21 May 2021

Container reporting changes coming

We’re continuing to firm up our plans to introduce full reporting of sea container movements by transitional facilities (TFs) and a new reporting system will be in place by 1 July 2021.

TFs currently only report on contaminated containers, which amounts to some 2-10% of the traffic entering their grounds. Reporting on all containers will enhance the biosecurity system by improving sea container traceability, contribute to more effective import measures, border controls, and targeted post border surveillance activities, help assess TF performance, and allow us to act quickly when things go wrong.

We have been modifying the Container Check Portal (CCP) to allow additional reporting and make it easier for APs to record multiple container check results. This is an interim solution until more substantial changes are made to our border information technology under the Quansuite replacement project over the next couple of years. The implementation of 100% container reporting will provide insights to both MPI and Industry that will shape the final reporting mechanism prioritised for delivery in the Quansuite replacement project. See below for a list of the changes we have already made to the CCP.  We have updated the user guide to reflect the changes.

Under the new reporting approach, most TFs will need to submit inspection results within 48 hours via the CCP.  Officers will follow up any non-compliant container movements identified from the reporting with a focus on voluntary compliance with container movement authorisations and reporting requirements in line with MPI’s Compliance Model. 

Due to technology constraints, the interim solution to enable 100% container check reporting is a minimum viable product, designed to address some short-term issues around container reporting and assurance. There are a couple of things we can’t do right now that we know are important, namely giving TF Operators access to the container check portal and enabling business to business messaging to allow for seamless data transfer between Transitional Facilities and MPI. We envisage further enhancements will be delivered by the MPI Border Control suite ICT replacement in 18-24 months’ time.

The CCP is not suitable for very high volumes of containers so MPI is working closely with high volume empty container TFs to ensure the agreed mechanism for reporting container checks is fit for purpose for both Industry and MPI.

Right now it is possible to complete 100% container reporting for FCLs and FAKs via the CCP. BNZ would like to encourage TFs and organisations to start using the new and improved functionality to enter the results of all container inspections. Your feedback about the changes we have made will help BNZ troubleshoot any potential issues.

For more information including FAQs and instructions on how to use the CCP please visit the Biosecurity New Zealand website