If you want to import inorganic materials, you need to meet biosecurity and other requirements. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
MPI Standard: Waste for Recovery, Reprocessing, Recycling or Disposal (WASTE.ALL) has been issued.
Following the consultation that closed 20 September 2023, MPI has released the final Waste for Recovery, Reprocessing, Recycling or Disposal Standard along with the response to submissions document. This standard replaces the previous standard for Inorganic Risk Materials.
Waste for Recovery, Reprocessing, Recycling or Disposal – Import Health Standard [PDF, 331 KB]
An overview of importing inorganics and waste.
This import process covers waste for:
The process also covers:
Processes for importing related materials are on other web pages. Follow these steps if you are importing:
More details about MPI's requirements are in Step 2 – What you need to do.
Check with the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) to find out if:
Check and comply with the import health standard.
A New Zealand broker, agent, or freight forwarder will help you with the arrival part of the process, such as:
Only registered customs brokers or qualified importers can access some Customs information.
Customs brokers and freight forwarders are usually listed in New Zealand business directories under those headings. Or you can check with the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation for a list of its members.
Biosecurity requirements are detailed in documents called import health standards (IHS). The IHS details what you need to do to successfully import your product.
The IHS outlines:
Read the relevant IHS carefully to make sure you can comply with all the requirements.
You may need to get the material treated and inspected. This is to make sure it isn’t contaminated with unwanted pests or diseases. Check the IHS to find out what you have to do for your product type.
If your product doesn't meet all of the IHS requirements (for example, it’s been treated using a different method from the ones in the IHS), you can ask MPI to assess it under equivalent measures. This is known as 'equivalence'.
You'll need to provide us with information that shows how any risks will be managed to an equivalent level to the IHS. For example, you might provide information about alternative treatment and processing.
To ask about equivalence, email standards@mpi.govt.nz
Unlike other imported products, you don’t need an import permit from MPI for:
MPI approves transitional facilities to hold and manage imported goods that might have a biosecurity risk. The products may need to be inspected or treated at a transitional facility before they can be cleared by MPI.
Before your goods arrive in New Zealand, you or your customs broker may need to arrange for your goods to be transferred to a transitional facility.
Bulk inorganic fertiliser is transported loose in vessel holds. It does not need to be packaged.
You can only import full container loads of materials like glass, industrial residues or waste, scrap metal, used parts, and batteries. Containers with a mixed load will not be allowed into New Zealand.
If your consignment is unaccompanied, we recommend you or your agent applies for a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC) before it arrives in New Zealand. A BACC can be issued at the border, but if you apply while your consignment is in transit, it can speed up border clearance.
Apply for a BACC (cover sheet) [PDF, 303 KB]
You or your customs broker need to make sure you have all the necessary documents before your goods arrive in New Zealand.
Documents you may need to supply include:
An inspector may check your documentation and the consignment when it arrives in New Zealand to make sure it complies with the IHS. The inspector will check that the consignment is:
If pests or contaminants are detected, an inspector will explain your options.
Depending on the type of contaminant, you may choose to:
MPI-approved pest identification services [PDF, 418 KB]
If your product has to be treated when it arrives in New Zealand, this must be done by an approved treatment provider.
You are liable for any costs associated with non-compliance or contamination.
Approved treatment providers [PDF, 375 KB]
Approved biosecurity treatments [PDF, 1.1 MB]
How to know you've met MPI requirements.
Your consignment will be cleared when the inspector is satisfied all documentation is complete and the import conditions of the import health standard (IHS) have been met.
You'll be issued with a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC). This confirms that the consignment has been given a biosecurity clearance.
If you have any questions about importing bulk fertilisers, rock, sand, clay or water, email plantproducts@mpi.govt.nz
If you have any questions about importing other waste, email standards@mpi.govt.nz
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