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One of the most common sources of confusion for New Zealand importers is the difference between New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). A shipment may need action from one agency or both, and completing one process does not automatically complete the other.

What does New Zealand Customs deal with?

Customs is responsible for the import declaration and border requirements that include tariff classification, Customs value, duty, GST, prohibited and restricted imports and other Customs compliance matters. Commercially imported goods must be cleared through Customs before release.

Customs requires electronic lodgement before goods can be cleared. Importers may use a Customs Broker or other approved electronic lodgement options.

What does MPI deal with?

MPI manages New Zealand’s biosecurity system. Its job is to prevent pests and diseases entering the country through imported goods, containers, packaging, vehicles and other risk items.

Biosecurity risk goods can be subject to an Import Health Standard (IHS). The IHS sets the conditions that must be met before, during and after shipment. Depending on the goods, MPI may require certificates, declarations, inspection, cleaning, treatment, transitional-facility movement or other action.

Which shipments commonly involve MPI?

Examples include food, plant and animal products, timber and wooden packaging, used vehicles and machinery, personal effects, sea containers and other goods that can carry soil, insects, seeds, plant material or other contamination.

The exact requirements depend on the commodity, country of origin, packaging, treatment history and the relevant import pathway. It is important not to assume that a requirement applying to one shipment will automatically apply to another.

What is a BACC?

A Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate, commonly called a BACC, is part of the MPI border-clearance process for relevant consignments. MPI states that the importer or Customs Broker may need to apply through Trade Single Window. A BACC can contain clearance or directions that must be followed before the goods can move or be released.

Why pre-arrival document checking matters

For sea containers, MPI recommends submitting the required import information before arrival and lists documents and details such as container information, origin, port details, cargo description, packaging, quarantine declarations and relevant cargo documentation.

From a practical importer perspective, the earlier the invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill and any commodity certificates are reviewed, the more opportunity there is to identify missing information before storage, demurrage or delivery deadlines become an issue.

Can Customs clear a shipment while MPI still has it on hold?

Yes. Customs and MPI are separate processes. A Customs release does not remove an MPI biosecurity requirement, and MPI clearance does not replace the Customs entry. Where both agencies are involved, the outstanding requirements need to be resolved before the cargo can be fully released.

How Cusmode can assist

Cusmode Customs Brokers can help coordinate the border-clearance side of an import, including New Zealand Customs clearance and MPI biosecurity clearance. We also assist with sea freight containers, air freight, vehicles and machinery and personal effects.

If you are unsure which agency is holding your shipment, send us the available Customs or MPI notice together with the shipping documents and we can review what the next step appears to be.

This article is general guidance only. Customs and MPI requirements vary according to the goods and circumstances.