△BMSB Sept–April: mandatory treatment from target countries
DAFF — Australia
General Cargo
Key Regulations
ISPM 15 for wood packaging
Quarantine entry requirements
Risk-based inspection selection
Declaration of prohibited / controlled goods
Required Documentation
Cargo manifest
Phytosanitary certificate (if applicable)
Treatment certificates (if applicable)
Import declaration
Processing Time
1–2 days
Inspection Rate~8%
MPI — New Zealand
Timber & Wood Packaging
Key Regulations
ISPM 15 mandatory for wood packaging
Heat treatment, fumigation, or debarking required
MPI Import Health Standard applies
Biosecurity clearance required at point of entry
Required Documentation
Phytosanitary certificate
ISPM 15 certificate
MPI clearance documentation
Processing Time
1–3 days
Inspection Rate~40%
MPI — New Zealand
Fresh Produce
Key Regulations
Import Health Standard (IHS) applies for most commodities
MPI import permit required
Phytosanitary certificate mandatory
Risk-based treatment requirements
Required Documentation
Phytosanitary certificate
MPI Import Permit
Pre-export inspection certificate
Treatment certificate (where required)
Processing Time
1–5 days
Inspection Rate~90%
△Tighter measures during summer pest season
MPI — New Zealand
Animal Products
Key Regulations
Biosecurity Act 1993 applies
Import Health Standard mandatory
Veterinary attestation required
Country-specific market access agreements
Required Documentation
Veterinary health certificate
MPI Import Health Standard compliance docs
Country of origin certificate
Processing Time
2–7 days
Inspection Rate~65%
MPI — New Zealand
Machinery & Vehicles
Key Regulations
Must be clean, dry, and free of contamination
BMSB treatment required in season from target countries
High Country Risk Assessment may apply for used equipment
Soil and organic material removal mandatory
Required Documentation
Declaration of cleanliness
BMSB treatment certificate (seasonal)
MPI inspection clearance
Processing Time
1–3 days
Inspection Rate~50%
△BMSB Sept–April: MPI mandatory treatment from target countries
MPI — New Zealand
General Cargo
Key Regulations
ISPM 15 for wood packaging
MPI risk assessment on arrival
Biosecurity clearance required
Prohibited items list applies
Required Documentation
Cargo manifest
Phytosanitary certificate (if applicable)
MPI clearance declaration
Processing Time
1–2 days
Inspection Rate~10%
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FAQ
Common Questions
Australia (DAFF)
What agency regulates biosecurity imports into Australia?
DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) regulates biosecurity imports into Australia. DAFF sets import conditions, approves treatment providers, and conducts border inspections. The Biosecurity Act 2015 is the governing legislation.
Is ISPM 15 mandatory for all cargo entering Australia?
ISPM 15 is mandatory for all wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) accompanying cargo into Australia. The wood packaging must be treated (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation) and marked with the IPPC mark.
What is BMSB and when is treatment required for Australia?
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season runs 1 September to 30 April. Cargo from DAFF-listed target countries (including Italy, USA, Japan, South Korea, China) arriving during this window must be treated offshore with approved treatment before arrival.
What is the penalty for non-compliant biosecurity cargo in Australia?
Non-compliant cargo is directed by DAFF: re-export, on-arrival treatment at importer cost (typically 2–4× offshore price), or destruction. Civil penalties under the Biosecurity Act 2015 can reach $222,000 for individuals and $1.1M for corporations.
How long does biosecurity clearance take at Australian ports?
Clearance times depend on commodity and risk level. General cargo: 1–2 days. Produce: 1–5 days. Animal products: 2–7 days. Referred cargo requiring lab testing can take 5–14 days. Pre-clearance in the country of export can significantly reduce arrival processing time.
New Zealand (MPI)
What agency regulates biosecurity imports into New Zealand?
MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regulates biosecurity imports into New Zealand. MPI administers the Biosecurity Act 1993, sets Import Health Standards, and conducts border clearance. Cargo that does not meet IHS is directed, treated, or returned.
Does New Zealand follow ISPM 15 for wood packaging?
Yes. ISPM 15 compliance is mandatory for wood packaging entering New Zealand. MPI inspects for the IPPC mark and may reject or treat non-compliant packaging at importer expense.
What are BMSB requirements for New Zealand imports?
MPI applies BMSB measures aligned with DAFF from 1 September to 30 April. Cargo from target countries must have approved offshore treatment. MPI's BMSB target country list is broadly similar to DAFF's but may differ — verify the current MPI season requirements each year.
What documentation is required for biosecurity clearance in New Zealand?
Core documents: phytosanitary certificate from country of export, Import Health Standard compliance documentation, treatment/fumigation certificates where applicable, cargo manifest. Additional documents required for regulated commodities (Import Permit, veterinary health certificates). All documents must be presented to MPI on arrival.
What happens if cargo fails biosecurity inspection at a New Zealand port?
MPI will direct the importer to: treat the cargo at an approved NZ facility at importer expense, re-export the cargo, or destroy it under MPI supervision. Penalties under the Biosecurity Act 1993 can include fines up to NZD $100,000 for individuals. Repeat violations can result in import prohibition.