How to apply to get approval for a transitional or containment facility

When making your application, we'll ask what types of goods you're planning to import and the standards that apply to them.

We'll ask if you're seeking approval for any high-risk biosecurity facility types like biosecurity refuse, treatment, or decontamination. These are covered under TFGEN (Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods Facility Standard).

TFGEN Facility Standard [PDF, 450 KB]

Next, check all facility standards and decide which ones apply to you. You'll need to choose the standards that apply to your facility as part of your application.

List of all facility standards

Every facility must have an approved facility operator who has overall responsibility for the facility.
Some facility standards require the facility operator to successfully complete an MPI approved operator training course.

If the operator is a company or an organisation, nominate a person as your delegate. This person referred to as the 'nominated delegate' will be the point of contact for MPI on approval, compliance, and verification issues. The company may also choose to identify a day-to-day contact person for routine matters arising at the transitional facility.

All facility operators must complete a separate registration form.

Find out how to register as a facility operator

Fact sheet about a business entity being approved as the operator of a transitional facility [PDF, 193 KB]

Extra requirement for container facilities

If you're handling air or sea containers, accredited persons must also be on your site to do biosecurity checks of containers.

Find out about getting accredited

If you are making a new application or changing facility ownership, you'll need to send us these documents with your application:

• A copy of your company's Certificate of Incorporation. These are available from the New Zealand Companies Register  
• You'll need to complete the NZCS 224: Trade Single Window client registration application form
• A copy of current identification documents for all listed directors of your company
  (these a required as part of the NZCS 224 application form)
• A letter of authorisation (only required if your company is to be the facility operator).
  Letter of authorisation sample document [DOCX, 14 KB]

Approval of a business entity as the operator of a facility – fact sheet [PDF, 193 KB]

Do you have a credit account with MPI?

If you have a credit account with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), you'll need to have your account number handy.

If you don't already have an account with us, you'll need to apply and attach a completed form with your transitional or containment facility application.

Application for credit account with MPI [PDF, 300 KB]

When you have all your documents ready, you can start your application.

Transitional and containment facility approval form

Application costs

You will be charged for the costs and time involved in processing your application even if it's not approved. It's in your best interests to ensure your application is complete before submitting it.

Fees and charges for transitional and containment facilities

Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2010 – NZ Legislation 

If you need help with your application

Contact your local MPI office for advice.

MPI local office contacts

You may need some extra help from an independent biosecurity consultant to make sure you are meeting all regulatory requirements for approval.

Try an internet search if you wish to find a 'biosecurity consultant' for your type of facility.