Country Freedom List

List last updated: 1st July 2009

Please note - the search and country freedom request functions on this page are password protected.
Request a password or Log in.

Purpose

Some countries require that phytosanitary certificates contain additional declarations (ADs) which state that New Zealand is free from a specified organism. These ADs can only be provided after MAF Biosecurity Authority (MAF BA) has confirmed the current status of the organism in New Zealand by carrying out a search of domestic and international literature.

The MAF country freedom list contains the names of organisms for which country freedom reports have already been completed using MAF approved procedures. It is not a comprehensive list of organisms present in or absent from New Zealand. The MAF country freedom list may be used for the provision of ADs without any further survey, inspection or testing actions where the importing country specifies: Country, Area, Crop, Site or Consignment freedom, from one or more of these pests.

However, if the importing country specifies within the wording of their AD that they require measures such as: Surveys, Inspections or Testing and found free from any of these pests, the area of production, crop, site or consignment will have to be surveyed, inspected or tested as appropriate prior to the specific AD being provided. Deviations from this certification measure will only apply where an importing country phytosanitary control authority confirms, with MAF, a modification to the wording of their AD specification.

Process

If you require an AD stating country freedom click on the link above to Log in and search the webpage to check whether the status of the organism in New Zealand is known.

If the organism you require an AD for is not listed, please perform a "New Country Freedom Search Request" (login required) to initiate a country freedom search through MAF BA. Note: Country freedom searches can take up to 15 working days. The result of the search is then added to the country freedom list for future reference.

Costs

In line with MAF policy the costs of carrying out the literature search will be recovered from the person or organization requesting the search. While these costs are not high you are advised to ask for a quote before commissioning the search.