Fumigation Requirements
ISPM 15 & Fumigation Requirements for New Zealand
Wood packaging rules for New Zealand: ISPM 15 is required, accepted treatments, exemptions, and penalties for non-compliance.
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Oceania
- ISPM 15 required
- Yes
- Marking required
- Yes
- Effective date
- 2006-01-01
New Zealand requires ISPM 15 treatment of wood packaging material, such as pallets and crates. Accepted treatment methods: Heat Treatment (HT), Methyl Bromide (MB) - restricted.
Penalties for non-compliance: Mandatory treatment, re-export, or destruction. Infringement fees up to NZD $400. Prosecution possible for serious breaches with fines up to NZD $100,000.
Exemptions
- Processed wood products
- Wood under 6mm thickness
- Bark-free manufactured items
Additional requirements
- MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) enforcement
- Import Health Standard (IHS) compliance
- Strict biosecurity at all entry points
- Pre-arrival documentation required
Common issues
- Very strict biosecurity enforcement
- Bark contamination zero tolerance
- Documentation must be complete before arrival
Tips
- Check MPI Import Health Standards before shipping
- Ensure packaging is completely bark-free
- Submit documentation well in advance
- Consider plastic or metal alternatives
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Frequently asked questions
Why is New Zealand so strict about biosecurity?
New Zealand's isolated island ecosystem and primary industry-based economy make it highly vulnerable to invasive species. Strict biosecurity protects its $50+ billion agricultural exports.
What is the Import Health Standard?
MPI's Import Health Standards (IHS) specify biosecurity requirements for specific goods, including detailed wood packaging requirements beyond basic ISPM 15.
Is any bark at all acceptable on treated wood?
No. New Zealand has zero tolerance for bark on wood packaging. Any bark contamination will trigger biosecurity intervention regardless of ISPM 15 compliance.