Heat-treatment costs established

Armacup has issued an update on new requirements laid down by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), including heat-treatment costs for used vehicles and machinery originating from Japan and shipped on its vessels.

It has been established that all driveable vehicles destined for New Zealand, up to 3,000kg, will cost $225 to be heat-treated.

Armacup is working with biosecurity service provider JEVIC, who will carry out the treatment. 

“New vehicles and machinery will not require heat treatment provided these vehicles can be delivered to the wharf under an approved pathway procedure identical to requirements for New Zealand,” adds Armacup. 

Given the issues created by the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) earlier this year, the MPI’s new import health standard (IHS) is aimed at ensuring no BMSB threats exist in New Zealand.

The new IHS states all used vehicles and machinery loaded in Japan are required to be heat-treated by a MPI-approved biosecurity provider. 

BACC requirements announced

Armacup’s latest advisory states the MPI has instructed shipping lines with cargo – including new cargo, which has been loaded under a MPI-approved pathway system – must have their biosecurity authority clearance certificate (BACC) issued by the MPI at least 48 hours prior to vessel arrival. 

“Failure to receive your clearance may result in the MPI not allowing discharge to take place,” says Armacup.

“Your cargos will then need to remain on-board and discharged at another port outside New Zealand where the cargo will be deemed ‘delivered’. We cannot stress enough the importance to apply for your BACC as soon as possible to avoid any problems.”