What is a MAF Approved Transitional Facility?

Transitional Facilities receive imported goods (primarily in sea containers), inspect for contaminants and unwanted organisms, apply appropriate treatments (if required) and authorise biosecurity clearance. New Zealand importers must operate an Approved Transitional Facility if they wish to receive and unpack imported sea containers directly at their premises.

A Transitional Facility is a business that is approved by MAF under the appropriate MAF Standards. Facilities need both an approved Transitional Facility Operator, who maintains responsibility for all biosecurity aspects of the site, as well as Accredited Persons who conduct the physical biosecurity checks on sea containers. 

Facilities need to meet the physical and operational requirements determined in the standard. They have a supporting biosecurity procedures manual and a site plan prepared specifically for their facility, describing all biosecurity activity. Documentation needs to cover areas such as:

• type and volume of imported goods
• container inspection and unpacking procedures
• security of uncleared goods
• record systems
• treatment of risk goods
• signage
• contingency plans

IVS supports New Zealand importing businesses through the approval and maintenance process of Transitional Facilities.

Different approaches can be taken to gain Transitional Facility approval. In IVS’s experience, the fastest and most cost effective way to enable goods to be released is a four-step process:

Step 1:

Determine your business requirements.

Step 2:

Attend an approved Transitional Facility Operator training course.

This provides a good overview of New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements, the applicable legislation and regulation, and the step-by-step process you need to follow to become approved.

AND attend an approved Accredited Persons training course (Or at least make sure you have access to an Accredited Person.)

The Accredited Person training defines the processes that need to be followed if you or your employee wishes to be able to open and complete biosecurity checks on imported sea containers.

More information on biosecurity training.

Step 3:

Develop a Biosecurity Manual and site plan.

Your manual will describe your biosecurity operating procedures and must meet the requirements of both the General Transitional Facilities (TFGEN) Standard and any relevant Import Health Standards (specific to the goods you intend to import). IVS offers different levels of support, which include preparing your manual for you.

More information on the IVS Transitional Facility support packages.

Step 4:

Apply to MAF for Transitional Facility approval.

When MAF receives your application, they will arrange for an audit and inspection of your site and documentation. It is important you have a good understanding of all requirements, to avoid additional charges being incurred if subsequent MAF visits are required or extra time is needed. MAF charge on an hourly basis for the approval and ongoing monitoring of all Transitional Facilities.

IVS provide a full support programme for Transitional Facilities to reduce your costs and ensure the approval and maintenance process runs smoothly. Click here for more information.

In essence, there are two ways to gain and maintain Approved Transitional Facility status. Work through each of the above steps on your own piece by piece, or utilise the seamless services IVS offer to get you up, running and approved as efficiently as possible.

Engaging IVS ensures you have a biosecurity partner who considers your business individually, helping to simplify processes and allowing you to operate easily within the New Zealand biosecurity system.