Application deadline is 30 September 2021
All TFs that currently hub unauthorised sea containers must apply to Biosecurity New Zealand for approval.
To apply for approval, send us an updated:
- operating manual describing procedures that the TF, operator, authorised persons, and relevant staff will follow to meet the required conditions for hubbing of sea containers
- site plan showing the area where hubbed containers will be placed and held securely.
Send your updated operating manual and site plan to container.hubbing@mpi.govt.nz
More information about the requirements is on this page.
Why you must be authorised to hub containers
The practice of hubbing at a TF or non-TF site without an authority is a breach of the Biosecurity Act 1993. Hubbing can:
- pose a potential biosecurity risk
- hinder Biosecurity New Zealand's ability to trace the container and its contents within the supply chain.
On 1 July 2021, 100% sea container checks were introduced. This allows for the full reporting of sea container movements by TFs.
Ensuring TFs that hub containers have approved operational procedures in place to manage the biosecurity risk associated with import containers:
- adds another layer to our biosecurity system
- improves sea container traceability.
What you need to do
All TFs that currently hub unauthorised sea containers must apply to Biosecurity New Zealand for approval by 30 September 2021. If we receive your application by this date, the TF can continue hubbing containers while we process the application.
To get approval, your nominated site must be an approved TF and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) must be confident that:
- up-to-date operational procedures are being followed
- they are reviewed on a regular basis.
Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Authorisation will be limited to containers that are approved to move from a Place of First Arrival to a Biosecurity New Zealand-approved TF.
- Movement will be limited to uncleared goods for which the TF has agreed operational procedures in place to manage biosecurity risk.
- The Operator of the TF must ensure there is a biosecurity awareness programme in place for all drivers assigned to transporting the uncleared containers.
- On delivery and placement, the exterior of the containers must be checked as soon as practically possible for contamination by an Accredited Persons and records kept.
- Records of inward and outward unauthorised container movements must be kept and be made readily available to an inspector on request.
- Uncleared containers must be held unopened and securely in the TF-approved area for holding prior to transportation to the final TF.
After you apply
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A site visit from a Biosecurity New Zealand representative may be required to ensure the container pad and surrounding area adheres to the Standard for Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods (TFGEN) [PDF, 427 KB]
Note: Any unauthorised movement of a container to a site that is not approved as a TF or a TF that has not submitted an application by 30 September 2021 will be considered a serious breach of the Act. Biosecurity New Zealand will consider appropriate enforcement action when detected.
Costs of processing your application
Biosecurity New Zealand staff will recover costs as per the Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2010 on all time spent evaluating the updated operating manual and site plan. If a site visit is needed, this may incur charges for travel.
Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2010 – NZ Legislation
Find out more
Letter to transitional facility operators [PDF, 227 KB]
FAQs about hubbing of sea containers at transitional facilities [PDF, 159 KB]
How to become a transitional facility operator or an accredited person
Who to contact
If you have questions, email container.hubbing@mpi.govt.nz
