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MPI to amend Import Health Standard

In response to the threat of the stink bug biohazard aboard car carriers, the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) announced today that it will be amending the Import Health Standard, effective immediately.
Posted on 20 February, 2018

  • Pre-shipping inspection will now be required for all used vehicles and machinery from ports in Japan.
  • MPI is also working with the new vehicle industry and is looking to implement changes across this pathway as well.
  • This week, shipping lines and importers will be trialling a proposed treatment programme, and systematic testing, on one of the affected ships when it returns to port in Auckland.  
  • This approach is not yet an approved biosecurity system, and cannot be considered a silver bullet solution. MPI will continue to treat each ship on a case-by-case basis.
  • Longer-term measures are also now being worked on, to ensure that all used vehicles are cleared of any insects before export, and that none arrive live in destination ports in the future. We are well aware that this issue is having a severe impact on our supply chain, and that businesses and jobs are at risk. However, biosecurity is paramount for New Zealand's wider economy and must not be compromised.

If you find any evidence of insect infestation, phone the 24/7 MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 and report it immediately.  More info is available on the MPI website.   For any questions, please contact VIA Technical Manager Malcolm Yorston on 0800 VIA VIA (842 842) or email technical@via.org.nz.