What is a MAF Approved Transitional Facility?

Transitional facilities receive sea containers, inspect for contaminants or harboured organisms, apply appropriate treatments (if required) and authorise biosecurity clearance of ‘risk’ goods.  New Zealand importers must operate an approved transitional facility if they wish to inspect and unpack imported goods in sea containers.

 

A transitional facility is a business that is approved by MAF Biosecurity NZ under the appropriate MAF Biosecurity NZ Standards. A transitional facility has an approved Transitional Facility Operator as well as Accredited Persons who conduct 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 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 basic 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 either attend an approved Accredited Persons training course

OR make sure you have access to an accredited person.  The Accredited Persons Training Course 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 Procedures Manual and site plan

Your Procedures Manual will describe your biosecurity activities, is prepared in accordance to the TF-GEN standard, and includes any specific importing health standards relating to your products.  IVS offer different levels of assistance in preparing this document.

More information on the IVS transitional facility support packages.

Step 4:

Apply to MAF Biosecurity NZ for transitional facility approval.

When MAF Biosecurity NZ receives your application, they will arrange for an audit and inspection of your transitional facility 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 Biosecurity NZ will charge on an hourly basis for the approval and ongoing monitoring of all transitional facilities.

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

 

There are many different ways to gain and maintain MAF transitional facility approval.

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.

 

Get in touch

To discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us