If your business imports containers, food products, plant or animal products, used machinery, vehicles, wood products or other uncleared goods into New Zealand, your premises may need approval before those goods can be received, inspected, unpacked or handled.
Cusmode Customs NZ can assist businesses through the approval process from application preparation through to dealing with Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) and New Zealand Customs.
MPI Transitional Facility Approval
A Transitional Facility is a site approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to receive and manage imported containers or goods that may present a biosecurity risk.
Depending on your operation, approval may involve:
- Identifying the correct MPI facility standard
- Transitional Facility application
- Facility operator requirements
- Accredited Person requirements for container facilities
- Preparing the site plan
- Preparing or reviewing the operating manual
- Company and supporting documentation
- Preparing for the MPI site verification
- Responding to MPI requests for further information
MPI requires every Transitional Facility to have an approved facility operator. Facilities receiving sea or air containers must also have appropriately trained accredited persons available to carry out container biosecurity checks.
Customs-Controlled Area Approval
Some businesses may also require their premises to be licensed as a Customs-Controlled Area (CCA).
New Zealand Customs may require supporting information including company documents, identification, declarations, details of the proposed operation, and a professional-standard plan showing the layout of the premises. Customs may also inspect the premises before granting a licence.
Already Have a Facility but Changing Your Operation?
Approval requirements can also arise when an existing business changes facility ownership, facility operator, business location, site layout, types of imported goods or scope of operations.
Changes should be considered before new goods arrive, as an existing approval may not automatically cover the new operation.
Let Cusmode Help With the Application
Getting an application right at the beginning can reduce unnecessary delays and repeated requests for information.
Cusmode Customs NZ can review your proposed operation, identify the likely Customs and Biosecurity requirements, prepare the supporting documentation and assist you through the application process.
Government application, inspection, training and licensing charges are separate from Cusmode’s professional service fees.
Need Your Warehouse, Factory or Business Site Approved?
Contact Cusmode Customs NZ for an initial assessment and our professional fees.
Please tell us:
- What goods you intend to import
- Whether they arrive by sea or air
- Whether you receive full containers
- Your site address
- What activities will take place at the premises
We can then advise what approvals are likely to be required and provide our fee proposal.
Cusmode Customs NZ
Licensed Customs Brokerage & Import Support
Contact us for fees and application assistance.
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