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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