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

Update – 11 March 2024

Final IHS released

Following the consultation that closed on 19 January 2024, we've released the amended import health standard.

Import Health Standard: Grain and Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing [PDF, 787 KB]

Consultation background

From 20 November 2023 to 19 January 2024 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invited comment on proposed changes to the import health standard for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing.

The proposed change to the import health standard is removing phytosanitary measures for 3 fungal pathogens for the importation of hulled hemp seeds. Our assessment has concluded that these pathogens are not associated with hulled hemp seeds and are therefore not a risk on the pathway.

Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation document.

Consultation document

Risk Management Proposal [PDF, 193 KB]

Related document

NZL 764 – SPS Notification – Amendments to the import health standard: Grain and Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing [PDF, 105 KB]

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

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