25 July 2019
Target Evaluation Update
Changes to Sea Container (Seaco) import health standard
Tēnā koutou katoa
This communication includes information about the changes to the sea container standard:
- Changed requirements for Italian containers during BMSB season
- Requirements for containers with sensitive cargo ex Italy
- Containers from all schedule 3 countries
Changed requirements for Italian containers during BMSB season
If the container is from Italy, fully enclosed containers and non-fully closed containers (including break bulk, flat racks, open-topped, soft-topped etc.), it must now be fumigated offshore unless it meets the ‘sensitive cargo’ exemption.
- Only treatment providers on the approved list will be accepted.
- See section 2.3.1 Seaco standard for containers transhipping through Italy.
Biosecurity NZ is highly likely to deny discharge to any untreated cargo ex Italy (unless the cargo is included in the list of approved ‘sensitive cargo’).
Information about containers with sensitive cargo ex Italy
The Seaco container specifies that all containers ex Italy must be treated offshore by approved treatment providers, unless the cargo is considered sensitive, see list below.
FCL sensitive cargo list
- agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines
- food for human consumption (including beverages)
- fresh produce
- frozen food products
- live animals
- leather goods (apparel and furniture)
- pet food
- pharmaceutical products
- polyurethane foam products bales
- refrigerated goods
- seed for sowing
- textiles (including yarn).
This list may be subject to change and you will still need to meet other biosecurity requirements for the cargo and container.
If you believe your goods need alternative treatments but aren't listed above, contact tecargo@mpi.govt.nz for options before shipment of your container.
Containers from all schedule 3 countries
From mid-September 2019, BACCs may show the requirement for a Biosecurity NZ supervised devanning. This may be for containers from all schedule 3 countries in order to verify that treatments are effective.
Read the standard
Sea Containers (Seaco) from all Countries
Got a BMSB specific enquiry?
Email Bmsb@mpi.govt.nz
We will respond to you within 2 working days
Got a specific lodgement enquiry?
Email target evaluation at Tecargo@mpi.govt.nz
We will respond to you within 2 working days
