Wellington, New Zealand
March 23, 2010

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has issued a minor amendment to an import health standard: 155.02.05: Importation Importation of Seed for Sowing. This import health standard is dated 19 March 2010.

The revised import health standard is available on the MAFBNZ website:
• http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/plants/seeds-sowing.htm

This standard replaces the version dated 7 May 2009, and includes minor changes to the standard. The following is a summary of the changes:

• Additional schedule for Linum usitatissimum. The new schedule has a requirement for importers to declare that the seed is not known to contain unapproved genetically modified seeds.
• Amendment to the schedule for Fragaria. Minor amendments have been made to the pest list and virus testing requirements, based on work for the Fragaria nursery stock schedule, the IDC testing manual and more recent information.
• Amendment to the schedule for Ribes. Minor amendments have been made to the pest list and virus testing requirements, based on work for the IDC testing manual and more recent information.

The previous IHS schedules for these two genera did not specify seed associated pest lists and the testing requirements The amended requirements are in addition to the Basic Conditions specified in sections 2.2.2 in the Seed for Sowing standard. The changes are considered to be minor, in so far as there is no change to the requirement for post entry quarantine and virus testing in post entry quarantine.

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
Fax: 04 894 0662
Email: plantimports@maf.govt.nz

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

Published: March 23, 2010