New Zealand
May 30, 2012

The NZ Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are seeking feedback on the proposed re-format of the Import Health Standard for Seed for Sowing. MPI are trialling some changes to Import Health Standards (IHS) to improve the readability and access to import requirements.

The proposed IHS is available at the following website: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/draft-seed-for-sowing-ihs

Please note that there are no proposed changes to the import requirements from the current Import Health Standard. However, there have been significant changes to how the import requirements are set out, particularly within Part A (which will replace Sections 1 and 2 of the current IHS).

Guidance Information for importing seeds for sowing has also been developed and is available on the following webpage: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/imports/plants/seeds

This guidance information is aimed primarily at importers, agents and overseas exporters to accompany the IHS. The information included in the pages has been set out in a logical order, and answers many of the frequently asked questions received by MPI.

The proposed IHS also amalgamates the import requirements currently contained in two separate IHS for Pinus spp. seed for sowing, and Pseudotsuga menziesii seed for sowing:
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/forests/standards/propagable-forest-produce/pinus-spp.htm
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/forests/standards/propagable-forest-produce/pseudotsuga-menziesii.htm
These two standards will be revoked once the new Seed for Sowing IHS is issued as final.

Depending on the feedback received, MPI anticipate issuing the new IHS at the end of June 2012.

Comments on the proposed IHS should be forwarded to MPI by close of business on Friday 22 June 2012. MPI encourages respondents to forward comments electronically. Please send submissions to: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz

However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the address that follows:

Seed for Sowing IHS reformat - Public Notification
Plants, Food and Environment Directorate
Standards Branch
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Fax: +64 4 894 0662

Submissions received by the closure date will be considered for the final issue of this import health standard. Submissions received after the closure date may be held on file for consideration when the issued standard is next revised/reviewed. Please note that your submission is public information. Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially sensitive or they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.

Website: http://www.maf.govt.nz

Published: May 30, 2012