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What an import risk analysis tells us

An import risk analysis can tell us:

  • the pests or diseases that could come with the imported item
  • how likely it is these pests or diseases will be on the item
  • the possible effects these pests or diseases could have on human health, the environment, or the economy
  • the effectiveness of any control measures (for keeping pests or diseases out of New Zealand, or controlling them if they arrive).

Import risk analysis requirements

The World Trade Organization Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement) sets out the requirements countries must follow.

Risk management measures:

  • must be based on existing international standards, guidelines, or recommendations, or be supported by science
  • must not restrict trade any more than they need to.

The role of the SPS agreement is discussed in the MPI report Balance in trade.

Balance in trade [PDF, 665 KB]

A risk assessment or risk analysis is a critical part of developing an import health standard. The Biosecurity Act (1993) describes how to develop an import health standard.

Biosecurity Act section 23: From draft to recommendations – NZ Legislation

The import risk analysis process

Before we begin an import risk analysis, we review the information we already have. This includes looking at existing assessments and previous policy.

We discuss the risk analysis with people both inside and outside MPI (often referred to as stakeholders). That includes our border staff, industry representatives, other government agencies, and iwi. This helps us figure out what the risk assessment needs to tell us.

We also work out what criteria we will use and the evidence we'll need to make decisions.

After we have gathered the information we need and decided on a plan, we:

  • identify the pests and diseases which require assessment
  • consider the likelihood of pests and diseases entering New Zealand and becoming established, and the possible impacts on the economy, environment, and people.
  • consider how to manage or control any pest and disease threats.

We work with the stakeholders throughout the project. This gives allows them to submit evidence which may change the project's scope or conclusions.

Find out more

An overview of our import risk analysis process [PDF, 317 KB] 

Who to contact

If you have questions about import risk analysis or import health standards, email info@mpi.govt.nz

Published risk analyses and submission reviews

You can download a copy of a published import risk analysis. Each risk analysis has a related document, which is a review of the submissions received.

Extra details about each document can be read by clicking on the "+" sign that appears on the same line as the document title.

Tips - try using:
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  • quotation marks to search a specific term - for example, 'alligator meat' returns documents with the exact phrase 'alligator meat'
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