Wellington, New Zealand
October 30, 2012
The import health standard (IHS) 155.02.05: Importation of Seed for Sowing has been re-issued to include a new schedule for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed for sowing. The new IHS is dated 19 October 2012, and replaces the version dated 27 August 2012. The amended IHS can be viewed on the website: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/ihs/155-02-05.pdf
Note: please refresh your web browser to ensure you are viewing the most recent version.
A minor amendment has also been made to the Macadamia schedule to remove a quarantine pest which is no longer regulated in New Zealand.
Background
Tomato seed was previously listed as a 'basic' seed species, with no specific measures for quarantine pests or diseases. MPI completed a risk assessment of seed transmitted viruses and viroids associated with tomato seed in 2011/12. Visual inspection of seed at the border will not detect seeds infected with viruses and viroids, therefore the previous requirements were not specifically managing the biosecurity risks of these types of organisms.
MPI consulted with the Public from May - July 2012 on proposed new measures to manage the biosecurity risk of viruses and viroids which may be seed-transmitted on tomato. A Review of Submissions has been completed (12 08 05_Review of submissions for tomato seed for sowing IHS.doc http://fcs.maf.govt.nz/webtop/drl/objectId/090101b3809723b6) , and is available on the MPI internet along with the archived consultation documentation at the following address: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/biosec/consult/review-submissions-tomato-seed.pdf
Three viruses and viroids are now listed as regulated organisms on tomato seeds, and MPI is phasing in the requirements to manage these organisms over the next two years. Requirements include the need to obtain a Phytosanitary certificate from the exporting National Plant Protection Organisation, with declarations for seed cleaning treatments and for each of the quarantine pests listed.
If you are planning to import tomato seed in future, please take a look at the new schedule and requirements for seed importation.
Any questions should be directed to the:
Plant & Plant Products Team
Plants, Food & Environment
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526, 25 The Terrace, Wellington 6140
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
Tel: 0800 008 333 (or directly to +64 894 5514)
Fax: +64 894 0662
Topics
Species
