysis. As that submission was in agreement with the risk management measures recommended in the risk analysis, no review of submissions was prepared.
	Pigeons (Columba livia) from Australia Draft Risk Analysis (May 2009) (529 KB) Review of Submissions (August 2009) (373 KB) Final Risk Analysis (August 2009) (808 KB)
	Psittacine hatching eggs Draft Risk Analysis (August 2009) (492 KB) Review of Submissions (May 2010) (416 KB) Final Risk Analysis (May 2010) (566 KB)
Bees & Bee Products	Honey Bee Genetic Material Risk Analysis (June 2003): (547 KB) An analysis of the risks associated with importing honey bee (Apis mellifera) genetic material – queens, queen cells, eggs and semen. Primarily to find acceptable conditions under which genes for varroa tolerance can be introduced into New Zealand. Review of Submissions (August 2003) (981 KB)
	Honey Bee Hive Products And Used Beekeeping Equipment Risk Analysis (July 2002) (183 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by imported bee products and used beekeeping equipment Review of Submissions (June 2003) (618 KB)
	Honey Bee Products Risk Analysis (December 2004) (2003 KB): A re-written risk analysis on honey bee hive products, excluding used beekeeping equipment. This followed concerns raised in submissions on the initial risk analysis of July 2002. The updated analysis is based on the original but is brought into line with current procedures and processes. Review of Submissions (November 2005) (4723 KB)
Domestic Mammals	Babesia gibsoni in Dogs and Dog Semen Risk Analysis (February 2003): (114 KB) A qualitative analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by Babesia gibsoni in dogs and their semen imported into New Zealand. B. gibsoni is a tick-transmitted blood borne parasite of wild and domestic dogs. Review of Submissions (October 2003) (1299 KB)
	Cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis familiaris) and canine semen from all countries Draft Risk Analysis (June 2009) (1404 KB) Review of Submissions (November 2009) (685 KB) Final Risk Analysis (November 2009) (1345 KB)
Edible Products	Australian salmonids Supplementary Risk Analysis (September 1999) (77 KB): Analysis of importing eviscerated salmonids from Australia, produced and processed under the already approved regulatory systems which currently provide for market access into New Zealand for headed, gilled and gutted salmonids. Review of Submissions (March 2000) (284 KB)
	Belovo Egg Powders Risk Analysis (April 2003) (94 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by three egg powders manufactured by a specific European firm working according to GMP rules on hygiene and health problems affecting the production and the placing on the market of egg products. Review of Submissions (September 2003) (151 KB)
	Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Meat from Australia Risk Analysis (April 2003): (56 KB) Analysis of the risks of importing processed camel meat from Australia. As this review document was not released for public consultation, no review of submissions was prepared.
	Canadian Salmon Risk Analysis (September 1994) (5192 KB) An analysis of the risk of introduction of exotic diseases of fish through importation of ocean-caught Pacific salmon from Canada. As this review document was not released for public consultation, no review of submissions was prepared.
	Catfish meat for human consumption Draft Risk Analysis (November 2007) (337 KB) This risk analysis examined the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of frozen, skinless and boneless fillet meat of pangasid catfish (Pangasius spp.) from Vietnam. Review of Submissions (September 2008) (669 KB) Final Risk Analysis (September 2008) (311 KB) Supplementary Risk Analysis (April 2010) (166 KB)This document extends the risk analysis for catfish from Vietnam to include the same product from Malaysia.
	Chicken Meat and Chicken Meat Products; Bernard Matthews Foods Limited Turkey Meat Preparations from the United Kingdom Risk Analysis (March 1999) (782 KB): This risk analysis examines the potential for certain pathogens of animal and human health significance to be introduced into local poultry flocks as a result of the importation of chicken meat and specific turkey meat preparations from a single supplier in the UK. Review of Submissions (September 1999) (106 KB) Revised Quantitative Risk Assessments on Chicken Meat Risk Analysis (April 2000) (495 KB): Following the 1999 import risk analysis and review of submissions, this risk analysis reassesses the risk of introducing infectious bursal disease virus and models the risk of introducing Newcastle disease virus in chicken meat of US origin. Review of Submissions (November 2000) (336 KB)
	Cooked Duck Meat From Australia Risk Analysis (September 2006): (306 KB) This document is a qualitative analysis of the risks posed by the importation into New Zealand of six cooked duck meat products (specified in appendix 2) produced by the Australian company Luv-A-Duck Pty Ltd. Review of Submissions (May 2007) (1285 KB)
	Egg powders from all countries Draft Risk Analysis (May 2008) (137 KB) Review of Submissions (October 2008) (213 KB) Final Risk Analysis (October 2008) (315 KB)
	Meat and Meat Products Risk Analysis (1991): (372 KB) A technical assessment of the animal health risks posed of different meat products from different sources, to allow as wide a range of products as possible access to the New Zealand market without jeopardising the country's animal health status. As this review document was not released for public consultation, no review of submissions was prepared.
	Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in pig meat Risk Analysis (June 2006): (626 KB) An analysis of the risk of PRRS virus through the importation of pig meat from countries that are not free from this disease. Review of Submissions (June 2007) (3346 KB)
	Salmonids Risk Analysis (September 1997) (638 KB): This risk analysis was carried out as a result of a USA request for New Zealand to consider market access for wild Pacific salmon from the USA. The opportunity was taken to assess salmonids more generally. Review of Submissions (August 1998) (107 KB)
	Sausage Casings from Small Ruminants Rapid Risk Assessment (July 2010) (465 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of natural sausage casings of ovine or caprine origin prepared by methods which are standard operating procedures in the international casings industry.
	Tilapia Meat for human consumption Draft Risk Analysis (September 2007): (470 KB) This risk analysis examined the biosecurity risks associated with the importation into New Zealand of frozen skinless and boneless fillets (or mince derived from fillets) of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) from Brazil and China. Review of Submissions (February 2008) (185 KB) Final Risk Analysis (March 2008) (846 KB) Supplementary Risk Analysis (April 2010) (100 KB): This document extends the risk analysis for tilapia from China and Brazil to include the same product from five Southeast Asian countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
	Turkey Meat Draft Risk Analysis (May 2010) (1216 KB)An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of chilled or frozen meat and meat products derived from turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo).
Fibre and Skins	Hides & Skins Draft Risk Analysis (November 2007): (524 KB) An analysis of the risks associated with the importation of imported hideas and skins of ruminants, horses, pigs, lamoids and ratites for processing into leather. Review of Submissions (April 2008) (342 KB) Final Risk analysis (April 2008) (1150 KB)
	Macropod fibre and skins from Australia Risk Analysis (May 1999): (31 KB) An assessment for importing kangaroo fibre and commercial shipments of kangaroo skins. It examines the risks to animal and human health posed by such imports, and suggests ways to manage those risks to an acceptable level. As MAF did not receive any submissions on this risk analysis, , no review of submissions was prepared
	Unprocessed fibre of sheep and goats Risk Analysis (November 1998) (487 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of unprocessed fibre of sheep and goats into New Zealand.
	Weed seeds supplementary Risk Analysis (May 1999) (60 KB): This analysis is an addendum to the November 1999 risk analysis. Review of Submissions (August 1999) (27 KB)
Livestock: live animals and genetic material	Argali Sheep Semen Risk Analysis (September 2001) (2065 KB): An analysis of the risks associated with the use in New Zealand of semen from an Argali (Ovis ammon polii). The risks attached to the inoculation into goats of homogenised mesenteric lymph node removed surgically from the ram are also assessed. Review of Submissions (April 2002) (579 KB)
	Cattle from Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the United States of America Draft Risk Analysis (June 2008) Review of Submissions (February 2009) (417 KB) Final Risk Analysis (February 2009) (916 KB)
	Cattle germplasm from all countries Draft Risk Analysis (June 2008) Review of Submissions (February 2009) (412 KB) Final Risk Analysis (February 2009) (781 KB)
	Cervine Germplasm Import Risk Analysis: Deer Germplasm (March 2011) (762 KB) An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of deer germplasm from any country. The germplasm imported must be collected and prepared to meet those minimum standards recommended in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Submissions close 29 April 2011. Guidelines for Stakeholders (March 2011)
	Equine germplasm from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the USA Draft Risk Analysis (July 2009) (727 KB) As MAF did not receive any submissions on this risk analysis, , no review of submissions was prepared Final Risk Analysis (December 2009) (690 KB)
	Horses and horse semen Risk Analysis (January 2000) (544 KB): Examines the disease risks associated with importing live horses and horse semen into New Zealand. Review of Submissions (January 2000) (137 KB)
	Live sheep and goats from Australia Draft Risk Analysis (May 2008) Review of Submissions (February 2009) (235 KB) Final Risk Analysis (February 2009) (498 KB)
	Llamas and Alpacas from specified countries Draft Risk Analysis (August 2010) (1546 KB): Examines the risks involved with the importation of llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) Final Import Risk Analysis (December 2010) (705 KB) Review of Submissions (November 2010) (477 KB)
	Pig semen from Australia, the USA, Canada, the European Union, and Norway Draft Risk Analysis (January 2011) (517 KB): This document examines the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of pig semen from Australia, Canada, Norway, the USA, and the European Union (EU).
	Scrapie in sheep and goat germplasm Risk Analysis (January 2011) (442 KB) Review of Submissions (April 2011) (723 KB): Review of Submission document published based on the stakeholder feedback from the draft RA dated January to March 2011
	Sheep and Goat Genetic Material Risk Analysis (October 2005) (915 KB): This risk analysis considers the risk of introduction of disease-causing organisms through the importation of sheep and goat genetic material (semen or embryos). Review of Submissions (May 2006) (587 KB)
	Seropositive animals Policy review (July 1999): (401 KB) An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by importing live cattle, sheep, goats, horses and pigs, should they be found seropositive during post-arrival quarantine.
Non-Edible Animal Products	Fish Food Draft Risk Analysis (November 2007): (260 KB) An analysis of the risks posed by the following commodities imported as fish food: rendered poultry products, rendered fishmeal, Artemia spp, zooplankton such as Daphnia spp, krill, mysdia shrimps, blood worms. Review of Submissions (April 2008) Final Risk Analysis (April 2008) (250 KB)
Zoo Animals	Antelopes Risk Analysis (May 2000) (362 KB): An analysis of the disease risks of introducing live antelope into New Zealand. Review of Submissions (August 2000) (22 KB)
	Crocodilia and eggs of Crocodilia Risk Analysis (November 2007) (170 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of live animals and hatching eggs of species within the Order Crocodilia (Class Reptilia) from Australia. As MAF did not receive any submissions on this risk analysis, , no review of submissions was prepared
	Squamata from government approved collections in Australia Draft Risk Analysis (May 2008) (546 KB) Review of Submissions (October 2008) (76 KB) Final Risk Analysis (October 2008) (335 KB)
	Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii/ Sarcophilus laniarius) from Australia Draft Risk Analysis (August 2009) (385 KB) Review of Submissions: No submission received. Final Risk Analysis (November 2009) (384 KB)
	White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) from Australia Draft Risk Analysis (July 2009) (553 KB) Review of Submissions (December 2009) (85 KB) Final Risk Analysis (December 2009) (631 KB)
	Zoo primates from Australia, Canada, the European Union, USA and Singapore Draft Risk Analysis (February 2011) attach PDF (637 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of 19 species of nonhuman primates from zoos in Australia, Canada, the EU, the USA and Singapore.

Plants & Plant Products

Apple (Malus domestica) nursery stock micro-organisms and diseases Draft Risk Analysis (August 2009) (1312 KB): An analysis of the viruses, viroids, phytoplasma, bacteria and diseases of unknown aetiology on Malus nursery stock from all countries.

Fresh Citrus fruit (7 species) from Samoa Review of Submissions (October 2008) (223 KB) Final Risk Analysis (October 2008) (1059 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand Citrus fruits from Samoa.

Fresh Coconut (Cocos nucifera) from Tuvalu Final Risk Analysis (January 2009) (1965 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand fresh Coconut (Cocos nucifera) from Tuvalu Review of Submissions: No submissions received.

Fresh Stonefruit from Idaho, Oregon and Washington (USA) Draft Risk Analysis (January 2009) (2275 KB)

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) fresh fruit from Australia Risk Analysis (September 2008) (985 KB) Review of Submissions (September 2008) (619 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand fresh fruits of Litchi (Litchi chinensis) from Australia.

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) fresh fruit from Taiwan Risk Analysis (October 2007) (1086 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand fresh fruits of Litchi (Litchi chinensis) from Taiwan. Review of Submissions: No submissions received.

Miscanthus tissue cultures from Great Britain and the USA Risk Analysis (December 2007) (526 KB): An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand tissue cultures of Miscanthus plants from Great Britain and the USA.

Onions (Allium cepa Liliaceae) Fresh Bulbs for Consumption from China Draft Risk Analysis (June 2009) (1792 KB)

Pears (Pyrus bretschneideri, Pyrus pyrifolia, and Pyrus sp. nr. communis) fresh fruit from China Review of Submissions (October 2009) (478 KB) Final Risk Analysis (October 2009) (2768 KB)

Table grapes (Vitis vinifera) from China Review of Submissions (October 2009) (237 KB) Final Risk Analysis (October 2009) (1721 KB)

Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi pine) Nursery Stock from Australia Risk Analysis (March 2008) (1389 KB) An analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with importing into New Zealand nursery stock of Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi pine) from Australia Summary of Submissions (March 2008) (1062 KB)

Pathway/Vectors

Vehicles and Machinery Risk Analysis (2007) (1520 KB) This risk analysis examines the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of new and used vehicles and machinery into New Zealand, and includes recommendations to be considered for managing these risks. Review of Submissions (June 2007) (1527 KB)

Specific Organism Risk Analysis

Puccinia psidii on Nursery Stock Risk Analysis (July 2011) (700 KB): This document is an analysis of the risks associated with the rust fungus Puccinia psidii entering New Zealand via the myrtaceous nursery stock import pathway; it includes an analysis of the efficacy of risk management options. P. psidii causes rust disease, known variously as guava rust, myrtle rust, eucalyptus rust or ohio rust, of a wide range of host plants in the family myrtaceae. As New Zealand has myrtaceous species of economic, environmental and socio-cultural importance, P. psidii is considered to be a risk organism on myrtaceous nursery stock.

Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis) Crazy Ants Risk Assessment (1105 KB) Black crazy ant

Black Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis richteri) Black Imported Fire Ant Risk Assessment (1072 KB)

Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) Ghost Ants Risk Assessment (1125 KB) Ghost ant

Lasius neglectus Lasius neglectus Risk Assessment (994 KB)

Little Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) Little Fire Ants Risk Assessment (1050 KB) Little fire ant

Red Imported Fire Ant Release Assessment (August 2002) (1208 KB) Red imported fire ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) is a native ant species of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. It has also established in Queensland, Australia. A single nest was discovered at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand in February 2001. The routes of entry of the Australian and the New Zealand incursions are unknown. Red Imported Fire Ant

Singapore Ants (Monomorium destructor) Singapore Ants Risk Assessment (1006 KB) Singapore ant

Tropical Fire Ants (Solenopsis geminata) Tropical Fire Ants Risk Assessment (1302 KB) Tropical fire ant

Yellow Crazy Ants (Anololepis gracilipes) Yellow Crazy Ants Risk Assessment (1217 KB) Yellow crazy ant

Non-Viable Biological Products, Microorganisms and other Viable Cells into New Zealand Final Risk Analysis (December 2005) (428 KB)

Ants on Sawn Timber Imported from the South Pacific Region Pest Risk Analysis (April 2003) (965 KB): Investigates the risks of importing unwanted species of ants with commercial consignments of sawn timber exported to New Zealand from the south Pacific region (excluding Australia), the likelihood of those imported ants establishing in New Zealand, the effectiveness of the biosecurity measures and border clearance systems currently in place and mitigating those risks, and any additional biosecurity measures that may be required to reduce the biosecurity risk to an acceptable level.

Pest risk analysis for six moth species: lessons for the biosecurity system on managing hitchhiker organisms Final Risk Analysis (December 2008) (4354 KB): A pest risk analysis on six species of moth, Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth, Asian form), Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm), Coscinoptycha improbana (guava moth), Teia anartoides (painted apple moth), Orgyia thyellina (white-spotted tussock moth) and Uraba lugens (gum leaf skeletoniser), assessing a wide range of entry pathways and providing lessons on the risks associated with hitchhiker organisms in general. No submissions received on the moths risk analysis.

Pinewood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) Pest Risk Analysis (October 2004) (4958 KB): Investigates a number of factors associated with the phytosanitary risk of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus -pinewood nematode (PWN) and other pathogenic Bursaphelenchus spp to New Zealand.

Page last updated: 19 September 2011