Introduction
MAF’s border services are designed to prevent or manage the entry of goods that are likely to cause harm or contain material that is likely to cause harm to New Zealand’s economy, environment and human health, and to facilitate trade.
The recovery of costs for biosecurity services provided by the Crown occurs primarily under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and specifically the Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2003. The objective of the regulations is to accurately and equitably recover the costs of services provided by MAF that are associated with border control and that are appropriately funded by third parties as opposed to the Crown.
Third parties are funding approximately 93%, i.e. $20.6 million of the cost of cargo clearance services provided by MAF in 2005/06. The other 7%, i.e. $1.7 million, which is for vessels’ clearance, is being funded by the Crown. The cost of cargo clearance will change because both the standards for clearance and the volumes of risk goods imported are likely to change over time.
The cargo clearance services provided by MAF that are currently cost recovered under the Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2003 include:
- inspections and clearances of containers, used vehicles and machinery;
- pest and disease identification for border inspection;
- offshore inspection of ships;
- approval of permits issued under import health standards;
- approval, and audit of transitional and containment facilities, and facility operators; and
- inspections and clearances of unaccompanied baggage or personal effects.
The Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2003 have been in place since May 2003. An update to the regulations is needed to:
- ensure that any changes in practices required at the border are adequately cost recovered;
- avoid under and over recovery of costs over time; and
- ensure the charges remain fair and equitable.
The Biosecurity Act 1993 requires that consultation be carried out before regulations are made. This document explains the proposed new cost recovery provisions and seeks comment on them.
Contact for Enquiries
Elizabeth Paterson
Policy Analyst
Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: +64 4 894 0407
Fax: +64 4 894 0730
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