On April 19, 2006, the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) notified stakeholders that its proposed revisions to the New Zealand Import Health Standard for Wood Packaging would begin on May 1, 2006.  Recognizing that many stakeholders identified the need for additional time to prepare for the import requirements outlined in the standard, MAF has decided to phase-in enforcement according to the schedule below. 

For wood packaging arriving after May 1, 2006:

1.         New Import Health Standard for Wood Packaging enters into force.

2.         Wood packaging should comply with the import requirements.

3.         MAF will risk profile all consignments and select a subset for inspection.

4.         Any wood packaging found to be infested with pests will be treated, reshipped or destroyed.

5.         Wood packaging found to be free of pests may be granted biosecurity clearance.

6.         The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Quarantine Service (AFQS) will tag non-compliant wood packaging with an advisory notice. 

For wood packaging arriving after July 1, 2006:

1.         Wood packaging must comply with the import requirements.

2.         MAF will risk profile all consignments and select a subset for inspection.

3.         Any untreated or uncertified wood packaging found will be treated, destroyed, or refused entry, regardless of whether pests are found.

4.         A notice of non-compliance will be issued for any untreated or uncertified wood packaging.

5.            Information from these non-compliances will be used to feedback into the risk profiling system, meaning that goods from importers who develop a history of non-compliance will more frequently be selected for inspection.