Wellington, New Zealand
April 15, 2013

The Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand (MPI) has issued the import health standard: 152.02.05: Importation of Seed for Sowing with an urgent amendment. The import health standard is dated 12 April 2013 replacing the version dated 19 October 2012 and is available on the MPI website at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/imports/plants/seeds

The following is a summary of the amendment:

• The import health standard for seeds for sowing has been amended urgently to include a new schedule for Brassica seed for sowing. The new schedule includes a mandatory fungicide seed treatment for all imported Brassica seed consignments, to manage the risk of importing new strains and new species of fungus. The new schedule incorporates the previous Brassica napus (oilseed rape/canola) schedule, which included regulations for genetically modified seeds. If seed is treated offshore, the treatments must be recorded on a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country National Plant Protection Organisation. If seed is to be treated on arrival, a phytosanitary certificate is not needed.
• Imports of oilseed rape varieties, Brassica napus var. oleifera, must also be accompanied by a GM seed testing certificate.
• MPI has prioritised a full Risk Analysis of diseases of Brassica in the 2013/14 year – and there will be an opportunity for industry and public consultation on changes to the new schedule following this analysis. Please advise the Plant imports office if you would like to be involved in this consultation.
• A minor amendment has also been made to the specific schedule for Acrocomia, to restore a section of text which had been accidentally removed during a previous amendment.

Note: please refresh your web browser to ensure you are viewing the most recent version.

Any questions can be directed to:

Plant Imports
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526, 25 The Terrace, Wellington 6140
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
 

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

Published: April 15, 2013