New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), through its Biosecurity New Zealand, has introduced the Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) for use by all commercial vessels calling New Zealand.
The PAR, which was introduced from 31 October, will replace the previously required Master’s Declaration (MD) and Biofouling and Ballast Water Declaration (BBWD).
According to NorthStandard P&I club, the use of PAR will not be mandatory for the first six months. During this time, MPI will still accept the MD and BBWD.
The PAR will become mandatory from 1 May 2025 and the old documentation will no longer be accepted. A PAR must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival of the vessel in New Zealand territorial waters.
MPI advised that the new form aims to improve and simplify the required documents. Further information can be found in MPI’s fact sheet, which is available in the arrival process steps section in the MPI website.
MPI further advised that there will be no change to how the form is submitted to MPI, by submitting the form with Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) to apicustodian@customs.govt.nz, or by emailing vessels@mpi.govt.nz.
The ANOA will be updated by the New Zealand Customs Service in early 2025 to reflect the changes. There is no change to the Master’s Declaration for Full Biosecurity Clearance.
Download the MPI factsheet:Pre-Arrival Documentation for Commercial Vessels
