Arhopalus Season 2010/2011

The Arhopalus Season has now commenced. 

For further information please check out our recent technical update read more >>

E-Cert II

Early to mid next year MAFBNZ will roll out the new E-Cert system.  MAFBNZ have redeveloped the website as the current version uses old programming languages that mean it’s very expensive to maintain.  The new software will also give MAFBNZ better reporting and searching functionality.

The catch, from an exporters perspective, is the new program will be predominantly forced choice, for example product description wont be a free text field, it will be drop down boxes with set options such as “Sawn Timber”.  This is likely to cause conflict with letters of credit.

IVS has made MAFBNZ aware of potential letter of credit issues however MAFBNZ re-iterated to us that an E-Cert is a high level government to government certificate and not intended for banking use.  From their perspective the forced choice entry will ensure the certificate produced meets international standards for phytosanitary documents.

To help address conflicts with letter of credit requirements, MAFBNZ are considering introducing a second page to E-Certs, which could contain unverified commercial or letter of credit information.

The current E-Cert user guide, available at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/exports/plants/phyto-ecert-manual.pdf  Pages 23 - 34, illustrates what the available options will most likely be in the new system, when creating an e-cert application.  We strongly urge you to check this user guide and consider any potential letter of credit conflicts that may arise when the system goes live next year.

Further information on E-Cert II is available via the following link: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/exports/plants/phyto-ecert-newsletter-3.pdf

IVS Gains ISPM15 Approval

IVS recently gained approval to apply its own ISPM15 mark to timber packaging; we are the only Independent Verification Agency (IVA) with such an approval.

ISPM15 is an international standard for wood packaging that indicates the wood has been heat treated or fumigated.

What does this mean?  Well, if you need ISPM15 packaging we can help! This is ideal for suppliers who occasionally require ISPM15 stamped timber, but who do not wish to go through the full approval process of becoming MAFBNZ approved.

Simply provide us with the heat or fumigation treatment certificates for the timber you wish to have ISPM15 stamped.   We will check the treatment meets ISPM15 requirements and that the treatment company is MAFBNZ approved, we will then stamp the timber for you.  If you are unsure where to find MAFBNZ approved treatment providers let us know, and we can put you in touch with a supplier in your area. 

For further information about this service, please contact Karen or David by email or phone 0800 021 169

Changes to MAFBNZ Forestry Fees

Please note that the following changes have been made to the MAF Biosecurity NZ Forestry fees page;  read more >>

• No volume fees to be applied from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011 based on vessel departure dates. This will be reviewed in February 2011.

• The Arhopalus ferus flight season monitoring fee for the 2010-11 season will be $0.23 per m3

Does Your Timber Stack Up?

If you are looking for a robust Timber Preservation Testing Service to compliment your existing Quality Assurance Programme, and provide confidence that your timber is fit for purpose, then look no further...

The IVS/Hill Laboratories Timber Preservation Testing Service has been developed to provide accurate and rapid test results for timber treatment providers.  read more >>

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS)

After seeking input from industry, MAFBNZ have decided to work through the process of adopting the AFAS scheme in New Zealand. The adoption of AFAS has been contentious as it requires processes such as pressure testing containers and covering with a tarpaulin if the pressure test fails.

MAFBNZ are looking to gain equivalency to the AFAS standard based on our current practices (so we don’t have to do things like pressure test containers). If this cant be achieved, the scheme may not be adopted unless a practical and cost effective solution that also satisfies the Australian authorities can be achieved.

MAFBNZ will keep us informed on progress toward the final agreement and will consult with stakeholders regarding the implementation of AFAS when the time is appropriate.  To keep up to date please visit http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/trans/treat

Do You Have A Forestry Export Question?

 YES?  
Then please email it to us!

If your question is answered in our newsletter, we'll send you a Paper Plus Gift Voucher.  IVS is collating a 'library' of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for our website, which will be a source of useful information for our clients.