The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has reviewed and consulted on the Import Health Standard: Air Containers from All Countries (the IHS). The amendments proposed were in response to changing scientific knowledge and commercial practices.

The revised standard is due to come into force on 5 April 2018. Stakeholders (airlines, airline service providers) have until 5 April 2018 to satisfy MPI that the requirements of the IHS are being met.

With the new standard coming into effect MPI has developed two versions of the Accredited Person Training. One is an update of the previous Sea Container Accredited Person training and the other an Air focused Accredited Person training programme called Air & Sea Training for Accredited Person.

Sea & Air Training for Accredited Person: this is the current training SPS Biosecurity Ltd deliver for MPI. This has a focus on the sea container sites with an overview for TF’s that may also get air containers. For all upcoming Accredited Person course dates click here.

Air & Sea Training for Accredited Person: this is the new training material. The focus is on air containers (Air Cans, Flat racks etc). This training is aimed at businesses that predominately handle air containers.  For all upcoming Accredited Person course dates click here.

Air & Sea Training for Accredited Person:

The IHS requires importers (airlines, airline agents and airline service providers) to:

[list style=”style6″]
[li]provide a manifest for those air containers carrying freight[/li]
[li]ensure all air containers and packaging are clean and free from biosecurity pests and contaminants by adopting a method listed in the IHS; and[/li]
[li]report any findings of biosecurity pests and contaminants against (listed in schedule 2 of the IHS) to MPI.[/li]
[/list]

MPI methods to ensure air containers are clean of biosecurity pests and contaminants are:

[list style=”style6″]
[li]confirmation from an accredited person unloading an air container; or[/li]
[li]confirmation that the air container has been through a MPI approved system (like an offshore system prior to arrival to New Zealand); or[/li]
[li]making arrangements for an air container to be inspected by an inspector.[/li]
[/list]

A person unloading air containers can become an Accredited Person by following the MPI application process.  Successfully completing the application process will enable you to be compliant as per the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and relevant amendments.