New Zealand import facilities now face the prospect of being fined for breaches of biosecurity rules.
In a move announced today (15 April), Biosecurity New Zealand officers can issue infringement notices to transitional and containment facilities for actions that could allow invasive pests and diseases into New Zealand.
The infringement fee for each offence is NZ$400 for an individual and NZ$800 for a corporation.
'Any individual or company that operates a facility without a registered operator, or who fails to comply with the operating standards for that facility will now be considered for an infringement notice,' said Chris Denny, team manager freight and mail at Biosecurity New Zealand.
'One area we will be paying particular attention to is the movement of uncleared goods, including sea containers, without correct authorisation. This type of non-compliance poses a critical risk to biosecurity.'
