Containers & Cargo

People who are immigrating or coming for an extended visit to New Zealand will often wish to send belongings by Air or Sea Freight. Items are most often sent in a container. Full Containers, privately imported goods or personal effects also require a Sea Container Declaration (19 KB) which must be presented to MAFBNZ Clearance Service. The declaration should be signed by a manager of the packing or exporting facility. At the exporting facility the container will need to be inspected internally and externally and found free of contaminants. The declaration also states what type of packing materials and wood packaging were used. Personal belongings arriving via sea require an Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration (NZCS 218) .

A Sea Container Quarantine Declaration is not required from importers who have shipped their goods as part of LCL /FAK (Less than Container Load/Freight for All Kinds) consignments.

A detailed packing list should include all items in the consignment. A good tip is to number boxes or packages and make a list of the items inside. Any contents that are classified as Restricted Items must be declared. A copy of the Unauthorised opening of Unaccompanied Personal Effects (22 KB) form must be completed for personal effects intended to be cleared at a private residence. This document is signed by the importer or agent to declare that the personal effect will not be opened without MAFBNZ Cargo Clearance Services permission. All unaccompanied personal effects must be unpacked in a transitional facility when the General Facilities for Holding, Inspection, Processing or Treatment of Uncleared Goods standard is implemented. This new standard is expected to be released and enforced later in the year 2008.

Any valid treatment certificates, such as for fumigation, heat or cleaning, must also be supplied.

Once the completed documentation has been presented to the MAFBNZ Cargo Clearance Services, a Quarantine Inspector will screen the declaration(s), along with the list of contents, against any relevant Import Health Standards to determine risk status (See What You Must Declare). In many cases no inspection of the Personal Effects is required, but inspection of the container is mandatory. This will be carried out by an accredited person.

If an inspection is required MAFBNZ Cargo Clearance will need to be notified of the location. Inspections may be carried out at the importing agents premises or may be done at the final delivery location.

MAFBNZ Cargo Clearance Services will charge for all clearances and inspections as outlined in the Biosecurity Cost Regulations 2006 (161 KB). For more details on fees and charges refer to the Factsheet (124 KB).

A Sea Container Quarantine Declaration (19 KB) is not required from importers who have shipped their goods as part of LCL /FAK (Less than Container Load/Freight for All Kinds) consignments.

Getting your container to a transitional facility

A Biosecurity direction must be given before the container can be taken to a transitional facility. This will be arranged by a customs broker or freight forwarder or an importer. Check the Standards and Regulations, Cargo and Containers section for further information.

You might also like to check What You Must Declare.

Cargo and Packaging

Where wood packaging material (e.g. pallets, crates etc) is used for cargo; the wood packaging material will need to meet specific entry requirements to gain biosecurity clearance.

Packaging material that is manufactured from solid wood must meet the requirements of the import health standard Wood Packaging Material from All Countries.

Packaging material that is manufactured from plywood or particle board must meet the requirements of the import health standard Wooden Panels from All Countries.

Personal Belongings arriving by Air freight

Personal belongings arriving via air require an Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration (NZCS 218) . This is an official form that is obtained from your nearest MAF BNZ Cargo Clearance Service office, New Zealand Customs or from the agent handling the shipment.

If your belongings are arriving in an Air Freight Container, it should meet the requirements in the Import Health Standards for Air Containers. A detailed packing list should include all items in the consignment. A good tip is to number boxes or packages and make a list of the items inside.

Page last updated: 25 November 2008