Related FAQs

What other treatments are acceptable other than Methyl bromide?

Acceptable methods of treatment are available in Appendix 1 and Appendix 3 of the import health standard for wood packaging material.

Isn’t methyl bromide usage being phased out?

Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance and its use is not encouraged when alternatives are available. Methyl bromide use as a quarantine treatment is exempt from the consumption controls under the Montreal Protocol. It is not known how long this exemption will remain in place.

When will the ISPM15 standard come into effect?

It is anticipated that the requirements will be in place on 1 May 2006 but there will be a grace period for enforcement will be staged between May and June

Between 1 May and 30 June 2006:

  • Consignments will be risk profiled and a subset of these will be selected for inspection.
  • Any wood packaging found to have pests will be treated, reshipped or destroyed.
  • Wood packaging that is non-compliant will be tagged with an advisory notice to the importer.

From 1 July 2006:

  • Wood packaging must comply with the import requirements.
  • Consignments will be risk profiled and a subset of these will be selected for inspection.
  • Any non-compliant wood will be treated, reshipped or destroyed.
  • A notice will be sent to the importer about any non-compliant wood packaging.

Information from the non-compliances will be used to feedback into the risk profiling system. This means that importers who develop a history of non-compliance will be selected for inspection more often.

What will happen to my consignment when it enters New Zealand (after 1 July 2006), if the consignment contains wood packaging?
  • Consignments will be risk profiled and a subset of these will be selected for inspection.
  • Consignment documentation will be checked on arrival if your consignment is selected by the risk profile.
  • If the wood packaging is not accompanied by the proper certification or marked appropriately it will be considered untreated.
  • Consignments that contain untreated wood packaging material will be treated, reshipped or destroyed.
  • Consignments that contain treated wood packaging material may be inspected to verify that the treatment was effective.
  • Consignments that contain treated wood packaging material declared as compliant may be inspected to verify that the wood is marked appropriately.
If I am importing wood packaging from a country that doesn't have a system to meet to New Zealand’s requirements, am I exempt?

No. Wood packaging must be compliant with New Zealand's import requirements.

To provide sufficient time for countries to develop certification programs for wood packaging materials, New Zealand is implementing a staggered enforcement plan.

After 1 July 2006 if any untreated packaging is found it will be treated, re-shipped or destroyed. Costs for these actions will be borne by the importer.

If the wood packaging attached to my importation is non-compliant, as the importer, am I responsible?

Yes. If you have untreated wood packaging in your consignment after 1 July 2006 you will have to treat, reship or destroy it. The costs of this will be borne by the importer.

What do I need to do to make sure my overseas wood packaging is compliant for entry into New Zealand?

To be compliant wood packaging must be:

  • Treated (with rates specified in appendix 1 and 3 of the import health standard) using the following methods:
    • Heat treatment
    • Fumigated with methyl bromide
    • Fumigated with phosphine
    • Chemical preservation using:
      • Boron compounds
      • Copper + didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride
      • Copper azole
      • Copper chrome arsenic
      • Propiconaole and Tebuconazole
  • Wood packaging treated to ISPM 15 standard should be marked with the following:

XX = Two letter code for country in which wood packaging was produced

000 = Official certification number for facility that produced the wood packaging

YY = Treatment that the wood packaging has been given

This mark can only be given to wood packaging by an approved provider from the country of origin

  • Wood packaging that is not marked with the above stamp must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with the treatment detailed in the treatment section or a NPPO endorsed treatment certificate.
  • Free from pests
  • Free of extraneous material (e.g. leaves, soil)
  • Free of all bark
How will you know if my wood packaging is compliant?

Between 1 May and 30 June 2006 MPI Quarantine Service will be placing tags on any non-compliant wood packaging. The tags will help you identify which of your suppliers are not meeting the standard and allow you time to discuss with them before 1 July 2006.

After 1 July 2006 all wood packaging treated to ISPM 15 standard should be marked with the symbol below or accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with the treatment detailed in the Treatment Section or a NPPO-endorsed treatment certificate.

 

XX = Two letter code for country in which wood packaging was produced

000 = Official certification number for facility that produced the wood packaging

YY = Treatment that the wood packaging has been given

If your wood packaging does not have either of these you must note it on your container log sheet and advise your supplier of the non-compliance.

We recommend that you destroy or treat any non-compliant wood packaging received.

What will happen to my shipment if the wood packaging materials are not entirely free of bark, soil and extraneous matter?

Wood packaging material contaminated with bark shall have the bark removed (if possible) or treated, reshipped or destroyed.

Who will pay for the treatment, reshipping or destruction of non-compliant wood packaging?

The importer must pay for these.

Who decides what happens to the non-compliant wood packaging?

The importer will be given a choice of treatment, reshipment or destruction of any non-compliant wood packaging. The final decision will rest with MPI.

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