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Proposed Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment

Have your say

From 5 December 2017 to 29 January 2018 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the  Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment (formerly Vehicles, Machinery and Tyres) and related documents.

We previously consulted on this IHS in 2015. Since then, an urgent amendment to the IHS was required because of the threat of brown marmorated stink bugs. We've also made some other changes, including to the title of the IHS.

MPI considers that a second consultation period is warranted due to the significant modification being made to the format and contents of the draft documents and the inclusion of some new requirements (not previously consulted on in the original draft versions in 2015).

Consultation documents

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the draft documents by 5pm on 29 January 2018 to standards@mpi.govt.nz
Make sure you include in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
  • your name and title, if applicable
  • your organisation's name (if you're submitting on behalf of an organisation)
  • your contact details (for example, phone number, address and email).

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Consultation on the Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment
Biosecurity and Environment Group
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.

Submissions are public information

Any submission you make becomes public information. Anyone can ask for copies of all submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the information available, unless we have a good reason for withholding it. You can find those grounds in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include, it's commercially sensitive or it's personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require the information be released.

Background to consultation 

MPI has been reviewing the Import Health Standard for vehicles, machinery and tyres since the end of 2014 and has conducted work in this area in a number of differently timed phases.  After being faced with imported vehicles from the USA that were found to be infested with brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in December 2014, MPI added emergency measures to ensure appropriate management.  This subsequently led MPI to begin work on a major revision of the Import Health Standard and the associated guidance document in 2015.  Both of these documents and a risk management proposal were provided to interested parties and the public in November 2015 for formal consultation.  This is where MPI asked for feedback on the proposed changes to the documents and other relevant information that was presented. 

Since 2015, MPI has conducted further detailed revision of the Import Health Standard, guidance document, and risk management proposal to include additional or amended management measures for biosecurity contaminants and regulated pests such as the Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and brown marmorated stink bug from other risk countries.

The worldwide spread of brown marmorated stink bug has continued to provide challenges in association with the vehicles, machinery and equipment pathway.  Italy is one country where the rapid spread and proliferation of the bugs has proven to be concerning over 2016 and 2017.  In response to these recent concerns, MPI made another urgent amendment to the IHS on the 25 August 2017 to better manage stink bug infestation of vehicles, machinery and equipment (including components, parts and tyres) from Italy. 

In 2017, MPI made more significant amendments to the draft suite of documents.  For example, it is proposed to re-name the standard as the Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment (and include a similar name change for the guidance document).  The Import Health Standard and guidance document have also been reformatted to align them with other MPI documents.  In addition, the risk management proposal has also been comprehensively reworked to include additional information and the rationale behind the additional management measures and recommended changes to the IHS and guidance document.

MPI considers that a second consultation period for these document is warranted due to the significant modification being made to the format and contents of the draft documents, and the inclusion of some new requirements (not previously consulted on in the original draft versions in 2015). 

The new IHS is expected to be finalised by 30 April 2018.

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