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Proposed changes to the Seeds for Sowing import health standard

Have your say

From 15 May 2024 to 17 June 2024 the Ministry for Primary Industries invites comment on proposed changes to the import health standard for seeds for sowing.

The changes include:

  • adding an option for seeds to be produced in an area where a pest is "absent" according to ISPM 8, for pests that already have "pest free area" as a measure.
  • changing the wording for additional declarations for pests from "not known to occur" to "the seeds are produced in an area where a [pest] is absent".
  • changing the requirements for importing seeds of New Zealand origin
  • removing some pests from the standard
  • changing the seed testing requirements in the standard
  • adding a species (Rumex sanguineus) to the MPI Plants Biosecurity Index
  • removing the requirement for an importer declaration for Beta vulgaris seeds.

Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation documents.

Consultation documents

Related documents

Seeds for sowing import health standard [PDF, 1.8 MB] (the current IHS)

WTO notification - IHS: Seeds for Sowing (155.02.05) [PDF, 128 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the draft by 5pm on 17 June 2024 to plantimports@mpi.govt.nz

Make sure you include in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
  • your name and title (if applicable)
  • your organisation's name (if you're submitting on behalf of an organisation)
  • your contact details (for example, phone number, address and email).

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Plant Germplasm Imports, Animal and Plant Health Directorate
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.

Next steps

After we have considered all submissions there is a 10-day period which provides submitters with the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from consultation. An independent review (under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993) may be requested in this period if a submitter considers scientific evidence they raised during their submission has not received sufficient consideration. If there is no review, the IHS becomes final after 10 days.

Find out more about the IHS review process

Legal background

MPI must consult with interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and MPI's consultation policy before issuing or amending (other than of minor or urgent nature) import health standards (IHS) under sections 24A and 24B of the Act.

An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

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