Update – 24 August 2022
Final documents and review of submissions released
Following the consultation that closed on 13 July 2022, MPI has released the final import health standards along with the review of submissions.
Importation and clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables into New Zealand – Import health standard [PDF, 2.3 MB]
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) from Taiwan - fresh fruit/vegetables – Import health standard [PDF, 417 KB]
Review of submissions [PDF, 570 KB]
Consultation background
From 13 June to 13 July 2022 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sought feedback on a proposed amendment to the import health standards (IHS) for fresh lychee from Taiwan.
MPI has reviewed the cold treatment schedule for importing fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan. Justification for the amendment is in the risk management proposal.
Full details of the proposed amendment to the standards are in the consultation documents.
Consultation documents
Draft IHS commodity sub-class: Fresh fruit/vegetables lychee (Litchi chinensis) from Taiwan [PDF, 598 KB]
Draft IHS 152.02: Importation and clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables into New Zealand [PDF, 7 MB]
Next steps
After we have considered all submissions there is a 10-day period which provides submitters with the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from consultation. An independent review (under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993) may be requested in this period if a submitter considers scientific evidence they raised during their submission has not received sufficient consideration. If there is no review, the IHS becomes final after 10 days.
Find out more about the process on import health standards:
Submissions are public information
Any submission you make becomes public information. Anyone can ask for copies of all submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the information available, unless we have a good reason for withholding it. You can find those grounds in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include, it's commercially sensitive or it's personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require the information be released.
Legal background
MPI must consult with interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and MPI's consultation policy before issuing or amending (other than of minor or urgent nature) import health standards (IHS) under sections 24A and 24B of the Act.
An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.
