Case Study · Independent Biosecurity Specialists
How We Helped Davies International Turn a "Seeded Challenge" into a Successful Clearance
“ We truly appreciate IVS going above and beyond throughout the process. Their support and commitment were exceptional, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone facing a challenging biosecurity situation.”
Jessie Fan, Customs & Forwarding Operations, Davies International
Some biosecurity jobs are anything but straightforward. When two imported containers carrying 160 steel drums were placed on hold by MPI because of widespread seed contamination, Davies International needed someone who could find a safe, practical way forward and keep every party on the same page.
Our team built the decontamination plan, got it approved by MPI and coordinated the operation onsite until both containers were cleared.
The Client
Davies International, a New Zealand-owned and operated International freight forwarder and customs broker, came to us on behalf of an importer whose shipment had been held at the border.
The Challenge
The seed contamination wasn't limited to one corner of the load. It was spread throughout both containers and across the wooden pallets the drums sat on.
An initial attempt to unpack the cargo had already been stopped because of the risk of loose seeds escaping. That left the importer with two containers on MPI hold and a biosecurity problem that was getting more complex, and more costly, the longer it sat.
The Solution
An MPI-Approved Decontamination Plan
We were brought in as an independent biosecurity specialist to design a safe way to unpack, clean and clear the cargo, and to coordinate everyone involved.
We prepared a detailed decontamination plan that covered:
- Indoor devanning, so loose seed couldn't escape
- Seed containment throughout the operation
- Safe handling and inspection of every drum
- Cleaning of both container interiors
- Management of the contaminated pallets and waste
- MPI inspection points
- Health and safety controls, plus contingency arrangements.
Once every operational party had agreed to the plan, we submitted it to MPI and secured approval to proceed.
160 steel drums were placed on hold by MPI due to widespread seed contamination.
The contamination was present throughout the containers and across the wooden pallets.
The Partnership
Bringing Every Party Together Onsite
With approval in hand, our team ran the operation onsite, working closely with Davies International, the importer, Veer Enterprise and MPI.
Every drum was removed, cleaned, and inspected. The heavily contaminated wooden pallets were securely contained and sent for approved destruction. As the work progressed, MPI reinspected and released the cargo and the container interiors in stages.
“ Matt and the IVS team provided outstanding support in managing two highly challenging containers that were held by MPI due to seed contamination. Their expertise, dedication, and thorough biosecurity decontamination plan ensured the issue was resolved efficiently and professionally, resulting in both containers being successfully cleared and released by MPI.”
Jessie Fan, Customs & Forwarding Operations, Davies International
The risk of loose seeds escaping was extremely high.
Our team coordinated the operation onsite, working closely with the client, the importer and MPI.
Every drum was safely removed, cleaned and inspected.
The Result
Cleaned, cleared and released
All 160 drums were cleaned and cleared, both containers were released, and the biosecurity risk was managed from start to finish.
The weird and wonderful are all part of our everyday work. This job showed what technical expertise, practical thinking, and strong collaboration can achieve when everyone is working towards the same result.
Biosecurity, but done better.
Facing a complex biosecurity hold on your cargo? Talk to our team today.