Biosecurity Act Breaches Cost Aviation Company Penalty Of $150,000

Menzies Aviation Limited has been ordered by the court to pay a penalty of $150,000 for breaches of the Biosecurity Act.

Menzies operates two MPI approved Transitional Facilities at Auckland Airport for handling imported airfreight, containers and packaging. It’s at these facilities that uncleared risk goods go through the necessary biosecurity clearance.

In a recent judgement released by the Auckland High Court, Menzies Aviation Limited was ordered to pay the penalty for failing to comply with a Compliance Order issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“MPI ordered Menzies Aviation Limited to ensure its goods were wrapped in plastic, with no gaps or holes, to prevent any potential and unwanted pests that might be present from escaping,” says MPI Regional Manager, Investigations North, Aleshea Allen.

“Our Senior Quarantine Officers followed up with the company and found six consignments of uncleared risk goods improperly wrapped, creating a potential biosecurity risk at our border.”

In addition, Senior Quarantine Officers found the inspection room and facilities did not meet required hygiene standards and were not fit for purpose. There was no biosecurity equipment present to deal with risks and no records available to document required cleaning of the room and training of staff.

“Our expectation is that all companies that handle imported goods meet the requirements of the Biosecurity Act. The rules are there for a reason and the stakes are high as unwanted pests and diseases could have a devasting effect on our communities and economy,” says Aleshea Allen.

More information about transitional and containment facilities for border clearance can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/import/border-clearance/transitional-and-containment-facilities-for-border-clearance

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