Facilities receiving containers must have one or more trained, accredited person available to check containers. Accredited persons are responsible for inspecting containers, supervising their unpacking and containing any biosecurity risks. Find out how to get appointed as an accredited person.
Facility operators and accredited persons
Facilities receiving containers must have:
an MPI-approved facility operator
at least one trained, accredited person (AP).
The facility operator is the person who will have overall responsibility for the facility.
Facilities receiving containers (air freight and all sea containers) must also have enough accredited persons (APs) available to check containers and goods. Accredited persons are responsible for inspecting containers, supervising their unpacking and containing any biosecurity risks found.
Airports and accredited persons
Airports receiving air containers conveying international baggage must have trained accredited persons actively supervising the unloading of baggage from air containers.
The airport or airline service provider may choose to have an MPI -approved facility operator.
Become an accredited person
We've created a step-by-step process for getting appointed as an accredited person.
Follow the steps
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Step 1: Find out the requirements
Review the relevant standard
Accredited person responsibilities and requirements are outlined in the relevant container standard and the Biosecurity Act.
To become an accredited person you must complete and pass an MPI-approved training course. More details are in Step 2: Complete training.
Proof of right to work in New Zealand for non-New Zealand citizens
If you're not a New Zealand citizen, you must show us your foreign passport with a valid New Zealand visa which allows you to work.
All visa options to work are on the Immigration New Zealand website. Non-New Zealand citizen applicants should check that their visas (including any conditions) will allow them to do this work. MPI may use passport details to check your right to work, using the Visa Verification Service.
You must complete and pass an MPI-approved accredited person course. The courses outline what to do when checking a container for biosecurity risks and MPI reporting requirements.
For information on locations and dates of training courses contact one of the approved training providers.
