Apply at least 10 days before your arrival
You must get prior approval to arrive at:
- any port that is not an approved place of first arrival (PoFA)
- any PoFA that is not approved to accept your type of vessel and/or the goods being unloaded.
You need to seek approval at least 10 working days before your arrival.
It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to arrive at a location or port that isn't an approved PoFA without prior approval, except in extraordinary circumstances, like in a medical emergency.
Check the lists of MPI-approved places of first arrival
Places of first arrival for aircraft
Places of first arrival for seacraft
How to apply for prior approval to arrive at a non-approved PoFA
Your application must:
- state why your vessel needs to arrive at a place that is not an approved PoFA
- include permissions and arrangements made with the port company.
Applications must be lodged with the NZ Customs Service (Customs) using the correct form. Further instructions are on the forms.
Application for prior approval to arrive at a non-approved airport
Application for prior approval to arrive at a non-approved seaport
Notes about applications
- Applications to arrive at a non-approved PoFA based on convenience will likely be declined.
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) definitions of craft type may differ from other agencies or other industry interpretations. For example, MPI may class your vessel as a "private recreational vessel" (yacht) even though it has been declared as "commercial".
- The craft and risk good approvals a port or airport has for MPI are based on its facilities and resources to both safely facilitate and manage biosecurity risks associated with each cargo and craft type, as per the requirements and categories in the PoFA Standard [PDF, 301 KB]
- Some ports may be approved by Customs as a PoFA but not by MPI. In those cases, you'll need to apply separately to MPI for approval.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the information on this page, including fees and charges, email:
- MPI at vessels@mpi.govt.nz
- Customs at ITOCOPS@customs.govt.nz
