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Proposed changes to the import health standard for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing

Update – 22 August 2023

Final IHS released

Following the consultation that closed on 31 July 2023, MPI has published the final IHS.

Grains and Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing – Import Health Standard [PDF, 800 KB]

Consultation background

From 16 June 2023 to 31 July 2023 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sought comments on proposed changes to the import health standard (IHS) for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing.

The proposed changes to the IHS were: 

  1. removal of Liposcelis entomophila (Liposcelis entomophilus) from the pest list for Zea mays
  2. removal of Dinoderus minutus from the pest list for Zea mays
  3. removal of Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) from the pest list for Phaseolus.

Consultation documents

Risk Management Proposal: Amendment to the import health standard Grain and Seeds for Consumption, Feed, or Processing [PDF, 858 KB]

Import Health Standard: Grain and Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing [PDF, 800 KB]

Related document

WTO Notification: NZ 724 - SPS Notification [PDF, 108 KB]

Find out more

Importing stored plant products (grains, seeds, and nuts)

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.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MPI business units