Revised Used Vehicle Import Standard Presented

Revised Used Vehicle Import Standard Presented To Industry

A revised import health standard for used cars was presented to industry and interested parties yesterday by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

A draft import health standard for used vehicle imports was released for consultation in August last year and, as a result of the submissions received, a modified standard has now been released. MAF undertook the initial risk assessment on the used vehicle import pathway as a result of the number of gypsy moth interceptions on used vehicles from Japan.

The revised standard recognises that the findings of the risk assessment did not establish a clear need to strengthen the current import measures for used vehicles. Recent results of gypsy moth host testing work carried out overseas by Forest Research scientists indicate that gypsy moth does not in fact pose a significant threat to New Zealand's native trees, or to Pinus plantations.

The revised import health standard addresses the need to more explicitly reduce the risks associated with pre-shipment and on-arrival inspection arrangements. By introducing clear time limits for these inspections, MAF has strengthened the current requirements that every used vehicle entering New Zealand is inspected and decontaminated as required.

As the modified standard does not differ substantially from the current import health standard, the new standard will be issued for implementation on 1 March 2001.

An import health standard specifies the requirements put in place to effectively manage the risks associated with imported goods before they enter New Zealand. The current import health standard applying to used vehicles came into force in 1997.

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