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MAF Biosecurity New Zealand issues minor amendment to an import health standard: 155.02.05 - Importation of Seed for Sowing

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Wellington, New Zealand
April 21, 2009

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has issued a minor amendment to an import health standard: 155.02.05 Importation of Seed for Sowing.

This import health standard is dated 21 April 2009. The revised import health standard is available on the MAFBNZ website at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/ihs/155-02-05.pdf

A summary of the changes to the import health standard are described below. These changes have been made to improve biosecurity clearance procedures.

Amendments to Section 1

Updated references to legislation in Section 1.2 and updated contact details for MAFBNZ in Section 1.4.

Amendments to Section 2

Section 2.2.3.2 Seed analysis: Inclusion of requirement for seed sample when pelleted seed is not accompanied by correct documentation, and acceptance of an accompanied phytosanitary certificate and seed analysis certificate in lieu of inspecting pelleted seed on arrival.

Section 2.2.4 Hermetically packaged seed: Includes a requirement that seed in hermetically sealed packaging requires only basic entry conditions, and may be imported without a phytosanitary certificate unless the seed requires additional declarations, treatments or post-entry quarantine.

Section 2.2.6 Genetically Modified Seed Testing has been added. This prescribes some general requirements for genetically modified seed testing procedures coming out of internal border procedures, which should be made known to any potential importer.

New Schedule for Corylus

There are no specific entry conditions in this schedule with the exception that all seeds imported have their shells removed to permit inspection prior to entry. This requirement is included to mitigate the risk associated with the presence of Cydia latiferreana and Curculio nucum for Corylus consignments.

New Schedule for Curcurbita pepo

This schedule highlights the exception from importing genetically modified yellow crook neck squash varieties which are prohibited entry to New Zealand without ERMA approval. An importer or exporter's declaration is required to confirm that these varieties are not being imported.

Revised Schedule for Arabidopsis thaliana

Amendments to this schedule provides further clarification of the two options for importing seeds; either as genetically modified or non-genetically modified seeds. A permit is required for all genetically modified seed based on an ERMA approval, and a MAF declaration form to be completed by the importer is now required for the importation of non-genetically modified seed.

Revised Schedules for Zea, Brassica Napus, Glycine and Medicago

These schedules incorporate editorial changes in line with the revised 'Protocol for Testing Seed Imports for the Presence of Genetically Modified Seed' due to be issued during 2009. The most significant change within each schedule involves requiring seeds to be sourced from companies with MAF approved quality assurance systems that demonstrate equivalence with PCR testing every consignment of seeds. This change replaces the requirement for determination of area or country freedom from commercial production of genetically modified seed.

Please also remember to refresh the browser when you open the IHS PDF page.

Any questions relating to this amendment of the import health standard can be directed to:
Plant Imports
Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
New Zealand
Fax: 04 894 0662
Email: plantimports@maf.govt.nz 

 

 

 

 

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