QUARANTINE INSPECTIONS FOR FULL CONTAINERS TO NEW ZEALAND - 7/09/2006

On 4/9 MAF (the New Zealand equivalent fo AQIS) began 6 sided inspections of all import containers leaving the Ports of Auckland Terminal. The aim is to prevent quarantine risks arriving in New Zealand via the dirt on the outside of a shipping container. Any containers found contaminated with dirt will be ordered to a specially licensed premises for an external wash and additional charges will apply for this service.

There are a couple of very simple precautions you can take try and minimise or avoid these additional charges being levied on yourself or your customer :

1. Load containers on a concrete or tarseal hardstand

2. Check containers for dirt (especially around the twist locks) and ensure all containers leaving your premises are clean.

We are also speaking with our trucking carriers to ensure that their drivers refuse to accept empty containers which are obviously dirty. If you have any questions about the new regime in New Zealand please do not hesitate to contact your local Mainfreight Owens International office.