Containers and Cargo

This section is intended to help agents, sea container facility operators and others who require information about goods clearance and other cargo-related topics.

Importers can approach a customs broker or freight forwarder to assist in the importation of sea containers. MAFBNZ Clearance Service is available to give advice but will not be able to conduct the importation process for you.

To receive sea containers to your premises you must apply for your premises to become a MAF approved Transitional Facility for sea containers. Approved facilities may complete their on-line container inspection reporting through the MAF Approved Transitional Facility and Accredited Person Site .

In special circumstances you may also apply for a one-off approval as a temporary facility.

• Temporary Sea Container Transitional Facilities Procedures (133 KB)
• Temporary Sea Container Transitional Facilities Application Form (31 KB)

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 obtained by a customs broker, freight forwarder or by an importer.

The importer / agent should submit applications for:

1. MAFBNZ Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (68 KB), (Clearance Certificate-Word version) (427 KB). The BACC should be signed and faxed to your nearest MAFBNZ Clearance Service office. They will generate a certificate if the information submitted is accepted. Non-risk goods do not need a BACC; They only require a Customs Delivery Order.

Or you can send an electronic BACC (eBACCa) if you have the appropriate software. Additional information about how to use this electronic clearance system can be found on the Inbound Messaging page.

2. Every container must have a Quarantine Declaration to accompany containers to New Zealand.

• A guide to the validity of Quarantine Declarations
• Annual Sea Container Quarantine Declarations: Process and model declaration (22 KB)

An electronic system has been developed so container Quarantine Declarations (QDs) can be submitted electronically via Customs' import entries and ECI reports. The system provides electronic messages to port companies about the MAFBNZ status of each container.

• Electronic Process (192 KB) for MAFBNZ Quarantine Declarations for imported containers
• MAFBNZ Factsheet (554 KB) on electronic messages to port companies

Accredited Person Sea Container Inspections, Logsheets and Container Releases

There must be a trained MAFBNZ Accredited Person present to check the container for contamination. Accredited Person enquiries can be directed to Nicola Olson at 07 927 5712 or nicola.olson@maf.govt.nz.

• List of Accredited Persons and Expiry Dates

Reporting Container Checks:

From 1 December 2008 MAFBNZ will only require sea container inspection reports (Container Checks or logsheets) to be submitted when something out of the ordinary has been found. (Exception reporting). When a sea container is clean, please do not send MAFBNZ a logsheet.

We require inspection reports (logsheets) to be sent by reporting the container check results online or by fax by filling out the container log sheet and application for MAF release (29 KB) whenever the following is found at unpacking:

• Live organisms
• Fungus or contamination on wood packaging
• Other biosecurity contamination (see your training material for a definition of what we consider this to be) that is swept up and placed in the quarantine bin
• Non-ISPM 15 wood packaging material
• Other restricted packaging materials e.g. Straw or used tyres.

We ask that you continue to call 0800 809 966 in the event that live organisms are found.

For online assistance refer to the online guide (1216 KB).

Recording Container Checks:

Facilities will still need to maintain a register of ALL containers received and checks undertaken. This is part of the requirements of being a transitional facility. The register may be in the form of individual records (ie logsheets) or as an aggregated list (i.e. a logbook or register) Example register.

Container Releases:

MAFBNZ Biosecurity Inspectors will check your container check register during your routine facility audit.

Cost and Fees

There are costs associated with importing containers, and fees for any MAFBNZ actions relating to non-conforming containers (e.g. a container without a Quarantine Declaration). Additional fees will be charged for the clearance of containers carrying risks goods. A standard levy also applies to every container imported into the country. For more details on fees and charges refer to the Factsheet (124 KB).

MAFBNZ will charge for the approval and on-going monitoring of all transitional facilities. These charges will be based on the current Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations made under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Transitional facilities can apply for a MAFBNZ credit account (32 KB).

Page last updated: 13 January 2009