The Port community is committed to biosecurity, human health, and protecting our local economy and environment from unwanted pests and diseases. Port of Tauranga works with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to keep harmful pests and diseases out of the country. and with Customs NZ to keep cargo from illegally entering New Zealand.
How can you help?
● Be observant – identify any areas that could be a habitat for pests.
● When working with sea containers and general cargo be alert for any unwanted pests or biosecurity contamination.
● When working on vessels be observant for old cargo residue (dunnage), pests or contamination.
Have you spotted something unusual?
If it’s ALIVE:
● Contain it, if it’s safe to do so
● Inform others around you and your manager immediately
● Call MPI on 07 927 5700 or 029 909 5017 immediately.
If it’s DEAD:
● Bag it, inspect for any live organisms
● Call MPI port office on 07 927 5700 or email [email protected] for instruction on how to proceed.
Biosecurity is EVERYONE’S responsibility. We need to be vigilant and proactive.
Statutory cargo requirements
Customs controlled area cargo
In order to meet the security obligations of an import and export port, Port of Tauranga is required by the New Zealand Customs Service to be licensed as a Customs Controlled Area (CCA).
It is an offence under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 to remove any object from the CCA without the appropriate authority of the NZ Customs Service, and to fail to answer lawful questions. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in an individual and/or company being prosecuted under the Act.
Customs Officers have the authority to stop and question any person within the CCA about identity, purpose for being in the CCA, and goods and cargo in their possession.
Removing cargo from the CCA
All cargo within the CCA is expressly under the control of the NZ Customs Service, and cannot be removed from the CCA without NZ Customs Service permission and the applicable NZ Customs Service authority documentation.
Exporting cargo from the CCA
All export cargo must have the appropriate NZ Customs Service Authority CEDO (Customs Export Delivery Order) before it can be loaded for export.
Imported vehicles
To check the MPI biosecurity inspection status of imported vehicles, click here to go to the MPI Vehicle Inspection website.